Kia Rio X-Line
We get behind the wheel of the Kia cross hatch
Ever since KIA made its presence felt in India, the company been titillating prospective customers and enthusiasts with an exciting line-up. We ventured off to Russia to check out one such surprise package
The first product from KIA Motors in India is going to be the Concept SP SUV which we saw at the last Auto Expo. The production version of the same is expected to be launched in India next year. This, however didn’t stop us from getting a taste of all things KIA. After driving an MPV called the Carnival from KIA’s stables, we got an opportunity to get behind the wheel of the Rio X-Line that was recently launched in Russia. So what’s the Rio X-Line all about you ask? Read on for answers.
The Rio X-Line is based on the same platform which underpins the Hyundai i20 here in India. But there is a difference. The Rio X-Line is 4,240mm long, 1,750mm wide and is 1,510mm high. This means that it is larger than not just the Hyundai but also its own sibling the Rio hatchback. The wheelbase too is larger.
As far as the looks go, the Rio X-line comes in a crossover theme. Hence it gets the mandatory plastic cladding all around and even scuff plates which give it a beefy look. Up front the sweeping headlamps give the crossover a cool look and the front bumpers house the now mandatory LED daytime running lights. The ‘Tiger Nose’ grille is also present and it gets chrome treatment which is something we cannot get enough of. Adding to the overall stance is the ground clearance which at 170mm is substantial. The design treatment at the back is also rather unique. While the tail lights feature LED technology, we loved the way the panel is joined by what seems to be one single panel. Overall we can safely conclude that it is a large hatch with plenty of potential.
But before that, the inside story is all too different. The X-Line comes with a unique dash which gets an integrated 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system that’s ready for audio, navigation and Bluetooth telephony. We also like the instrument panel which is substantially loaded with information. The steering wheel has controls for audio and is comfortable to grip. There are plenty of features to talk about like reverse parking sensors, a plethora of 12V charging sockets and ventilated front seat. The Rio X-Line also gets a full fledged climate control system and we love the toggle button treatment on the control panel. Unfortunately the Rio X-Line does not get rear AC vents which in a country like India would’ve been perfect.
Space is aplenty and this is also the case in the rear. Specially, the boot looks spacious and according to KIA, it can take in 390 litres of cargo. The rear seats can also be folded to increase this cargo space. On the safety front, the X-Line gets dual airbags, ABS, ESC, hill start assist, and even an emergency button to alert first responders in case of an accident, as a standard feature. Overall fit and finish is of good quality and panel gaps within the various dash elements are next to nil. This goes to show how well built the Rio X-Line is. We would also like to mention here that this particular Russian model is offered with additional anti-rust treatment to its underbody and this is something which we think, should be offered to the Indian market as well.
Under the bonnet resides a 1.6-litre, four cylinder petrol engine which churns out a solid 123bhp. Come to think of it, this kind of power rating is generally seen in what we refer to as hot hatchs. This is the same motor which Hyundai uses in the Verna sedan and hence it is a proper
power house.
As for the driving positions, the X-Line offers a rather comfortable one and the view up ahead is clear. The multiple seat adjustability options make the drive even more comfortable for both the driver and passenger as well. The motor feels smooth and on the Russian motorways, the car sits steady at high speeds without much fuss. The gearbox though is not quick enough to keep up with the powerful engine and once we bury the accelerator pedal, the X-Line takes a while before the speedometer starts climbing. But keep things
THE X-LINE IS ENDOWED WITH AMPLE GROUND CLEARANCE WHICH MEANS THAT IT WILL TAKE ON THE INDIAN ROADS WITH CONSIDERABLE EASE
calm and the X-line will be a pleasure to drive. This is especially the case in stop-and-go traffic.
We are also pleased to note that the X-Line is endowed with ample ground clearance which means that small speed bumps and pavements are not going to bother the driver. This comes as a great feature to have especially considering Indian road conditions. The ride quality too is excellent and the system absorbs bumps with ease. Passengers both up front and back will remain comfortable in most conditions. The steering feels artificially weighed in and could do with some more feedback.