Thursday, 08 November 2012 09:37
Rio 1.2 SLX: Kia kicks the entry-level 4-door Rio a notch higher
Words by Jose Carlo R. Sapera | Photos courtesy of Columbian Autocar Corporation
Early this year, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the official distributor of Kia automobiles in the Philippines, finally launched the all-new Rio. It was made available locally in three trims: the entry-level 1.2 LX sedan, 1.4 EX sedan, and the sexy 1.4 EX hatchback. Each variant was designed to cater to every buyer’s budget and preference. Well... almost.
For those on a tight budget who finds the LX too basic for their taste, CAC added a new variant to the Rio line-up just for you. Please take a close look at the new Rio 1.2 SLX four-door sedan (we like to think that the extra “S” stands for “Super”).
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Newly Launched
Thursday, 11 October 2012 09:28
COTY 2012 - 2013 Test Fest Day 2: The Korean conundrum
Words and photos by Christopher Kho
Blessed with good weather, the members of the Car Awards Group Inc. (CAGI) once again assembled at Eton Centris, Quezon City for yet another day in the search for the 2012 - 2013 Car of the Year Philippines (COTY-P). Last week's test proved that traffic around the designated test route stayed light throughout the day, which gave us the liberty to drive and enjoy each of the cars a bit longer, knowing that we wouldn't be wasting so much time in a standstill. So, with only six beautiful cars on the list, the second day of the Qualitative Testing was one worth enjoying.
Dominated by the Koreans, the day's list included lightweights from both Kia and Hyundai, plus one rather luxurious Scandinavian sedan from Volvo. Kia brought all three variants of their Rio: the 1.2 LX MT sedan, 1.4 EX AT sedan, and the 1.4 EX AT hatchback. Not to be outdone, Hyundai finally went public with their long-awaited Accent 1.6 GLS CRDi VGT hatchback. They also brought along the cute little EON 0.8 GLS that will go up against last week's Alto K10. Finally, Volvo spoiled us in absolute luxury with their new turbo-diesel-powered S60 D3.
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Car of the Year
Friday, 14 September 2012 08:44
Korean Pride | 2012 Kia Rio 1.2 LX MT Sedan
Words and photos by Niky Tamayo
The very first media test unit I ever drove was a Kia Rio back in 2006. It was a taxi-spec Kia Rio, in white. The only luxuries were air-conditioning, power-steering, and a radio. It had wind-up windows, hubcaps, and a price-tag not much higher than a Kia Picanto. Despite the low price, not many buyers bit. The spartan interior and lack of toys meant that it was more popular with taxi services than private buyers. And even then, taxi services often went for the 1.5 liter diesel Accent over the 1.4 liter gasoline Rio.
With the new-model roll-over, Kia reintroduces the taxi-spec Rio at the same sub-P600,000 price-point. It's still pretty basic. But it now comes with a 1.2 liter engine, shared with the Hyundai i10. Most people might see this as a disadvantage, but the expected savings in fuel could make it an even more attractive proposition for taxi-operators everywhere.
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Subcompact
Friday, 11 May 2012 08:35
That Old Familiar Feeling | 2012 Kia Rio EX 1.4L AT
Words by Leslie Sy | Photos by Christopher Kho
I don't know about you, but I love my old, well-worn shoes. They just feel proper on my feet - fitting just right, comfortable, and familiar. They’re something that you put on and walk straight out the front door with without giving it a thought. And this is exactly how I felt about my weekend with the all-new 2012 Kia Rio.
On paper, the all-new Rio is your typical subcompact sedan, with a 1.4L engine under the hood that produces 107 horsepower and mated to a 4-speed automatic transmission with semi-manual shift control. Safety features include three-point seat belts, driver-side airbag, ABS, childproof locks, and side impact beams. But the car is more than the sum of its parts on paper.
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Subcompact
Wednesday, 15 February 2012 10:52
Kia Motors inches up 3.3% globally last January
In January of 2012, Kia Motors Corporation managed to sell 185,284 units globally, which translates to a 3.3% year-on-year growth. The figures include export, domestic, and sales from its overseas plants with Europe, North America, and China as its largest markets.
Fresh from its launch, Kia's best-selling model is now the all-new Rio with 32,288 units sold, follwed by the Forte (also known as the Cerato) with 25,489 units and the Optima sedan's 15,459 units. CUV are also making their mark worldwide with sales of the Sportage and Sorento hitting 24,647 and 14,473 units respectively.
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Industry Update
Monday, 23 January 2012 18:54
Kia makes it official: all-new 2012 Kia Rio sedan and hatchback now in the Philippines
Words by Ferman Lao | Photos by Christopher Kho
Kia's signature "tiger nose" grill might be all the rage, but that ain't going to stop the Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the Korean marque's official distributor in the Philippines, from making waves in the Year of the Dragon when they formally launched the all-new 2012 Kia Rio in a festive Brazilian-themed party last week. At last, after previewing the 4-door and 5-door versions earlier this year, the Rio has finally made its arrival official.
Looking distinctly European (a market where Kia is particularly strong in), it's clear that the all-new Rio has no plans of giving quarter to its competitors. The interior also follows the same design theme with touches of the old world here and there. And for 2012, Kia's ambitious subcompact comes as either a hatchback or sedan in four different variants.
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Newly Launched
Tuesday, 10 January 2012 08:33
Next attraction: 2012 Kia Rio 1.4 5-door Hatchback (w/ video)
Photos courtesy of Kia Motors Corporation
Just before 2011 came to a close, we nosed around and confirmed rumors that the all-new 2012 Rio sedan had already landed in our local Kia dealerships. We also found out during our little excursion that its five-door brother will be arriving mid-January. But barely a week into the New Year, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the official distributor of Kia in the Philippines, has already leaked the official spec sheets to the all-new 2012 Rio hatchback in its microsite www.gogetreal.ph with some clever commercials to boot.
The five-door version was first drawn into the public's eye at the Auto Focus Motor Show in November of 2011, but CAC kept their lips sealed about the subcompact's specs and launch date, thus sparking a strong following amongst petrol heads for its arrival. But the wait is almost over, because according to our sources, the all-new Rio will mark its official launch on January 19, 2012 and break new ground in the Philippines' subcompact segment.
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Newly Launched
Tuesday, 03 January 2012 10:43
Kia's all-new 2012 4-door Rio quietly creeps into the Philippines
Words by Jose Carlo Roberto R. Sapera | Photos courtesy of Kia Motors Corporation
A few days before 2011 bowed down for the curtain call, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CAC), the official distributor of Kia in the Philippines, quietly stacked the all-new 2012 Rio sedan into their dealerships without any fanfare. So to substantiate the buzz, we ran to their nearest showroom to check it out.
Our visit confirmed the arrival of Kia's latest four-door subcompact, and at first glance, the Rio's latest incarnation has grown funkier than ever before.
As expected, the interior design is a big leap from the previous generation, but is toned down a bit (probably to keep the prices low). While other countries enjoy an integrated audio unit, the Philippine-spec Rio 1.4 EX gets a 1-DIN in-dash CD player with auxiliary and USB ports just like the Picanto. Thankfully though, the budget cuts didn't sway the retro 80's audio cassette-inspired air con controls that give this little car some character.
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Newly Launched
Friday, 04 March 2011 14:36
Kia gives Geneva a one-two punch with the new Rio and Picanto
Words by Christopher Kho | Photos courtesy of Kia Motors Corporation
Kia is making big waves at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show with two of its smallest cars. By unveiling the faces of the new Rio and its smaller sibling, the Picanto, Kia is redefining its style by giving it some attitude. And with both cars bearing the signature 'tiger nose' grill, the Korean automaker is ready to claw its way up the top of the compact and sub-compact car market.
The Rio Revolution
Do you remember what the old Rio looked like? Yeah, neither do we. It only made so much as a small dent in the local market, but the fourth-generation Rio is set to make a gigantic crater with its bold and distinct personality. Taking a European design approach, the Rio is currently only made available in five- and three-door trims. It is now 55 mm longer, 25 mm wider and 15 mm lower, making this a very sleek low-slug hatchback.
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Newly Launched
