January 2013
Kia Introduces 3-Door Rio Sport
Kia is introducing a 3-door Sport model to spice up its Rio small car range in New Zealand, but you will have to be
quick if you want to own one.
That’s because the Rio Sport will be available in very limited numbers as a one-off shipment of 50 vehicles, according
to Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand.
“The Kia Rio Sport is a version that we have developed especially for our market, based on the 3-door model available in
Europe and we wanted to create something with a bit more exclusivity – hence the reason there is only 50,” says Mr
McDonald.
The low roofline of the Rio emphasises the sporting stance of the Rio even further in the 3-door body style. Those
sporting looks are enhanced in the Rio Sport by larger 17-inch alloys wheels, shod with wider and lower profile tyres
(205 x 45), front daytime LED running lights, smart cornering lamps and front fog lights. Another sporting fixture is
the smart proximity key that allows the driver to start the engine with the simple push of a button. Alloy pedals round
off the interior sports package.
Equipment-wise, the Rio Sport sits above the current top-of-the-range 5-door Rio EX auto and boasts a very comprehensive
specification level, including climate air control, reversing sensors, rain-sensing wipers, trip computer, tilt and
telescopic steering, leather gear knob and steering wheel that incorporates audio controls and cruise control.
Furthermore, the iPod-compatible and Bluetooth audio system in the Sport delivers better sound performance with six
speakers.
There’s plenty of passenger room, as the 3-door body has the same dimensions as the 5-door Rio hatchback with a length
of 4045mm, width of 1720mm, height of 1455mm and wheelbase of 2570mm, making it among the largest in its class. The rear
hatch opens to a 288-litre luggage space, which can be extended to a voluminous 923 litres by folding the 60/40 rear
seat backs.
Kia Motors New Zealand has retained the same peppy 1.4-litre CVVT petrol engine from the 5-door Rio models for the
combination of good performance and fuel economy (6.4L/100km auto, 5.7L/100km manual). Available in either 6-speed
manual or 4-speed sequential shift automatic transmission, the Rio Sport features the new generation suspension system
that has firmer settings for improved handling and road holding incorporating the Electronic Stability Programme (ESP).
Built to the toughest safety standards in the world, the Rio Sport has the maximum 5-star safety rating in both ANCAP
and EURO NCAP.
Pricing for the 3-door Kia Rio Sport is $25,790 + ORC.
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Photo caption: Kia has released a limited 3-door Rio Sport model in New Zealand.
ENDS