Kia Rio X-Line

Kia Rio X-Line is a “SUV” hatchback of the front-drive type, which was created “specially for the Russian market”. The novelty debuted on October 10, 2017. The new Korean model received a bright appearance, thoughtful interior. There is a choice of 2 gasoline engines, as well as 2 variants of the gearbox. The whole model range is Kia.

Car history

Already many people know that the Russian market has become more loyal to look in the direction of crossovers, as they become more widespread every day. It would be desirable to notice that far not the last role in this respect is played by “quality” of our road covering. But it is not easy for a newly baked motorist to cope with the bison of the market. Besides, the cost of such vehicles is obviously not for everyone.

The niche of compact hatchbacks in our country is also crowded, so it has fierce competition. But the segment of off-road variants of hatchback is not yet so promoted, so the Korean company has decided that there may not be a second such successful moment. As a result, the Koreans decided to design a kind of symbiosis between hatchback and parquet flooring. Or, as some say now, a mini-crossover.

The machine has been equipped with increased ground clearance, sill overlays, increased wheel arches and voiles, and is no longer Sedan in front of us. But in reality, popular cars, such as Audi A4 Allroad and Volkswagen Passat Alltrack, are too expensive to occupy a section of mass vehicles. Only the Lada Vesta Cross and Dongfeng H30 Cross are available.

It turns out that the path of the new car will not be so thorny, and the probability of success is much higher! It would not be superfluous to add here the assurances of the representatives of the Korean company, who emphasized that the new model Kia Rio X-Line 2018 was designed and created with regard to the wishes of Russian drivers.

In addition, the specialists took into account the peculiarities of the operating conditions of the machine in Russia. However, in reality, the machine has a Chinese “twin brother”, who entered the market a little earlier – Kia KX Cross. But we will talk about the “Russian” version of this car. How did it turn out? Let’s deal with it.

Exterior

The main difference between the new model and the previous one is the increased ground clearance. In addition, the body received a more aggressive design. Of course, the price of the Kia Rio X Line is also different, but there is a price to pay for the improvements. According to the photo of Kia Rio X-Line you can see a massive windshield, which gives the driver a good view.

Korean specialists have placed a stylish hood just below. Its side elements are slightly protruding. Underneath these protrusions are head optic strips, which are filled with high-quality halogen lighting. The headlamps are connected to each other by a thin grille. The grille itself is equipped with a fine grid, and outside is decorated with a chrome strip.

The Kia Rio X-Line 2019 front mask looks very aggressive. It has a huge air intake, which fits in the center. In addition, the “crossover hatchback” has two recesses on the sides of the triangular shape, which improves the cooling quality of the braking system. These triangular recesses also have thin fogging lines. The most extreme part of the cover is covered with a protective plastic layer and a metal insert, which prevents damage to the underride space.

The appearance of the new Kia Rio X-Line turned out to be catchy, dynamic and even a little sporty. The designers managed to correctly and beautifully highlight the new car from the standard version.

Rather stylish appearance was given by the developers of the profile part of the car. Almost at once it is possible to understand that Kia Rio X-Line has increased the size of “skating rinks”. This was done to increase the cross-country ability of the hatchback from Korea. Also the side part of Kia Rio X-Line has huge windows with frames, chrome door handles, small external mirrors with turntables. A small amount of wavy relief as well as a plastic protective layer improve the overall picture.

The height of the road clearance was rather modest 170 millimeters. However, since the beginning of 2019, the Korean specialists, chasing the main rivals, decided to install new springs on their cars Kia Rio X-Line 2019, which allowed to increase its clearance. The top-of-the-line Premium design has 195 millimeters. If previously there were 15-inch wheels, since 2019 cross-hatchback has received 16-inch “rollers”.

Aggressive elements from the side were slightly transferred to the stern. The upper part is equipped with a small window above which a wide canopy is installed, slightly inclined downwards. In the center there are “evil” parking lights and stepped relief.

At the extreme end of the bumper, a Korean company specialist decided to install a plastic-metal diffuser, which has “fogging” stripes, as well as dual exhaust. The curb weight of the Korean novelty is from 1 155 to 1 269 kilograms, and the total weight is from 1 570 to 1 620 kilograms (depending on what modification). Painted from the factory Korean machine in the following colors:

• Orange;
• Siena Brown;
• Grey;
• White (Crystal White);
• Fiery Red;
• Ice Wine;
• Marina Blue;
• Black;
• Silver.

Interior

Given the cost of a Korean car, the interior is well made. Although the materials are not the most expensive, the quality is good. The new version of Kia Rio X-Line 2019 received soft plastic, high-quality fabric and good metals. In general, the interior turned out to be insanely stylish. Torpedo machine has a rather concise appearance. There are no unnecessary details here.

The engineers decided to place a large entertainment system screen in the center of the car, supporting a variety of control systems from a smartphone. A little higher are compact deflectors of the ventilation system, rectangular shape. At the edges there are a small number of buttons, and at the bottom there are washers to regulate the climate system, air conditioner and heater. In addition, there are sockets for connecting a smartphone flash drive and other accessories.

The tunnel itself is simple, but stylish. It has a selector transmission, a panel with a small number of buttons, compartments for things, two cup holders. The whole image is completed with a comfortable armrest, which is placed at a convenient height for both the driver and the passenger. The steering wheel has migrated from other Kia vehicles. It is equipped with small dimensions and a chic view, which are achieved with three thin spokes and a round middle.

Thanks to the many keys and switches on the wheel, the driver’s safety is enhanced by the fact that he is not distracted from the car’s control when controlling the multimedia system and options. The dashboard is almost intact. It has the usual round analogue sensors. The central part of the board has been taken away for a modest display of the “onboard computer”, notifying of various car malfunctions.
It’s nice that the rear seats also have a heating system, which is very useful given our harsh winters.

As for the seats, they all have a high level of comfort. They are finished with good fabrics or good artificial leather. In addition, the materials are soft enough. The front seats have received pleasant lateral support, which prevents the person from feeling insecure during cornering. There is also a heating system and either mechanical or electrical position adjustment. The rear seats are ideal for 2 passengers, although they are designed for 3 passengers.

The protruding floor tunnel slightly hinders the central passenger. The rear row is spacious enough, and in terms of comfort they are almost as good as the front seats. To increase the comfort of the rear passengers, engineers have equipped them with separate air ducts located in the armrest. The luggage space is 390 litres. The rear sofa can be decomposed in 2 unequal parts in the proportion of 60/40, but one should not expect a completely flat cargo area. As a result of this transformation, the volume can be increased to 1,075 litres of usable space. The underground niche has a full-size spare wheel.

Specifications

Mower unit

The all-terrain hatchback works with two four-cylinder in-line gasoline engines, which have a distributed power supply system, a 16-valve gas distribution mechanism (type DOHC), as well as variable gas distribution phases. The base engine is the atmospheric 1.4-liter G4LC engine of the “Kappa” family, which develops 100 horsepower (132 Nm). The new power plant now has two phase shifters, a variable geometry manifold and a chain-type gas distribution mechanism. The basic engine with mechanical gearbox is accelerated to a speed mark of 100 km/h in 12.6 seconds. And with an automatic box, this time increases to 13.4 seconds.

The maximum speed “on the mechanics” is 176, and with the “automatic” 174 kilometers per hour. In a city mode the given engine “eats” 7.4 litres, on a line 5.0, and in the mixed cycle of 5.9 litres of gasoline for each 100 kilometers with a mechanical gearbox.

More advanced equipment was received by the 1.6-liter G4FG engine of the “Gamma” division, which develops 123 horsepower (151 Nm.). This version is already familiar to us, but it was slightly improved. The company’s specialists were able to replace the camshaft and piston, and the inlet system was equipped with variable geometry. At the outlet, phase shifters were installed.

This motor with manual gearbox is accelerated to the first hundred in 10.7 seconds, and with automatic transmission in 11.6 seconds. Maximum speed “on the mechanics” is 184 kilometers per hour, and the version with “automatic” – 183 km/h. In urban mode, this engine with ICPC consumes 8.7, on the highway 5.4, and in mixed mode 6.6. It is clear that the engine with automatic transmission has a slightly higher consumption, namely: 8.9 l in the city, 5.6 on the highway and 6.8 in the combined cycle.

Transmission

Korean specialists decided to use a 6-speed mechanical engine in basic versions for their engines. As a separate option, a 6-range automatic transmission is provided. All torque is transmitted only to the front wheels. This is one of the reasons why it is not possible to consider a real crossover in full measure. But the automatic transmission was equipped with an upgraded hydraulic transformer, which received four clutch discs.

Carriage

As the basis for the new cross-hatchback they decided to use a front-drive platform, borrowed from the triple-hauler of the 4th family. It is designed to use high strength steel (over 50 percent). Kia Rio X-Line’s specifications are quite interesting. The front wheels are equipped with an independent suspension type McPherson. The rear wheels have a semi-independent architecture, where there is a torsion beam.

Front and rear suspension is also equipped with stabilizers and hydraulic shock absorbers. By default, the new Kia Rio X-Line has a steering unit with an electric power steering. The Kia Rio X-Line 2019 brake system features ventilated disc brakes at the front and rear drum mechanisms. All this is complemented by electronic assistants ABS and EBD. More expensive equipment is already available with disc brakes on all 4 wheels.

Safety

Kia Rio X-Line has all the necessary devices to ensure the highest possible level of safety while driving. Koreans have installed in their cross-hatchback:

• ABS module to help solve locking problems during braking;
• ESC system that supports exchange rate stability;
• The system of integration of active management VSM;
• HAC device that provides help when you start driving;
• ESS module that signals the activation of emergency braking;
• Control of braking during CBC;
• Tire pressure sensor;
• Forward disc brakes;
• ERA-GLONASS emergency system;
• Forward and side airbags.

The security level of Kia Rio X-Line is higher than in the “standard” version of Rio, as the percentage of high-strength steel in its body was increased from 13 to 50 percent, 8% of which is hot stamping steel. The popular Kia model had never had it before. Steel in the new car is produced in Korea and Russia (about 12%). Supplied by NLMK and Severstal. In general, the degree of localization of the model is modest – only 47%. More expensive Kia Rio X-Line 2019 equipment was added:

• The fifth headrest for a centrally located passenger in the back row;
• Rear camera;
• Rear parktronic;
• Light sensor;
• Fog lights;
• LED-way and rear position lights;
• Rear disc brakes;
• Side airbags and curtains.

Complections and prices

Several Kia Rio X-Line kits are available for the Russian market, namely 4: Comfort, Lux, Prestige AV and Premium. It is worth noting that the basic equipment of Rio X-Line CIJ will have to pay from 774,900 rubles. This version is equipped with:

• Outside mirrors with electrical adjustment and heating function;
• Railings;
• Full 15-inch spare wheel and 15-inch steel “rollers”;
• Double exhaust system;
• Forward airbags;
• Anti-blocking system, active management technology and exchange rate stability
• Assistant at the start of the slide;
• Information and Emergency Slowdown System;
• Tire pressure sensors;
• Disc brakes on the front wheels;
• Technology ERA-GLONASS;
• Safety belts with three-point fixation and pretensioner system;
• High capacity battery;
• The luggage compartment curtain;
• Swivel castor adjustable by departure;
• Conditioner;
• Electric windows on all doors;
• Electric power steering;
• Music system with 4 speakers;
• Multifunctional steering wheel;
• Central lock with remote control
• Height-adjustable driver’s seat.

A Korean luxury and Prestige AV car can be purchased from RUB 824,900 and RUB 964,900 respectively. In addition to the options mentioned above, this version has received:

• Daytime running lights with LED filling;
• “Foggers”;
• Control system.

If you say “Prestige AV,” she’ll get:

• Multimedia system designed for 6 speakers and 7-inch monitor;
• Supervision instrument panel;
• Side airbags and curtains;
• Rear disc brakes;
• Front armrest;
• Turn illumination;
• 16 inch light alloy rollers;
• Projection type head optics;
• Rear parktronic;
• Light sensors;
• Rear camera.

The new Kia Rio X-Line Premium will start with 1,024,000 rubles. Having bought such a version, the car will be equipped:

• 16-inch light alloy rollers;
• LED rear optics;
• Eco leather seats
• The “Smart Key” keyless access;
• Motor start with button;

Multimedia complex with branded navigation system, which supports the function of informing about traffic jams and fixing points of violations. Our car enthusiasts will be glad to know that for our country the car will receive mudguards on all wheels, air ducts for passengers sitting behind, additional anti-corrosion treatment of the bottom and the body, as well as a tank of washing-up liquid of increased capacity.

Tuning

The majority of motorists strive to somehow distinguish their vehicle from the general stream, as if externally or technically. Also, the owners of Kia Rio X-Line want to increase their comfort and convenience in the cabin. Since the hatchback-crossover of the Korean assembly was released not so long ago, rarely anyone dares to do external modifications. Why? This can ruin the overall appearance of the Korean.

KIA company positions its model as an off-road hatchback, so many owners set the thresholds of metal pipes, front and rear bumper protection, top sheet of radiator grille and bottom sheet. Travelers or connoisseurs of summer cottages may need a towbar. It will not be superfluous to install deflectors on the windows, overlays on the sills, mats in the cabin and luggage compartment.

Tuning of the Kia Rio X-Line salon may also involve the purchase of pedal pads, seat covers and so on. If you have a very strong desire to stand out from the crowd, you can make a 3D-aerography by adding the original drawing. To increase the power of the Kia Rio X-Line engine, you can make chip tuning, which ideally reduces fuel consumption, improves response and increases the performance of your vehicle. However, there are also real side effects, so it is better to consult with specialists first.

Comparison with competitors

Taking into account the pricing policy of the Korean company, apart from Kia Rio X-Line, it is possible to pay attention to the competitors of the “off-road crossover”. Kia Rio X-Line’s list of competitors includes Renault Duster, Lada X-Ray, Nissan Juke, Lada Vesta SV Cross, Hyundai Creta and Renault Sandero. If we compare the “Korean” with Vesta, the second option should be preferred, as its main plus is the cost.

However, top-end KIA equipment is much better and has higher characteristics. To other advantages of the domestic car it is possible to carry the increased luggage compartment and more massive wheel disks. If we compare also the Korean version of Hyundai Crete, the latter has improved cross-country ability, as well as a more powerful 1.6-liter power plant.

But, judging by the experience of the owners of these vehicles, the characteristics of H-Line are quite sufficient for urban conditions. In addition, again, on the side of KIA lower cost, which may be a decisive argument in favor of the choice of “X-Line”.

Owner Reviews

Studying the information about the feedback from the owners of Kia Rio X-Line, it becomes clear that the car turned out to be successful, practical. Owners note the high ground clearance, improved suspension for Russian roads, as pits and potholes the car swallows almost imperceptibly. The climate control system warms up the internal space of the Kia Rio X-Line 2019 hatchback-crossover quickly.

With the help of the standard audio system, you get a pretty decent sound. The heated steering wheel, front seats and wiper areas are all good. Reviews of the real owners of Kia Rio X-Line say about a good fit, low fuel consumption and a pleasant, stylish appearance. Convenience of the interior is above all praise, and the power plant is quite priemisty.

Also pleased with the volume of luggage compartment – 4 wheels fit perfectly. Separately, it is necessary to thank engineers of KIA company for the installed full-size spare wheel.
However, the car is not devoid of shortcomings, which were identified by the owners of the Korean car. In particular, feedback from the owners of KIA Rio X-Line indicates the vibration at idling speed, lack of noise isolation, a small amount of glove box.
The luggage compartment didn’t get any outlets. The quality of headlights, mainly in the countryside on the highway, also suffers. Hatchback has got poor handling on the track in the side wind and when meeting the trucks. It happens that the music system begins to live its own life.

Also by responses of updated Kia Rio X-Line it is possible to understand that sometimes the “board computer” functions incorrectly. When you drive alone, the suspension is very rigid. 1.6-liter engine consumes a lot of gasoline. On the highway 5.5-7.5, everything depends on how much pressure on the accelerator pedal, and in the city this figure increases to 12-13 liters of gasoline with climate control in summer.

Pros and cons

Summing up

It is clearly evident that the Korean car company KIA strives to increase sales not only in the world, but also specifically in Russia. The updated Kia Rio X-Line 2019 model should help it to do this. The car has a pleasant appearance, solid ground clearance, ergonomic interior, high-quality assembly and a large luggage compartment.

It is nice that the car is not devoid of a high level of safety and various electronic systems that help the driver to control the updated Kia Rio X-Line 2019. However, the soundproofing of the 1.6-litre engine suffers, consuming a lot of fuel in the city cycle, without any noticeable dynamics. Of course, this can be attributed to a fairly small price tag, for which this model can be forgiven.

As a result, Rio X-Line is equipped with off-road performance and hatchback comfort. With the help of good engines, 6-speed gearboxes, more or less soft suspension, good basic equipment and other factors, the car won the love and respect of car owners. Kia Rio X-Line 2019 is a great replacement for a sedan, especially for those who like to travel.

We advise you to read the article: Kia Motors History

Kia Rio X-Line photo

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