Kia Rio first generation

Kia Rio first generation
Photo: OSX / Wikimedia Commons · Public domain

The Kia Rio first generation (2001–2005): dimensions, weights, reliability and the official figures of its 15 versions in the United Kingdom, the United States, and Canada.

Model codes: DC · Sold in: United States, Canada, and United Kingdom

Dimensions, weights and capacity

SpecificationNorth AmericaWikipedia
Dimensions
Length–4,215–4,240 mm
Width–1,675–1,680 mm
Height–1,440 mm
Wheelbase–2,410 mm
Weights and towing
Kerb weight–1,019–1,256 kg
Seats and space
Luggage space (EPA)368–708 L EPA–
Passenger space (EPA)2,492 L EPA–

Ranges cover the generation’s versions and body styles; European and North American versions can differ. Sources: Wikipedia, US EPA fuel economy data. Wikipedia figures are used under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Reliability and owner reports

UK MOT: first-time pass rate by age

Age at testPass rateUK averageTests
13 years and older58.7% (57.1–60.3)69.2%3,814

What the MOT finds

AreaThis modelUK average, same ages
Suspension53.0%41.6%
Brakes48.3%36.4%
Tyres37.7%31.2%
Lights and electrics35.7%28.8%
Body, chassis and structure28.9%18.6%
Noise, emissions and leaks27.8%17.1%

First MOT test of each car per year in 2022–2024, from the DVSA’s anonymised test results; only ages with at least 500 tests are shown. The figure in brackets is the 95% confidence interval; green or red means clearly above or below the UK average. The second table shows how often an item was noted (defect or advisory) in each area, against the UK average for cars of the same ages. DVSA anonymised MOT tests (Open Government Licence)

Owner complaints to NHTSA (US)

541 complaints for model years 2001–2005. 66 crashes · 31 fires · 61 injuries · 3 deaths

  • Engine 140
  • Airbags 62
  • Transmission and drivetrain 34
  • Fuel system 34
  • Wheels 27
  • Electrical system 26

Complaints are reported by owners and not checked by NHTSA; they are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular models have more. NHTSA owner complaints

All 15 versions of the Kia Rio first generation

Show all 15 versions

United Kingdom 4 versions

New cars on sale in the UK, from the Vehicle Certification Agency. NEDC figures until 2018 and WLTP figures after; years are the editions a version appeared in.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2001–20041.31.3 LPetrol5-speed manual6.6–7.1 L/100 km NEDC157–170 g/km
2001–20041.31.3 LPetrol4-speed automatic7.7–8.0 L/100 km NEDC183–192 g/km
2001–20031.51.5 LPetrol5-speed manual6.9–7.3 L/100 km NEDC163–173 g/km
2001–20031.51.5 LPetrol4-speed automatic8.0–8.8 L/100 km NEDC191–207 g/km

United States 5 versions

Model years sold in the USA, from the EPA and the Department of Energy (fueleconomy.gov). MPG on the EPA test; litres per 100 km = 235.215 ÷ MPG.

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxDriveConsumption (combined)CO₂
2004–2005CLKUP1.6 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive24 MPG (9.8 L/100 km) EPA230 g/km
2003–20051.6 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive25–26 MPG (9.0–9.4 L/100 km) EPA212–221 g/km
2003–20042MODE CLKUP · CLKUP1.6 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive25 MPG (9.4 L/100 km) EPA221 g/km
2001–20022MODE CLKUP1.5 LPetrol4-speed automaticFront-wheel drive24–25 MPG (9.4–9.8 L/100 km) EPA221–230 g/km
2001–20021.5 LPetrol5-speed manualFront-wheel drive26 MPG (9.0 L/100 km) EPA212 g/km

Canada 6 versions

Model years sold in Canada, from Natural Resources Canada fuel consumption ratings (5-cycle test).

Years and versionEngineFuelGearboxConsumption (combined)CO₂
2003–2005Compact1.6 LPetrol4-speed automatic9.5–9.9 L/100 km 5-cycle219–228 g/km
2003–2005Compact1.6 LPetrol5-speed manual9.2–9.6 L/100 km 5-cycle212–221 g/km
2002Compact1.5 LPetrol4-speed automatic9.7 L/100 km 5-cycle223 g/km
2002Compact1.5 LPetrol5-speed manual9.2 L/100 km 5-cycle212 g/km
2001Subcompact1.5 LPetrol4-speed automatic9.6 L/100 km 5-cycle221 g/km
2001Subcompact1.5 LPetrol5-speed manual9.1 L/100 km 5-cycle209 g/km

Similar models from other brands

Official figures are measured on standard test procedures and differ between markets. Your consumption depends on how, where and in what conditions you drive.