My name is Julian McDougall and I am one of the friendly Sales Staff here at Toowong KIA and I recently bought a KIA Rio S.
I thought I would write a blog on the Kia Rio of which I was so impressed, and which I enjoyed driving and showing to my customers so much that I chose to buy one myself.
My Rio is the entry level S model with a 1.4L engine. It has a 6-speed manual transmission although it is also available with a 4-speed Automatic. I also opted to pay extra for the 17” Alloy wheels which come as standard on the SLi and SLS models as I think they look so good.
All levels come standard with Anti-lock Braking (ABS), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle stability management (VSM), Hill-start assist control (HAC), 5 Star ANCAP Rating with 6 SRS Airbags, MP3 compatible CD Player with AM/FM tuner, AUX/ USB input with iPod compatibility and Bluetooth connectivity.
In addition the Rio is also available in the Si, SLi and SLS models with a variety of specification/ equipment levels. These include a 1.6L engine and they all come with a 6-speed Manual or 6-speed Automatic transmission.
(KIA Rio SLi in Signal Red)
In addition to the larger engine and the 6-speed Automatic the highest specification level SLS comes as a 3 door model which is mechanically identical to the 5 door and which has longer doors giving a more sporting appearance appealing to younger or younger at heart customers.
The SLS also includes Leather trim seats, Smart key with push button start, Remote central locking with keyless entry and boot release, Climate Control air conditioning including clean air module and auto defog system, LED Daytime running lights, LED rear combination lamps, Rain sensing wipers and 17” Alloy wheels including a full size spare with the same alloy wheel.
Importantly the new Rio was awarded Carsguide 2011 Car of the Year, winning over all other eligible vehicles including the likes of the Range Rover Evoque.
I thoroughly enjoy getting into my Rio S every day and importantly to me so does my teenage son.
I would totally recommend the Rio to all potential customers from young first car customers, young/ young at heart customers looking for premium features in a smaller car to parents and even empty nesters looking for a great looking, reliable, feature loaded and efficient smaller vehicle.
