Kia Rio X-Line

Hatchback Kia Rio X-Line is another representative of a fairly saturated market with great competition. This made the task of Korean engineers more difficult - they had to bring a competitive model to the market. Today a lot is known about the car - prices, and, and. In order to understand how the model drives, we present to your attention test drive Kia Rio X-Line.

The X-Line model is an off-road version of the B-class hatchback. The car is designed on the basis of the Kia Rio sedan for the domestic and Chinese markets. For this reason, we can make a well-founded conclusion that the car’s handling is reminiscent of a Rio sedan. However, differences new version from its predecessor are still available.

Unlike its brother, the car is shorter, taller, and wider. To some extent, the increase in these parameters is due to plastic linings. The car got an enlarged one - it grew by 10 mm. The car has a different body, and also acquired elements of off-road style:

roof rails;
double exhaust pipe trim;
plastic body kit.

Already from the very beginning, the hatchback is equipped quite richly. At the same time, it is quite functional and allows you to transport large cargo, sacrificing the rear row seats. Compared to a sedan, it is slightly smaller, but as a result of the modified body, the five-door is more convenient in terms of parking.

Main advantages in motion

On the move, the hatchback and sedan have a lot in common. The use of other springs and shock absorbers does not greatly change the character of the car. As a result of the changes, the ride quality has improved. Cars with 15- and 16-inch wheels cope well with sharp-edged potholes.

As for sound insulation, the car cannot be called quiet. On high speed The engine is very noisy and roars. You can hear the pebbles knocking on the wheel arches, and the roof rails push the air apart with great indignation. For this the manufacturer has a minus. At the same time, the roof rails look appropriate on the roof of a car, although they make their contribution at high speed.

The car is comfortable to drive, the model is characterized by excellent handling. Steering wheel It is distinguished by its informativeness, convenience, and pleasant form. On-board computer presents parameters in a convenient format for reading. City car copes well with basic functions - acceleration, braking, demonstrating control accuracy and responsiveness. The suspension behaves in a balanced manner and overcomes various obstacles on the road well.

Many control functions are located in the multimedia display complex. A separate part of the functions is represented by standard buttons. The display displays information from rear view cameras and navigation. Mobile devices can also be connected to the multimedia system.

The climate system controls are located separately under the display. Somewhat lower are the connectors for external devices. There is also a small niche for small items and buttons for warming up the seat and steering wheel. The cabin has many different niches for convenient arrangement of small things

How to stay safe on the road

The engineers paid considerable attention to safety. The ABC system is equipped with a pedestrian recognition function and is able to independently stop vehicle. The road lane monitoring system warns the driver that he is changing lanes without turning on the indicator. If necessary, the systems can be deactivated.

In the basic version, the car is equipped with a stabilization system, braking control in corners, and stabilization during sudden braking. All this together increases safety by controlling the driver’s mistakes.

Strengths and weaknesses of X-Line

The car has its own strengths and weaknesses.

Advantages of the model:

rich equipment in the basic version;
spaciousness in the rear seats;
good acceleration dynamics;
pleasant external features;
convenient luggage compartment.

The disadvantages include the weak sound insulation, high noise level at high speeds, not ideal smooth ride. Perhaps a little small and clearance.

Test drive video with increased ground clearance

Summing up

In general, the Kia Rio X-Line is an organic model that creates a complete impression. Compared to its predecessors, the new product looks much more attractive, dynamic, and modern. We can say that the engineers did a good job presenting a competitive model for our market.

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Like outside

After leaving in Russia Hyundai Creta, many were waiting to see how Kia would respond when they too had a compact SUV. And then he appeared Rio X-Line. Why not a crossover?

The Hyundai-Kia plant in St. Petersburg does not have enough capacity to make another model that will be produced in tens of thousands. The bet is on Creta - and it is justified if you look at the sales statistics. But Kia had to abandon the all-terrain vehicle for now in favor of a raised hatchback.

The X-Line differs from the regular Rio primarily in its off-road body kit made of unpainted plastic, roof rails and increased ground clearance - 170 mm versus 160 mm for the sedan. There are not many changes at the front, but at the rear you can recognize the X-Line by the strip between the LED taillights and the dual exhaust pipes.

Nothing special? But visually, I think the raised Rio looks nicer than its sedan brother.

In addition, the hatchback is 10 millimeters wider and 50 millimeters taller than the four-door. The roof is raised by 14 mm in the area of the second row - so tall passengers do not have to support the ceiling with their heads.

Like inside

The interior is completely carried over from the regular Kia. And there is nothing wrong with that, as it is one of the best in the segment. Almost perfect ergonomics, cozy salon, well-readable instruments and multimedia with a simple and logical interface.

You can only find fault with the hard plastic (although it’s still worth making a discount for a “state employee”) and the lack of lumbar adjustment adjustment driver's seat. The latter will be especially noticeable for those who have back problems.

There are two 12-volt sockets in front, USB and AUX. In my opinion, it would be better to install two USB connectors; in the age of gadgets, one is no longer enough, and when the car is full of passengers, everyone wants to recharge their device. Bribing adapters is not an option.

The legroom on the rear seat is the same as in the Rio, but, as already mentioned, there is a little more headroom here: the roof is higher than that of the regular version.

The trunk is smaller than the sedan's - 390 liters versus 480 liters. However, this volume is 29 liters more than that of the Lada Xray and 70 liters than that of Renault Sandero. In addition, folding the backrests rear seats in parts, it is more convenient to transport large cargo in the X-line.

The only pity is that there are no hooks; you will have to be content with only niches on the sides. In this regard, of course, Koreans should take a closer look at what AvtoVAZ is doing now. The car, which many call for some reason a competitor to the X-Line, has so many nice and convenient “chips” in the trunk that even Skoda would be jealous.

But let's return to X-Line. I liked the hatchback with a large number of useful and pleasant options, which will come in very handy right now. Our car had heated front seats, windshield and rear windows, steering wheel and rear seat. The only thing missing was heating the windshield washer nozzles and remote start. However, even without this, Kia's winter package is truly impressive. In the morning before work, you won't have to waste precious minutes clearing ice from your windows.

Like the sedan, the hatchback is sold in Russia with two engines. These are 1.4 liter and 1.6 liter engines with a power of 100 and 123 hp, with a 6-speed manual transmission and a 6-speed automatic transmission. We, as is usually the case, had the option with AT and the most powerful unit.

You shouldn't expect hurricane acceleration from the X-Line - in terms of numbers (and in terms of feel) it is slightly slower than the sedan. It's all about the increased curb weight, depending on the configuration, by 5-15 kg. The result of 11.6 seconds to “hundreds” will not seem like much of an achievement. But for driving around the city this is quite enough.

But overtaking on the highway can be a problem. You won't be able to accelerate quickly, either from a standstill or while driving. If you sharply press the gas pedal, the car pauses, the engine revs up, and then the car comes to life. Another thing is that the roar of the engine is such that every time you think whether it’s worth mocking the car in this way.

It is much more pleasant to travel on the X-Line in a calm and measured mode. Thanks to new springs and shock absorbers, the Koreans managed to achieve an optimal balance between comfort and handling. The hatchback steers excellently, quickly responding to all your actions, and there is no roll in corners.

The suspension allows you not to slow down on large bumps; it’s just a pity that it doesn’t handle medium bumps so confidently. For example, during the test, bridge joints were one of the biggest challenges. It didn’t come to the point of “breaking through”, although it wasn’t very pleasant.

Soundproofing? Many colleagues complained that at high speed they could not hear each other in the cabin. But it didn't seem that way to me. If you don't torture the engine, there won't be any problems. It is quite possible that all this is thanks to the tires. Our hatchback had studless Nokian Hakkapeliitta R2, which, by the way, performed well not only on dry asphalt, but also during winter snowstorms, when Moscow was covered in snow.

What's the result?

Rio X-Line is sold in Russia from 686,410 rubles, our test car costs 964,900 rubles, the top version will cost 1,024,900 rubles.

A raised hatchback is most suitable for residents of big cities who are tired of sedans. New Korean can offer cute designs, excellent ride quality and a rich set of options.

But a priori it cannot be an alternative to a crossover with a ground clearance of 170 mm, this must be understood. Moreover, front bumper below is painted in gray, so you need to approach curbs carefully.

Real Kia competitors- this is Lada Xray (from 614,900 rubles) and Renault Sandero Stepway(from 649,900 rubles). But they don’t have such a clear and distinct “machine gun”. In this regard, the Korean has the advantage. However, Xray and Sandero Stepway also have their advantages. For example, the ground clearance of both the first and second is an impressive 195 mm. By the way, the Xray performed well in our moderate off-road test.

But the most important thing is that in this class the choice has become even greater, and there is no doubt that Kia Rio X-Line will have its buyers.

This car was born under pressure from the Russian representative office of Kia. It was our guys who persuaded the head office in Seoul to raise the hatchback by 10 mm and equip it with plastic lining around the perimeter (China, in whose market it is also present similar car, took an example from Russia, and not vice versa). Of course, full crossover Rio The X-Line with the stated ground clearance of 170 mm did not, but visually fell into the trend. By the way, we also came up with the name “X-Line”. And Russian engineers were involved in tuning the suspension.

In real life, the Rio X-Line looks much more harmonious than its direct competitors such as the Renault Sandero Stepway and Lada XRAY. Personally, this car most reminds me of the first generation Subaru XV - the one that was produced from 2006 to 2011 with the Impreza nameplate. The battle with also looks more than real. Wheelbase Rio X-Line (2600 mm) is even larger than its sister competitor (2590 mm). And the declared trunk volume of the cross-Rio is a considerable 390 liters. For comparison: the Creta has 402 hp.

Of course, it comes as a bonus. If the entry-level Start package for 799,900 rubles does not have air conditioning, heated front seats, a leather steering wheel and even a luggage rack, then the base Rio X-Line for 774,900 will have all this. And it doesn’t matter that cheap modifications of the Rio have a 1.4-liter 100-horsepower engine at their disposal. If you believe the factory data, in accelerating to hundreds, the X-Line with such an engine will be inferior to the 1.6-liter Creta by only half a second. And previous experience of communicating with proves that the initial motor, in general, is sufficient.

For the first journalistic acquaintance, Kia representatives highlighted two top modifications of the Rio X-Line - Prestige AV and Premium. Both are equipped with a 1.6-liter engine with a capacity of 123 horsepower, and the difference, in addition to the finishing features (the interior of the Premium version is covered with leatherette) and small external differences (tail lights Premium - LED), comes down to the use of tires of different sizes. The Prestige AV is equipped with 185/65 R15 tires at the factory, the Premium gets 195/55 R16. As it turned out after a test drive of both versions, the difference between them is more than noticeable.

After the first kilometers behind the wheel of the Rio X-Line on 16-inch wheels, it was hard to believe what I was feeling! I remember very well how passionately the Rio sedan handles and how reliably it clings to the arch, and here there is an empty steering wheel with a blurred “zero”, yaw in a straight line and harsh “rearrangements” of the stern at the most harmless road junctions. Usually, such a difference in behavior is not even close to being cured by installing fatter, high-profile tires, so the thought crept in about the incompetence of Russian engineers. This is how you ruin the car!

And I experienced an even greater surprise when I moved to a Rio X-Line on 15-inch wheels with similar Nokian Hakkapeliitta “Velcro” and realized that I should apologize to the engineers. In this configuration, the Rio X-Line rides almost as cool as. It is incomparably more pleasant to drive than Xray or Sandero Stepway. And yes, it definitely drives on asphalt no worse than the Creta. Moreover, regardless of the type rear suspension Hyundai crossover.

On a country road, the energy intensity of the Rio X-Line is generally sufficient, but making head-to-head comparisons with competitors is a little more difficult. It seems to me that the new Kia product still falls short of the Creta and Sandero in terms of ride smoothness. However, if you frankly do not overdo it with speed, Kia suspension It’s not easy to get the lights to go off. And the Rio X-Line is generally okay with body rigidity. When hung diagonally, the fifth door warps slightly, but it closes without any problems. Things are slightly worse for Creta under similar conditions.

Otherwise, the Rio X-Line is the same Rio sedan with well-known advantages and disadvantages. The cross-hatch has the same European style stylish interior, made of hard, but quite pleasant-looking plastic, the same level of noise insulation, which is clearly not enough if you spin the engine above 4500 rpm. And also - almost equally bright market prospects, because already in the basic version the Rio X-Line is a full-fledged, ready-to-use car. For quite adequate

The new KIA Rio X line 2018 has already been called a sub-SUV. Its cost is about 800,000 rubles, and sales began in November 2017. The model shows with all its appearance that this is a crossover for Russian roads, but for some reason is missing four-wheel drive and an auxiliary button that helps you navigate off-road.

new cross-hatch KIA Rio X line 2017-2018

The head of Kia Motors notes that new Kia not positioned as an off-road model. Then it becomes interesting why it is equipped with body kits, the suspensions are being modified. The head of the company answers this question with dignity that the car was developed for the Russian consumer, who gives his preference to sedans.

It is very interesting that the Chinese company debuted in the spring similar model only K2 Cross, which is a little indignant, is it really plagiarism again, only on Kia’s part. But the developers are actively defending their brainchild, noting that the Chinese simply found out about the project and hastily released their version.

More about appearance

To begin with, we note that our country is the birthplace of the idea, which makes the car unique among similar new products entering the Russian market. KIA Rio X line 2017-2018 model year received original bumpers that emphasize individuality, and imitation steel protection made of plastic elements fits quite organically into the overall appearance. The front is equipped with LED DRLs and fog lights, the location of which is slightly different from the sedan. Premium equipment includes taillights with LEDs, which are not present in basic models. There is also a double bell, which is made of stainless steel high quality and is firmly welded to the can at the muffler.

Kia Rio X Line - front

It is worth noting that the model is generating genuine interest among consumers. It stands out on the road among other cars. For the starting price, you can purchase a car with a glossy false radiator grille, emphasizing individuality, linings and roof rails, as well as a muffler attachment in a double-barrel format. By the way, the openwork grille is framed by a chrome-treated border and is located a little higher in comparison with the sedan.

It is noted that the included rims 16 inches in size are not suitable for this large car and they look ridiculous. But this defect is corrected by wide overlays that visually increase the size. wheel arches and the original disc design.

The car has already caused a flurry of positive emotions among its owners. Thanks to new springs and shock absorbers, the vehicle received a ground clearance of 17 cm, this is plus one centimeter under the bottom and optimal balance in handling and comfort. But there is one problem, the hatchback is not intended for off-road driving, only in rare and extreme cases.

Despite the low cost in comparison with analogues, the car has excellent dynamics, quite worthy for the installed engine.

Our test drivers participated top configurations. The buyer is given the opportunity to choose an engine from two options - this is a motor with 100 horsepower and 123 hp Each of them is equipped with four cylinders and a six-speed gearbox. But it turned out that this engine configuration is quite enough to quickly accelerate the car. Of course, it can be heard quite well during acceleration, but during moderate driving, the sound is quiet and barely perceptible. The interior is comfortable when driving and you can conduct a dialogue in familiar tones without raising your voice. For budget option– this is a big plus in favor of the car.

What changes did the pseudo-crossover receive?

As for the interior, there are practically no major changes. It is almost identical to the interior of the Kia Rio. There are only small details that make it stand out. For example, the developers have noticeably reduced the size of the luggage compartment. But car owners claim that the new design simplifies the task of loading small cargo. The trunk volume is about 400 liters, but it is significantly wider than in its predecessor.

The trunk volume with the seats folded is 1075 liters.

We were also pleased with the LED lighting, which provides a high level of visibility at night. There is modern multimedia equipment and a navigator with an LCD screen. Since the presented model is considered budget, the developers decided to introduce a new media center, which is several tens of thousands cheaper than in Kia sedans Rio. Navigation system runs smoothly from an Apple or Android smartphone.

Upholstery made from eco-friendly leather adds elegance to the interior. high level quality. There is a camera that provides access to rear view and DVR on windshield. The most expensive configuration is equipped with climate control, but standard options are not spared. There is an excellent air conditioner, which completely ensures a comfortable stay in the car during the trip. Keyless entry is also a privilege of expensive assemblies, the price of which is slightly more than 1,000,000 rubles.

Technical characteristics of KIA Rio X line

Externally, the model looks stylish and powerful, but has only front-wheel drive. Two options available gasoline engines with four cylinders, the difference in which, in fact, is only in volume. The gearbox can be selected either manual or automatic. Despite some standard in the engine, the car is quite playful, but is more suitable for quiet family trips, preferably on smooth roads.

In its parameters, Hatch is very similar to its predecessor. It cannot be called compact, but it does not live up to a large SUV either. The width of the car is 175 cm, the height is about one and a half meters, and the length is 4 meters 240 centimeters. Separately, it is worth mentioning the wheelbase of 2.6 meters, which is covered with wide overlays. Ground clearance about 17 centimeters.

Pros and benefits of the car

The car is easy to drive and almost silent. It may not cope with off-road driving, but there is no official confirmation of this information, so in a small area there is no need to fear an emergency;
The interior is almost completely copied from the sedan with only a few adjustments. It is worth mentioning separately luggage compartment, which is noticeably smaller in volume, but wider. It is ideal for transporting oversized items;
The model is quite comfortable, back row provides plenty of legroom, which is suitable for tall passengers. The headroom has also been increased, but the model still remains narrow;
Safety standard version provided with two airbags and a tire pressure monitoring system. If you drive carefully and calmly, you don’t have to worry;
Cost is a separate plus of the car. Experts say the new Kia is more expensive a sedan with the same equipment costs only 30,000 rubles, which is why it is called a budget option.

Experts give an average score based on value for money.

Conclusion

The developers presented at Russian market an original model for car enthusiasts who dream of an SUV, but don’t want to overpay. Interesting equipment and design combined with appearance have already attracted the interest of consumers.

Technical parameters in numbers

Price Kia Rio X Line 2018 in Russia

Video test drive of Kia Rio X Line Cross 2017-2018:

Photos of the new KIA Rio X line 2017-2018:

Do you remember the times of the wild automobile boom: the end of the nineties, when the car, along with mobile phone, has become a common thing? Yes, old, and for one and a half to two thousand “cu”, but capable of moving. “Golfs”, “Passats”, “chisels” and “behinds” went to the people, and along with the hurricane growth of the business of delivering spare parts and selling auto organs from wrecked cars, a new word appeared - “tuning”. When the “youth audience” flocked to drive, as marketers now say, it turned out that many were no longer satisfied with just a car, which, lo and behold, is waiting for you at the entrance and is capable of moving itself. Everyone who didn't shave their beards wanted to distinguish themselves. “Blue tires”, wheels on spacers and everything like that, you remember. All this dirt was washed away by new ones quality cars on credit, when cheap trinkets combined with leaky thresholds began to look completely stupid. Now everyone understands not only that the shelf on the trunk does not add admiration, but also that there is such a thing - design. If it was created not by a designer, but by a welder, it looks like it won’t work out like Pininfarina.

The current Kia Rio is almost flawless: even for work, even to the country, even in a taxi. So good that it's boring? Don't you feel like being in a taxi? Yes please - get professional tuning of such a class that with it the car would look two hundred thousand more expensive, if only it were easy to recognize Rio sedan. The new Rio X-Line hatch has no more in common with the Rio sedan than Cinderella in the kitchen with herself at the ball. But they are just as close in everything except wardrobe and makeup.

The rear part is the hardest to recognize Rio as a cross-hatchback: the license plate is in the proper place for it, unlike a sedan, and there is a dual silencer nozzle under the deflector. rear bumper, and the silhouette with wheel arch extensions and roof rails left no mention of boredom. On the side, moldings added passion to the lines, and at the front, the lower radiator mouth widened the lower corners in a rally-inspired manner. Even the ground clearance was beneficial - the compact visually added not only in size, but also, paradoxically, in sport.

Just remember: technically, this is still the same Rio - not a crossover or an SUV. No need to ask us to drive the X-Line onto a tank training ground and hang up the wheels. The drive here is front-wheel drive, there is a beam at the rear, and in general everything is the same as on a sedan. Almost the same. Because the sedan's performance is close to flawless for cars in its class. X-Line by good roads drives a little less interesting. It's not as stable in a straight line, and its suspension isn't as well balanced for comfort and handling. There are no words, the car is of high quality, and there is nothing to complain about, but there is a difference with the sedan. And the most noticeable one is in maximum configuration on 16 wheels: since the bumps from speed bumps and potholes are harsher, and the rolls and squats on the front outer wheel in corners are greater for a raised and shortened car. On the base 185/65R15 tires, the X-Line rides much better. Especially on bad and slippery roads, on which the X-Line simply flies. Plus standard tires and are more harmoniously combined with the entire elastokinematics of the suspension when cornering on smooth asphalt, and they hold a straight line better, and transmit less vibrations and shaking to the cabin.

Lada Vesta SW Cross
Similar prices, more space inside, not as good on the go

Cross hatchback more expensive than a sedan in a similar configuration for 30,000 rubles, and its trunk is 90 liters less. This is all the price to pay for style, beauty and ground clearance. There are not only external, but also practical advantages: the approach angles give more freedom on potholes and curbs, in a park the hatchback needs 15 cm less space, and the energy intensity of the suspension will allow you to have more fun driving on rough roads.

The configurations are similar to those offered for the sedan, with the exception of the basic Classic version, which does not include the X-Line. The hatch also comes with 100 and 123 hp engines. 1.4 and 1.6 with automatic or manual, and its “warm options” are just as complete - right down to heated rear seats.

TEXT: DMITRY SOKOLOV