Believe it or not, in the tenth and eleventh grades, three pairs of twins studied with me at once. All six of them are capable guys with envy, but the most "identical" brothers sometimes turned a daring trick so as not to lose face in the classroom. For example, if the twin "M" was perfectly prepared for a seminar in biology, and the twin "P" for some reason confuses anemia with anuria, "M" was responsible for both himself and his brother.

To make everything look perfect, they waited for the teacher to turn to face the blackboard, and without unnecessary noise changed places and jackets.

In the automotive business, such tricks are called badge engineering. And, unlike the antics of twin classmates, this approach is not considered a scam. Unification saves time and money. And before that Kia Rio and Hyundai solarisis essentially one car, most don't care. A few weeks before official premiere of the new Rio, I went to St. Petersburg to find out how it differs from its sister Solaris and, of course, from its predecessor.

Eye of China

The new Rio is handsome! And for some reason it is especially pleasant that such a car cannot be purchased on any other market, except for the Russian one.

Our Rio is a kind of collective image of the ideas of Korean engineers and designers. Narrow radiator grille, massive air intake front bumper and the round fog lamps built into the vertical gills of the air ducts, he borrowed from the European hatchback of the same name. The headlights, the corners of which cross the equator of the hood, migrated unchanged from chinese sedan Kia K2.

In profile, distinguish Chinese K2 from russian Rio will fail - one to one! But behind, our car, again, cannot be confused with any other. Stylish horizontal jumper connecting taillights in the manner that decorates the Chinese K2, but the fog lamp unit and a fake diffuser, on which it is attached registration numberdiffer significantly. The new Rio somehow reminds me of the Dodge Dart sedan, which is not available in our country. And from this angle, he looks much more expensive than his money.

In terms of technology - no revelations. The Rio has inherited the same design changes as it did during the generational change. It is not surprising if you remember that the models alternate along the conveyor line of the St. Petersburg plant Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Rus.

The wheelbase is extended by 30 mm - up to 2600 mm. The rear shock absorber struts are almost vertical - at an angle of 8.4 ° instead of the previous 25 °, the share of high-strength steels in the body structure has significantly increased, and the fuel tank holds 7 liters more gasoline (50 liters). Plus, adaptation for Russia: a 60 Ah battery and a washer reservoir increased to 4.6 liters.

Inexpensive versions of the Rio rely on the new 1.4-liter 100-horsepower engine of the Kappa family. Top-end - 1.6-liter Gamma engine, delivering 123 horsepower.

By and large, the same was installed on the previous generation Rio, but now - phase shifters at the inlet and outlet, a variable-length intake tract and new piston rings with a reduced coefficient of friction.

The lion's share of sales will fall on the Rio 1.6 - and I took just such a car at the factory to drive around St. Petersburg and its environs.

There are still two gearboxes - six-speed mechanics and automatic. The Koreans modernized the hydromechanics: they modified the torque converter and the valve block, and used other bearings. Our editor-in-chief, who had driven the "fourth" Rio before me, praised the upgraded box.

True, he had a pre-production test car at his disposal, and in mine - one of the first production Rio, just rolled off the assembly line.

Noisy success

In the photos, the interior of the new Rio amazed me. Instead of a Kia nameplate, you can easily imagine four audio rings on the steering wheel and not feel any catch. But in a confrontation, you understand that this Kia is still far from compact Audi. Plastic is hard everywhere. And if the interior design of the Rio clearly outperforms Solaris, then in the convenience of some functions it lags slightly behind.

The 7-inch touchscreen of the top-end Premium version is the same: minimal differences are in the interface and fonts. But if in Hyundai the screen is located almost at eye level, then in Rio it is located somewhere in the middle of the panel, so when using the navigation you have to look below. The steering wheel and seat heating keys are not very well placed - in the horizontal plane, behind the machine selector (Solaris has them on the center console). Finally, the joystick buttons on the steering wheel are recessed too deep, so that they literally have to be hooked up with your fingertips. It is clear that all these are mere trifles that you notice only because the rest is done according to your mind.

Admire the comfortable and beautiful climate unit a la Sony PlayStation joystick. Squeeze the perfect three-spoke tide bar with the right grip. Feel how great the T-shaped selector of the machine lies in your hand. And be sure to appreciate the plastic caps that gracefully cover the two 12-volt sockets under the beak of the console - next to the USB port. Oh, yes, and the center box armrest cover with longitudinal adjustment by six centimeters. So 1: 1, Solaris!

At idle, the 1.6-liter engine runs quietly: you can't tell right away whether it's started or not. But on the move, both the tires and the engine make their mark. Official data confirm: this Rio is no quieter than the old one. And it rides on the ears no less than the new Solaris. I would argue that the Koreans deliberately did not want to single out one of their cars. And if an improved "Shumka" appears one day, then on both machines simultaneously.

The back is good. Passengers with a height of 180-182 cm do not touch the backs of the front seats with their knees. The only parameter "on the verge" is the height of the ceiling: the tall ones "iron" the trim with their hair. The third headrest is only for the two top versions (I would save on something else).

The back is good. Passengers with a height of 180-182 cm do not touch the backs of the front seats with their knees. The only parameter "on the verge" is the height of the ceiling: the tall ones "iron" the trim with their hair. The third headrest is only for the two top versions (I would save on something else).

In motion, Rio also copies its brother. The same informative and moderately heavy steering wheel, similar pedigree effort on the brake pedals. The modified machine gun cleverly juggles gears - on this I agree with the editor-in-chief. It is gratifying that the box does not have a manic habit of climbing into sixth gear already at 70 km / h. Accordingly, it does not drop three gears in a row when you push the pedal slightly to accelerate smoothly. And this is exactly what you need for a comfortable city ride.

Personality boundaries

The mood for the city is also expressed in the characteristics of the "fine-tuned" motor. During the modernization, the 1.6-liter aspirated engine retained its power and even slightly lost in peak torque (now there is 151 Nm versus the previous 154 Nm), but by low revs began to pull better. And now, during the throws from traffic lights to traffic lights, there is a pleasant lightness - as if under the hood there were not 123 forces, but a dozen more. Of course, at speeds over 100 km / h, everything falls into place and the Rio starts to go "according to the purchased tickets." But it is difficult to blame him for the lack of accelerating dynamics: thanks to a modified machine, the Rio is one of the fastest in the class. Along with Polo and, of course, brother Solaris.

In the fundamental differences between the new sedans of Kia and Hyundai, I will write down the interior and exterior design, as well as the opportunity to order leatherette upholstery for the top-end Rio (Solaris, even the most expensive, only have fabric). And it also seemed that at the maximum 16-inch rims kia slightly tougher than Hyundai, passing large road joints and potholes. However, to say this for sure, you need to change trains there and back.

Despite the growth, the car, as before, will settle in the top three best-selling cars in Russia. I will not bend my heart if I say: Rio has made a huge step forward compared to the previous generation model. And the fact that he copies Solaris in many ways ... These "twins" are capable guys with envy!

What's in the database?

Initial complete setRio henceforth calledClassic - and it is richer than the basic configuration of the previous generation (Comfort). The main news: now everyone, without exceptionRio put an air conditioner. In addition, the hill start assist system (HAC ) and exchange rate stability system (ESC ). The latter was previously available onlyRio in top versionsPremium and Premium Navi.

Base equipment also includes front airbags, power front power windows and anti-lock braking system (ABS). The bumpers, door handles and mirror caps are, of course, painted in body color by default. And the mirrors themselves are equipped with an electric drive and a heating function. Thus, now the basic version of the Rio is not an empty shell created for the sake of "advertising price", but a completely balanced car. For complete happiness, only a regular audio system is not enough.

And the next - the second from the bottom level of performance - is called Classic Audio. You get stock music with USB and AUX slots, and heated front seats as a bonus. It's a pity, despite the “musical” name of the package, it won't work to connect the phone via Bluetooth. Oh yes! The two initial trim levels are available only for the "mechanical" Rio with the base 1.4-liter engine.

The mid-range Comfort sedan can be ordered with either two or three pedals. And here, both motors are already provided to choose from. Among other things, a heated steering wheel appears. By the way, the steering wheel itself (in this configuration it is adjustable not only in height, but also in reach), like the gear selector, will be trimmed with leather. In addition, in the "comfort" there are rear power windows, control "music" on the steering wheel and remote control of the central lock.

The next configuration, called Luxe, includes climate control instead of air conditioning and LED running lights, as well as front fog lights. Such a car can still be bought with both automatic and mechanics.

But the two top-end versions - Prestige and Premium - imply an exclusively automatic transmission. In the "prestige" there are such options as heated windshield and washer nozzles, 15-inch alloy wheels (on simpler Rio - 15-inch stamping) and lenticular front optics with cornering lights. The seats are upholstered in a higher quality fabric, and the interior trims include glossy black plastic and chrome. Not two, but six airbags are responsible for safety. Plus, a third headrest is provided in the back seat. And that's not all: the pre-top configuration also includes a light sensor, rear parking sensors, a Supervision dashboard and a Bluetooth audio system with six speakers.

Finally, the Premium package includes 16-inch molding, LED taillights, eco-leather seat trim, keyless entry system with push-button engine start, as well as a multimedia system with a 7-inch touchscreen, rear view camera and navigation.

	1.4 Kappa MPI	1.6 Gamma MPI
Length / width / height / base	4400/1740/1470/2600 mm	4400/1740/1470/2600 mm
Trunk volume (VDA
Curb / full mass	1211 (1243) * / 1560 (1600) kg	1221 (1259) / 1580 (1610) kg
Engine	gasoline, P4, 16 valves, 1368 cm³; 73 kW / 100 HP at 6000 rpm; 132 Nm at 4000 rpm	gasoline, P4, 16 valves, 1591 cm³; 90 kW / 123 HP at 6300 rpm; 151 Nm at 4850 rpm
Acceleration time 0-100 km / h
Maximum speed	185 (183) km / h	193 (192) km / h
Fuel / fuel reserve	AI-92, AI-95, AI-98/50 l	AI-92, AI-95, AI-98/50 l
Fuel consumption: mixed cycle	5.7 (6.4) l / 100 km	6.0 (6.6) l / 100 km
Transmission	front-wheel drive; M6 (A6)	front-wheel drive; M6 (A6 New Kia Rio - the first test drive of a production car

The whole photo session

One will involuntarily believe in them, when, it would seem, quite recently, the owners of budget cars considered a complete set of power windows and a heated stop zone for "wipers" to be the ultimate dream. Today, relatively inexpensive sedans are sometimes even better equipped than yesterday - representatives of the premium segment. The new Kia Rio is no exception.

By and large, in terms of the wealth of equipment, he did not add much. I look through my report on the test of the restyled version in 2015 - and, in general, in the current Rio I hardly find any innovations. Daytime Running Lights? Have already been. Heated steering wheel, windscreen and the front seats too. Here is the cushion of the back sofa was not warmed up before, the first difference. Second, I guessed that in the new Rio the instrument illumination will be white, not red, and it really turned out to be so. Third, the cover of the central box-armrest is movable. There are other novelties as well.

More, more!

But first, let's talk about the changes in appearance. There are a lot of them, and the car has become definitely brighter, although I also liked the previous version. Now the "smile of a tiger", in the form of which the false radiator grille is supposedly made (by the way, its brand name is tiger nose, that is, the nose, not the mouth), stretched out into a spectacular narrow strip, and the hood hung over it with a small "beak" ... Representatives of the company claim that this de-improves protection engine compartment from dust and dirt. I opened the hood of one of the test cars; indeed, the engine compartment was clean. But - with a ridiculous run, only a couple of thousand kilometers. And in general, the smooth top of the "TV" (as the tinsmiths call the radiator frame) just asked to stick a couple of window seals on it for better protection from dust.

The hood of the novelty has become longer and has acquired a "relief", giving it a sporty look. The whole car has also increased in length, now its size has reached 4.4 m. The wheelbase has grown to 2.6 m. In general, the Rio looks more and more like a liftback in shape, although it is not. By the way, only the sedan was presented to us at the presentation, but what about the hatchback? Will he appear on russian market? Company representatives replied that this issue is being considered. But on the screen of the onboard computer in the sedan, you can read the unambiguous Russian words "front windshield wiper." So the back is also possible? Previously, the five-door accounted for 20 percent of all Rio sales.

The increase in size affected the space in the area of \u200b\u200bthe legs of the rear passengers, now it is not just comfortable, but even spacious. Previously, I also fit behind myself with a height of 182 cm, now I am convinced that taller drivers sit behind themselves with a margin, even though the wheel is waddling.

What is missing at the back is, firstly, the air ducts at the end of the central armrest, and secondly, its own armrest, reclining from the back. Well, at least there is something to dream about. Kia representatives do not exclude that now, in times of crisis, perhaps more owners of the previous Rio will switch to a new model, and not to cars of a higher class: cee`d, Cerato and Optima. Of course, they will appreciate all the innovations positively ...

... however, probably not all. So, at the presentation, we learned that the trunk of the new Rio has decreased, moreover, by a considerable 20 liters. This is due to the modified rear suspension configuration. Its main element remained a twisted beam, but the inclination of the rear shock absorber struts changed from 24 degrees to eight degrees. According to the company's engineers, this should reduce the tendency of the car to steer. rear axle in turns. According to the driver's feelings, it is present, but not very noticeable. In general, it is possible that the volume of the trunk was donated for a reason.

And the new Rio will be painted in just seven different colors, instead of the previous nine. But four of these colors are new.

The top-end Rio's raised-floor spare wheel is 185 / 65R15, while the main wheels are 195 / 55R16. In other words, only in this case the spare wheel is slightly less. 15-inch wheels are installed on all other versions, so the spare wheel is automatically full size. The floor of the body around it is practically not soundproofed, and the panel of the raised floor cannot be fixed in the raised state; to remove the spare wheel, this sheet of hardboard must be removed.

Previously, wheels with dimensions 185 / 65R15 were installed on cars of a higher size class: Hyundai Elantra, Nissan Almera. Now the "junior pupil" Rio has surpassed them in the size of wheels and is practically equal to them in dimensions.

The trunk of the new Rio has received an intelligent opening system. Approaching a closed car (naturally, with a key fob in your pocket), do not rush to wave your leg under the rear bumper. Just wait a few seconds, the car will beep and the cover will open by itself. Very handy if your hands are full. Representatives of the company showed us how this option works, but for some reason the car did not react to my presence near the trunk. What I did wrong - I don't know.

Let's return from the trunk to the salon and report on another important innovation: now the Rio seats can be trimmed with eco-leather! A related Solaris cannot boast of such luxury, in any of the trim levels. The pseudo-leather finish is pleasant to the touch, does not stick to clothes, as on some budget "Chinese", and does not exude an insecticidal aroma. The "leather" interior smells like a new car, but nothing more.

The calm, "rounded" interior design of the Rio was previously more to my liking than the technocratic "Solaris" one, but when updating two models I would give the palm to the design of the second. Moreover, the body design too. Attempts to make the Rio into a smaller semblance of an expensive sports car will probably be crowned with success only after two or three generations. And Solaris has already outdone the "older" Elantra and looks almost like the i40, only a little smaller. And his interior is really, without reservations, technocratic, while the Rio does not look like a sporty or a premium one, this is a true "budget". Only high-quality and solid, which has always been for me hallmark Kia. If the front panel resembles anything, it is the Picanto model.

Moment shift

Marketers, engineers, designers, PR specialists, sales managers, in general, all workers in the automotive and near-automotive sectors are trying their best to dilute the Solaris and Rio models in the eyes of the consumer. But suffice it to say that these two models are assembled on the same line of the conveyor belt of the plant in St. Petersburg, and the difference between them is the same as between the same engine oil poured into canisters of different brands.

The engines and gearboxes of the Solaris have changed - they have also changed for the Rio. 1.4 liter kappa engine new, it offers 100 hp. with. power and 123 Nm of torque. The 1.6-liter 123-horsepower Gamma engine has been upgraded, it became 7 percent more "momentary" (151 Nm versus 144). Both engines "prefer" high speeds crankshaft: they develop their maximum power, respectively, at 6000 and 6300 rpm. In terms of transmissions, the new Rio will only be equipped with six-speed manual transmissions and six-speed automatic transmissions.

For the test we were presented with cars with 1.6-liter engines, automatic machines and "mechanics". It is a pity that we did not manage to get acquainted with the 1.4-liter versions, the junior engine showed itself very well on Solaris. As for the 1.6-liter, you can only say good things about it, or ... nothing. "Smooth" motor, with a logical characteristic, successfully combined with an automatic transmission. True, during the Solaris test it seemed to me that a noticeable "pickup" begins at speeds close to 3000, on the Rio, in order to achieve it, it was desirable to turn the engine up to about 4000 rpm. Beyond the 4500 rpm mark, the pressure ended, basically, only the noise increased.

The automatic machine, when moving slowly, changed gears at about 2500 rpm, with more intensive acceleration, it waited for a mark of 4000 rpm, while pressing the gas pedal into the floor, the tachometer arrow reached the red zone. As they say, turnovers for every taste. Nevertheless, it seemed to me that it is more convenient to realize the maximum torque manually. In automatic mode, it was easy to overshoot the peak rpm, or the box had time to switch earlier. Manual gear selection put everything in its place.

By the way, the machine has been "improved", the company's representatives are talking about increasing its reliability due to the reduction in the number of valves and the use of an angular contact bearing with a plastic cage. The torque converter now provides softer damping, which translates into no shifting jolts.

It is pleasant to note that the operation of the 1.6-liter engine on idling in the cabin is practically inaudible. You start the engine by pressing the Start / Stop Engine button (only in the top-end version), the starter growls briefly - and silence. Great. And surprisingly, because the hood is not soundproofed from the inside, in addition, there is no plastic engine cover, although the pins for its installation are present. Who took it off and why? As it turned out, this cover will no longer be installed on the conveyor, but anyone can purchase it as an additional piece of equipment. It's funny.

But when it reaches about 3000 rpm, the sound of the engine starts to penetrate into the cabin, let alone the peak rpm, at which the engine frankly screeches. In addition, the overall sound insulation of the cabin leaves much to be desired. On coarse-grained asphalt, the hum of low-profile tires is clearly audible. Let's try to drown it all out with music? It turns out not very well: the audio system is weak, for discernible sound you have to turn the volume up to 70-80 percent of the maximum. And the sound quality is far from premium.

In terms of electronics, the top version is generally rich. The 7-inch multimedia touch screen hides a remarkable filling. By connecting a smartphone, you can use Apple CarPlay and Android Auto services. There is a navigation system that was a little odd in the vicinity of St. Petersburg, as well as occasionally giving out traffic jams messages where they, by definition, are almost impossible. But in general, it was possible to rely on it, as well as on the relatively clear picture from the rear-view camera (dynamic guides are included in the price). Think, quite recently, no one dreamed of such a luxury. And now Kia offers such screens on the Rio and even the Picanto. However, of course, the level of equipment is growing not only for Korean cars.

The new Rio has two gearbox options, but each engine / transmission combination has its own main pair, so there are four of them! The most dynamic, of course, is a 1.6-liter car with "mechanics": it is ready to pick up a hundred from a standstill in 10.3 seconds. The automatic version will lose almost a second to him. In terms of maximum speed, both 123-strong variants are almost identical, their "ceilings" - 193 and 192 km / h. Acceleration of the 1.6-liter version with an automatic in the range from 60 to 80 km / h takes about 3 seconds, and from 80 to 120 km / h in automatic mode - in 8 seconds with kopecks. When overtaking, it is better to operate the box manually, choosing the fourth or even the third stage. In fourth gear, the "automatic" car starts to brake with the engine.

The question arises: in what direction will they "grow" budget models? Which of the premium components will appear on them in the foreseeable future? Yes, what you dream about will appear. Manufacturers are very attentive to the aspirations of buyers, so on the new "Rio" much has been modernized, so to speak, at the request of workers. In particular, the suspension, which was considered too stiff, has been "softened". The caster (caster angle) of the front struts has been increased, the inclination of the rear struts has been changed, and with it the entire "geometry" of the rear suspension unit has been revised. Electric power steering is used instead of hydraulic. A lot.

What is "strength"?

At the same time, the car has not grown so much in price. What is the secret, what did you save on? This secret is unlikely to ever be revealed. One can only suspect that the various on-board electronics are actually not as expensive as they are presented to us. So "stuffing" the car in this regard is easier, much easier than bringing the handling to a premium level.

I literally have to reveal the “mechanics” of the popularity of the Rio model on the go for my colleague, whose interest in this trip is more related to Kia's business in the Russian market. It is impossible not to get acquainted with the bestseller, whose ascent to the top of sales has been going on for several years in a row. What is "strength"? An example is not long in coming: in a sharp turn, my passenger instinctively grabs the handle above the front door. This is the first difference from the compact premium models - you won't have the urge to find support on them, even if I greatly increase the speed of entering a corner. On the contrary, you will realize that you can move towards the conditional goal of the trip much faster, without experiencing thrills. And the official speed limits will seem ridiculous.

In fact, "Rio" rides exactly, at the level of its class, no lower and no higher. In sharp turns, yes, it tends to "play along" with the rear axle, under the "gas" straightens the trajectory, under the reset it does not seek to "screw in". Disposable for quiet movement. At speeds over 120 km / h on a straight line it can yaw a little, sensitive to crosswinds. To the asphalt tracks - too. The steering wheel under the "weight" of the electric booster is more pleasant than with hydraulic mechanism, more accurate, but, of course, far from ideal. No, we are going through turns so quickly, not because Rio allows it. Any classmate of a Korean model will allow it, just try to take part in a premium car test and feel the difference.

And now we will drive off the asphalt onto the sandy area, and I will ask you to take hold of the handle, and not the door handle, but the one above the door. "Gas" to the floor, the steering wheel to the side - you see, there is no drift, we easily fit a circular trajectory between trees on one side and insurmountable holes on the other. No, this is not an imitation of a rally, but just part of a standard consumer test: how will it work? electronic system stabilization? I can note that it does not work so zealously here, the engine is "suffocated", but hardly noticeable. Perhaps on snow or ice, you would feel it better. Now hold on to the handle even more tightly as I intend to turn off the electronics. This feature is an absolute plus, it can help you out if you get stuck in snow or mud. Now just feel the difference: do you see that the car is much easier to "dissolve" on the circle than with the ESC on?

What do these "pokatushki" give us? First, we note that Rio, in general, is ready to hedge the driver with excessively sharp maneuvers. Secondly, a big plus is the presence of a system of exchange rate stability in all trim levels of the model, starting with the base one. Thirdly, look, we galloped merrily over the bumps, but not a single interior element creaked, not a single "cricket" woke up behind the upholstery. Not all models of even higher class can boast of this. And we have never pierced the suspension. Here's another plus for you. Low profile tires, by the way, also remained intact, it is easy to check using the pressure control system. It is also offered even in the "base".

The fuel consumption of the 1.6-liter Rio at the beginning of the test was not at all pleasing: about 11 liters per hundred kilometers. True, firstly, these were city kilometers, not always free. Secondly, the long-term idling of the engine affected, while we were distributed among the cars, packed our things, got acquainted with the route of the first day. After zeroing the flow meter, “appetite” jumped even higher: up to 15 liters! Be prepared for this too: in traffic jams it is possible. But by the end of the test day, the average consumption had dropped to about 8 liters, and the next day, when driving, mainly on country roads, it decreased to 7 liters per hundred. The Rio's fuel tank is also new, now it holds 50 liters instead of the previous 43.

But on the highway, a car with 16-inch wheels is still perceived as unnecessarily tough. And noisy too. Let's switch to the "mechanical" version on 15-inch disks. Whoa! Even I did not expect this. This is comfort, this is smoothness. It seems that the engine is running quieter too, although this, of course, is not the case. But how pleasant it is to operate the miniature lever of the six-speed "mechanics", to enjoy exceptionally accurate hitting in any position.

My colleague from the business magazine also tastes the "mechanics" and confirms that the smoothness of the version on 15-inch wheels is really very high, and the gears seem to be chosen by themselves. Perhaps it is worth giving the palm to this particular configuration - Luxe with "mechanics". True, it will not have a colorful multimedia display, a rear-view camera, "eco-leather" seats and a start / stop button for the engine. But is it worth it to feel somehow flawed if a regular ignition key is used, for example, even in the premium Audi A3? And if you consider that these "bells and whistles" in Rio will cost 210 thousand rubles ... In general, I personally, without hesitation, would refuse them and from such an overpayment.

What are the prices for the new Rio? They have already been officially announced. The basic Classic version is available in three equipment options, but the units are the same: a 1.4-liter 100-horsepower engine and a manual transmission. The cost is 669,900, 704,900 and 729,900 rubles, and the initial equipment is on sale, this is not a publicity stunt. The choice between automatic, "mechanics" and two engine options appears in the Comfort configuration (769,900 - 794,900 rubles). The Luxe version (the engine is already only 1.6-liter) is offered for 779,900 rubles with the "mechanics" and for 819,900 rubles with the automatic transmission. Top versions also equipped with only a 1.6-liter 123-horsepower engine and only an automatic transmission. The cost of Prestige is 899,900 rubles, Premium - 989,900 rubles.

Kia representatives assume that the bulk of buyers will opt for medium-sized sedans with mechanical box gear. There is also confidence that Rio will continue to replenish taxi fleets, as well as purchase in bulk for car-sharing companies. So there should be more “squirrel-cars” on our roads. After all, only from January to June of this year, 46 thousand Kia Rio were sold in Russia, and the share of the model in the segment increased to 19 percent. Today Rio is a leader not only in its segment, but also in the Russian market as a whole. Updating the car should have a positive effect on its popularity.

Technical kia characteristics Rio 1.6 AT
DIMENSIONS, MM	4400 x 1740 x 1470
WHEELBASE, MM
TURNING RADIUS, M
ROAD CLEARANCE, MM
LUGGAGE VOLUME, L
FIT WEIGHT, KG
ENGINE'S TYPE	R4, gasoline
WORKING VOLUME, CUBE CM
MAX. POWER, HP / RPM
MAX. TORQUE, Nm / RPM
	front
TRANSMISSION	6-st. automatic
MAX. SPEED, km / h
ACCELERATION TIME 0-100 km / h, s
FUEL CONSUMPTION (AVERAGE), L / 100 KM
TANK VOLUME, L

Author Andrey Ladygin, columnist for "MotorPage" Publishing site Photo of the author's photo

Test Kia Rio 2017 - Hyundai Solaris 2017 we conducted in six exercises. The difference was determined in millimeters - very small, and where?

Video test Kia Rio 2017 - Hyundai Solaris 2017 below, specifications at the end of the article.

If you take the 2017 Kia Rio - Hyundai Solaris 2017 with a 123-horsepower engine and a 6-speed automatic for a test, you will not feel the difference. I'm telling you exactly, it's tested, it's not even interesting to compare. We added intrigue to the battle of the twins, taking a competitor in the person of Kia Rio with a manual 6-speed gearbox to Solaris on the automatic transmission. Thus, we kill one more hare, it will be easier to understand the difference in this family between automatic and mechanics.

Without false modesty, I will say that I have been following the Korean twins for a long time, their previous versions participated in many of my comparative tests. But I will not distract from the current comparison, I will name only two previous tests:

So, the new Kia Rio 2017 has already warmed up, sales, as I understand it, went well, and we took an updated couple for the test.

Kia-Rio-Hyundai-Solaris

If you do not want to particularly understand the nuances, then the Kia Rio - Hyundai Solaris of the current generations may well be regarded as completely different cars... In practice, indeed, there are often cases when a client wants Solaris and does not recognize Rio, well, or vice versa. True, this is more common on secondary market... Although at the first time, the buyer may well drop in to the dealer of one brand, ignoring the other. Thus, he will free himself from the torment associated with finding a profitable price tag.

In basic configurations, Solaris (on the right in the photo) is cheaper (from 625 thousand rubles), in top-end versions it is slightly more expensive (up to 1,036,000 rubles).

Nevertheless, technically, if not completely, then almost identical cars are hidden behind the different appearance and positioning. Marketers, together with designers, as far as they could have tried to separate the audience of two related cars in previous generations. And so professionally that for many years both cars went among the bestsellers not only of the B-class, but also of the Russian car market as a whole, becoming a universal car for thousands of Russian families. History repeated itself with the successors.

We chose different transmissions: Rio with a six-speed manual, Solaris with a six-speed automatic.

Test Kia Rio 2017 - Hyundai Solaris 2017 on a country road.

Almost all Russians travel to such directions to their dacha or picnic. Versatility dooms these machines to a difficult life. They cook in city traffic jams, often drive off onto a country road and cut along the highway. Therefore, driving on a dirt road is a vital experiment for them, which both cars have withstood with dignity. The declared ground clearance of 160 mm in combination with the energy-intensive chassis make both sedans appropriate outside asphalt roads... We did not notice any obvious breakdowns of the suspension, body swing with subsequent wiping with the bottom of the primer. Kia Rio even helped one stuck fellow traveler to get out of a deep rut. True, the interior of the Korean was filled with an unbearable stench from the burning clutch disc lining. With such experiments, it probably does not last long.

The declared clearance of the KIA Rio is 160 mm. So we will check it now.

Hyundai Solaris has engine compartment protection, but Kia Rio does not (be sure to order).

Collision with an obstacle (tire 200 mm high).

Our traditional soft obstacle - the 200 mm tire was overcome better by Hyundai Solaris (see video for details). Yes, Solaris had difficulty, but chewed the rubber, which Rio could not do, the tire was stuck in the engine compartment.

The countdown has started: Hyundai Solaris is in the lead, having received the first point.

We move off the rollers.

Kia-Rio: our kind of instrumental passability test.

We are talking about starting off a car with one wheel on a platform with rollers that simulate zero grip. True, a lot here depends on the modes in which the assisting electronics works, mainly, traction control system and stabilization system. Mechanical Kia Rio, even with activated assistants, easily coped with the task. Moreover, by disabling the "traction control", the Rio performed the same exercise even easier, but then, by disabling the stabilization system completely, it remained standing still.

And the automatic Solaris also did the exercise with the security systems not disabled. With the electronics half turned off, the obstacle was also on his shoulder, although with the system completely deactivated it also remained in place. There is a draw here, both fellows, as I said, we will take them into reconnaissance, but no further than the rolled primer.

Cargo-passenger test.

Somehow, the designers of Kia-Rio managed to slightly raise the ceiling at the back: compared to Solaris, Rio does not put so much pressure on the head of tall passengers.

The cargo and passenger capabilities of both vehicles are close. Again, not surprising, because technically these are the closest relatives. Although there is a difference in the nuances. For example, a button on the trunk lid. For some reason, Kia Rio does not have it. And only in a rich configuration with a keyless entry system, if you stand for three seconds at the trunk lid, it will open automatically. In other cases, the luggage compartment must be opened from the key or from the passenger compartment. Solaris is more convenient in this respect. It has a rubberized button above the number.

The luggage opening at the Kia Rio is wider, which, albeit slightly, but facilitates loading and unloading. The hinges for both cars are metal and consume part of the volume, however, the volume itself is the same and amounts to 480 liters. We measured with special cubes according to the method of the magazine "Za Rulem". If diligently placed in the trunk of the Solaris, it can even enter 8 liters more, but these cubes fell out when opened, so we attributed them to the measurement error. The luggage carriers are the same.

Kia Rio - Hyundai Solaris: roof racks hold 480-488 liters.

The brothers' trunk volume is 480 liters, but it is slightly limited by protruding hinges.

We launch three passengers into the back seat.

Despite the increase in wheelbase compared to its predecessors, the second row of both sedans is cramped, especially in a company of three. Under their weight of 275 kg, the Kia Rio sank by 40 mm, compared to the standard position of the body above the wheel, the Hyundai Solaris dropped even lower - by 42 mm, however, what is more important is that on its back row somewhat closer than in Rio.

In Solaris, the heads of the passengers in the back seat rested against the ceiling and these missing millimeters decided the fate of the cargo-passenger "score" in favor of Kio Rio.

After three exercises 3: 3.

Traffic light start

Driving a Kia-Rio.

At traffic light starts from the place of Hyundai Solaris and Kia Rio go head to head. At the same time, the automatic Solaris according to the passport accelerates to 100 km / h in 11.3 seconds, while the mechanical Rio does it in 10.2 seconds. We did not find the advantages of mechanics in our experiment.

Score 4: 4

Driving in circles

For interest, Hyundai Solaris was sent to the Moscow Region track Moskouraceway. Here he gave a maximum speed of 180 km / h. With the same indicators at the traffic light start and the same motors in 123 horses, you can count on the same indicators for the Kia Rio.

Kia-Rio in the turn of the "mother-in-law".

Hyundai-Solaris follows the turn behind the Kia Rio, losing a little seconds.

The ride in a circle was won by Kia Rio. Remember, it sags under load a little less than the Solaris, its suspension is stiffer, demolition in corners rear axle smaller, the brakes are sharper (in the city it can cause discomfort).

Lap time for Solaris 42.35 s, Kia Rio won a little less than a second - 41.43 s and took the lead: 5: 4

Football

Hyundai Group - Kia is the official car supplier for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia, so we couldn't help but play football (see video). Kia Rio won in a row, but experts criticized its hood hanging over the bumper, when hitting it is easy to jam it and introduce the owner into an additional expense. Solaris has a hood far behind the bumper, which means there is less chance of damaging it upon impact. In football they gave a draw.

The total score is 6: 5 in favor of Kia Rio. It won the test thanks to the extra millimeters overhead for the rear passengers.

The difference between Korean twin brothers is really minor. Kia Rio with "mechanics" is more suitable for active users with a sporty character, Hyundai Solaris is a car for the average city dweller, automatic transmission gear will add versatility and comfort in driving about traffic jams.

In our age of design, it seems quite logical to choose according to the "like" principle. If the appearance of one of the heroes of the test catches more, the choice is obvious. When there are doubts in the soul and parity is in the balance, then it is just right to take a calculator and calculate which of the cars will be more profitable in terms of money. With their prices, everything is not so unambiguous and for analysis you need to clearly understand the package bundle. In any case, the difference will be in the same millimeters.

Video test Kia Rio 2017 - Hyundai Solaris 2017, specifications below.

HYUNDAI SOLARIS - KIA RIO

Specifications

COMMON DATA	Hyundai solaris 1.6 AT	Ria Rio 1.6 MT
Dimensions, mm: length / width / height / base	n.d. / n.d. / n.d. / 2600	4400 / 1740 / 1470 / 2600
front / rear track	1516 / 1524	n.d.
Trunk volume, l	n.d.	480
Curb / full weight, kg	n.d.	1160 / 1580
Acceleration time 0 - 100 km / h, s	11,2	10,3
Maximum speed, km / h	192	193
Fuel / fuel reserve, l	A92 / 50	A92 / 50
Fuel consumption: urban / suburban / mixed cycle, l / 100 km	8,9 / 5,3 / 6,6	8,0 / 4,8 / 6,0
CO2 emissions, g / km	153	n.d.
ENGINE
Location	Front transverse	Front transverse
Configuration / number of valves	P4 / 16	P4 / 16
Working volume, cubic meters cm	1591	1591
Compression ratio	10,5	10,5
Power, kW / hp	90.5 / 123 at 6300 rpm.	90.5 / 123 at 6300 rpm.
Torque, Nm	151 at 4850 rpm.	151 at 4850 rpm.
TRANSMISSION
A type	front wheel drive	front wheel drive
Transmission	A6	M6
CHASSIS
Suspension: Front / Rear	McPherson / elastic beam	McPherson / elastic beam
Steering	rack and pinion with electric booster	rack and pinion with electric booster
Brakes: front / rear		ventilated disc / disc
Tire size	185 / 65R15	n.d.