ALL-NEW KIA RIO LAUNCHED IN OMAN

At a specially organised press launch, the all-new Kia Rio was formally unveiled in Oman. The occasion was graced by the presence of Tae Hyeon Yoon (DGM, Regional Head Quarters KMC, Dubai), Saud Mohamed Bahwan and many high-ranking press officials.

The all-new Kia Rio has been hailed in many circles as a new masterpiece from Kia. Expanding on the new Rio, Yoon, in his keynote address, said, “The all-new Rio is designed to appeal to the young, youthful people of Oman. Its peppy drive, zestful handling and head-turning looks have instant appeal. It’s a dream car that inspires you to ‘ Find Your Groove’. It oozes a charm that deepens when one gets behind the wheel. More than a city car. It’s an everyday travel companion... it’s the All New Rio.”

Yoon pointed out Kia’s all-round success by saying, “The most wellknown factor behind our recent success has been the complete transformation of the Design of our vehicles. Led by German Chief Design Officer Peter Schreyer, we have been the auto industry’s biggest winner of influential design awards since 2009. Please note that these designs of Kia are not just about skin-deep, but also the product quality as well. The quality of our entire product line-up is rapidly improving.”

“In fact, as per Initial Quality Study by JD Power (USA), Kia has been ranked highest in 2017 — for two years in a row thereby beating all luxury & mass brands in US. Based on 77,419 total responses in US Initial Quality Study, US, evaluating 189 models and measuring the options of new 2017 vehicle owners after 90 days of ownership, Kia vehicles are ranked highest in quality in their segment. The brand value of Kia Motors has also grown significantly and we have cemented our position in Interbrand’s 100 Best Global Brands,” he added.

Yoon also showered praises on Kia Oman Distributor, “Our distributor Reliable International Automotive, has made investments to ensure a worldclass experience for Kia customers in Oman. An unmatched support of sales & service centres and easily accessible parts outlets ensure absolute customer satisfaction.”

Highlighting the leadership of the Chairman, he said, “I would also like to thank our partners in Oman, Reliable International Automotive, which under the able guidance of its Chairman Shaikh Mohammed Saud Bahwan is doing an incredible job of taking brand Kia to greater recognition.”

During the press meet, a representative of Reliable International Automotive (RIA) gave the finer details on new Rio.

With a breathtakingly distinct design, innovative technologies & advanced features, the new Rio enhances the comfort & active lifestyle of its users. With its eye-catching design and impressive roster of features, the all-new 2018 Rio sedan and 5-door are the latest additions to the world-class Kia model line-up — an exciting combination of impressive fuel efficiency, innovative technology & advanced safety features

The new Kia Rio is powered by a choice of lightweight naturallyaspirated 1.6-litre and 1.4-litre MPI (multi-point injection) gasoline engines. The DOHC 16-valve D-CVVT (dual continuously variable valve timing) 1.6-litre engine drives the front wheels and produces up to 123 ps at 6,300 rpm and 151 Nm maximum torque at 4,850 rpm.

Changes to the exterior further enhance interior refinement, with the fourth-generation Rio adopting new front wheel air deflectors, a full under-body cover and vertical ‘blades’ extending downwards from the trunk spoiler, each serving to reduce wind noise and aerodynamics. The Rio’s cabin offers more storage space than before.

The new Rio is one of the safest cars in its class, constructed on highstrength steel body and engineered to meet the most demanding crash safety test criteria around the world. The body shell of the new Rio is made up of a significant proportion of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) — about 51 per cent.

As well as being incredibly safe to drive, the new Rio builds on the level of driver engagement offered by the third-generation model. Kia’s chassis development teams have sought to introduce greater driving appeal, with more agile handling and enhanced steering response.

A new front suspension system features more rigid struts and cross member, resulting in more direct, assured steering for more immediate handling responses.

The new Rio is available with an optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), as well as Kia’s Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). VSM ensures stability under braking and cornering, detecting a loss in traction and using ESC to help the driver keep the car on course.

Now the all-new Rio is available with an exciting Shukran Oman promotion offer and the spokesperson also adds, “With the introduction of 1.6L Rio sedan we are offering Fleet solutions to the companies by providing more grades & a choice of 2 engines ie, 1.4L & 1.6L.”

Please visit Kia showroom at the earliest! Features may vary depending upon the variant chosen.