Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Rio |
| Generation | Rio IV Hatchback (YB) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 T-GDI (120 Hp) |
| Start of production | February, 2017 |
| End of production | July, 2020 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions | 107 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 10.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed | 190 km/h (118.06 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6 b |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 9.7 kg/Hp, 103.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 6.7 kg/Nm, 148.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 120 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Power per litre | 120.2 Hp/l |
| Torque | 172 Nm @ 1500-4000 rpm (126.86 lb.-ft. @ 1500-4000 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | Kappa II / G3LC |
| Engine displacement | 998 cm3 (60.9 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 10:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration | Turbocharger, Intercooler |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.6 l (3.8 US qt | 3.17 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.5 l (5.81 US qt | 4.84 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 1160 kg (2557.36 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1620 kg (3571.49 lbs.) |
| Max load | 460 kg (1014.13 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 325 l (11.48 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 980 l (34.61 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 45 l (11.89 US gal | 9.9 UK gal) |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%) | 1110 kg (2447.13 lbs.) |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes | 450 kg (992.08 lbs.) |
| Length | 4065 mm (160.04 in.) |
| Width | 1725 mm (67.91 in.) |
| Height | 1450 mm (57.09 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2580 mm (101.57 in.) |
| Front track | 1518 mm (59.76 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1524 mm (60 in.) |
| Front overhang | 830 mm (32.68 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 655 mm (25.79 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 135 mm (5.31 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 10.2 m (33.46 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 6 gears, manual transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent, type McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring, Elastic beam |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Drum |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15; 195/55 R16; 205/45 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 15; 16; 17 |
The Kia Rio IV Hatchback (YB) 1.0 T-GDI, produced from February 2017 to July 2020, represents a significant step forward for Kia’s subcompact offering in the European and global markets. Positioned as a fuel-efficient and technologically modern option, this variant utilized a downsized, turbocharged engine paired with a six-speed manual transmission. It aimed to appeal to buyers seeking a practical and economical city car with a touch of contemporary styling. The YB Rio was a crucial model for Kia, contributing to the brand’s growing reputation for value and quality. This specific 1.0 T-GDI trim occupied a mid-range position within the Rio IV lineup, offering a balance between affordability and features, slotting above the base 1.25L engine and below the higher-specification trims.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Rio variant is the Kappa II 1.0 T-GDI engine, designated G3LC. This is a three-cylinder, inline engine featuring direct fuel injection and a single turbocharger with an intercooler. The engine’s compact size and lightweight construction contribute to the car’s overall efficiency. The direct injection system allows for precise fuel delivery, optimizing combustion and reducing emissions. The turbocharger provides a boost in power, compensating for the small displacement. The six-speed manual transmission was the standard offering, providing drivers with full control over gear selection. The transmission’s gear ratios were tuned for a balance of fuel economy and responsiveness, with a relatively long final drive to aid in highway cruising.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.0 T-GDI Rio offers a surprisingly lively driving experience for a subcompact car. While not exceptionally quick, the turbocharger provides a noticeable surge of power in the mid-range, making overtaking and merging onto highways manageable. The six-speed manual transmission allows drivers to keep the engine in its optimal power band. Compared to the base 1.25L engine, the 1.0 T-GDI offers significantly more performance. However, it doesn’t match the responsiveness of larger-engined rivals. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to maneuver in urban environments. The suspension is tuned for comfort, absorbing bumps and imperfections in the road reasonably well, though it can feel a bit soft during more spirited driving.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.0 T-GDI Rio typically came equipped with a decent level of standard features. These included air conditioning, power windows, central locking, a touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth connectivity, and basic safety features like ABS and airbags. Higher trim levels added features such as alloy wheels, a rear-view camera, cruise control, and a more advanced infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with options for upgraded materials on higher trims. The dashboard layout was modern and functional, with a focus on ease of use.
Chassis & Braking
The Rio IV utilizes a front-wheel-drive platform with a McPherson strut suspension setup at the front and a semi-independent torsion beam suspension at the rear. This configuration provides a good balance of ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are ventilated discs, providing adequate stopping power, while the rear brakes are drums, a cost-saving measure common in this segment. ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard, enhancing safety during emergency braking situations. The chassis is relatively lightweight, contributing to the car’s agility and fuel efficiency.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Rio 1.0 T-GDI was generally well-received by automotive critics. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, stylish design, and generous equipment levels. However, some reviewers noted that the engine could feel a bit strained when fully loaded or driving uphill. Compared to rivals like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo, the Rio offered a compelling value proposition, often undercutting them in price while offering similar or better features. The 1.0 T-GDI offered better fuel economy than the larger-engined versions of the Rio, but at the expense of some performance. Reliability reports have been generally positive, with few major issues reported.
Legacy
The Kia Rio IV 1.0 T-GDI has proven to be a reliable and economical choice in the used car market. The Kappa II engine, while small, has demonstrated good durability when properly maintained. The availability of spare parts is good, and maintenance costs are relatively low. The Rio’s modern features and stylish design continue to appeal to buyers looking for an affordable and practical city car. This variant helped solidify Kia’s position as a major player in the subcompact segment, demonstrating the brand’s ability to deliver well-rounded and value-packed vehicles.
