Kia introduced the three-door version of the Rio's third generation in 2012, one year after it successfully launched the five-door model.
Kia was running the high tides when it launched the small-sized Rio. Its design department was led by Peter Schreyer and has proven to create attractive vehicles. Even though this small vehicle was penned by Sung Wook Kim, the signature design elements were already established. And they worked!
Sporting a similar front fascia as its five-door sibling, the three-door Rio featured swept-back headlights that flanked the tiger-nose main grille. In addition, to complete the slightly aggressive look of the car, the lower bumper featured an upside-down trapezoidal grille fitted with pair of scoops on the sides. From its profile, the three-door Rio showed its long doors and small side window for the rear-seated passengers. Finally, at the back, the raked-forward C-pillar and the tailgate offered a sporty image of this small-sized vehicle.
Inside, the automaker tried to create a spacious environment for five adults. While the front seats achieved that goal, there was hardly room for more than two adults in the back. On the plus side, Rio's dashboard offered a clear layout, with a binocular-styled instrument cluster that put the speedometer in the middle and the tachometer on the left. Kia placed the CD-Radio on the center stack on the upper side, followed by the HVAC control panel underneath it.
Under the hood, the Rio received the acclaimed 1.1-liter turbo-diesel that provided excellent fuel efficiency. In addition, Kia provided the car with another 1.4-liter turbo-diesel and two gasoline engines.
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