Kia Rio Ethanol E85 Flexifuel

It seems that the launch of the Rio city car will mark the beginning of a new phase for Kia Motors. More structured and betting on economic stability, the brand should present several new products by the end of the year. With the forecast to sell 2,000 units by the end of 2020 in Brazil, Kia Rio Ethanol - despite the delay - arrives with its current design, a good dose of electronics (electronic stability and traction controls), connectivity (7-inch multimedia center), a 1.6-liter, flex, 130 hp engine (ethanol-fueled) and prices between R$ 69,990 (LX) and R$ 78,990 (EX). It has a warranty of five years or 100,000 kilometers. Kia Rio competes directly with Hyundai HB20, GM Onix, Fiat Argo, among others.

Designed at Kia Design studios in Europe and the United States in collaboration with the Namyang Design base in South Korea, Rio has a good combination of performance, technology, safety features and convenience with a fun-to-drive experience. "Its external design, trim quality and connectivity will surprise consumers, especially young people. It is a car produced to compete in the international market, that is, with superior finishing details," highlights José Luiz Gandini, president of Kia Motors do Brasil.

The interior of the Kia Rio is spacious and modern, with an instrument panel with analog clocks and a digital central on-board computer (which resembles VW cars). The model offers a generous list of features: it includes a 7" touchscreen multimedia system; smartphone connectivity, via Android Auto and Apple CarPlay; Bluetooth with voice recognition; and multifunction steering wheel with height adjustment, plus call controls and sound system.

Thanks to its good dimensions, the cabin of the new urban is among the most spacious in its class. The front seats have also been designed to provide maximum comfort, with a slimmer, more padded design to minimize driver fatigue during long journeys. In fact, the driver is in a very ergonomic position. On the EX version, comfort and convenience are enhanced with digital automatic air conditioning.

The new Kia compact is equipped with a six-speed automatic transmission and a 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine, flexible, 16V, with dual variable control (Dual CVVT), like the Hyundai HB20, which provides an efficient dynamic behavior. Fueled with ethanol, it develops up to 130 hp of power at 6,000 rpm and 16.5 kgm of torque at 4,500 rpm. With gasoline, it reaches up to 123 hp of power at 6,000 rpm and 16.0 kgm of torque at 4,700 rpm.

In terms of safety, both versions of the Kia Rio have a reversing camera with an auxiliary maneuvering graphic and a display in the multimedia system, progressive electric steering, front airbags, brakes with ABS / EBD, electronic stability controls (ESC) and traction (TCS), vehicle stability management system (VSM), tire pressure monitoring sensor (TPMS), cornering brake control (CBC), ramp start assist (HAC), throttle-by-wire (electronic) throttle actuation, automatic headlight illumination, drive immobilization system, Isofix system, automatic door release in case of collision and power windows, mirrors and locks.

It is certainly a great car with everything that a driver who does not require a large space may require, good, fast, agile, beautiful and with a very interesting price from a brand that has already earned a place in the middle part of the producers of vehicles. And considering that it runs on E85, ethanol, even more interesting.

• Power rating: 130 hp
• Fuel: Gasoline + E85
• Start-Stop system
• 1.6 Flex 16V
• 1598 cm3
• Warranty 2 years
• Length: 4.07 meters
• 5 seats
• Mixed fuel consumption WLTP Gasoline: 6.5 l/100 km
• Consumption: 6.5 l/100 km
• Mixed Fuel Consumption WLTP E85: 8 l/100 km
• Price: From 12267 $ (excluding taxes)