Used Car Review - Kia Rio (2012-2017)

Improved? Let us revisit this model one more time.

2012-2017 Kia Rio

History
We all know the situation Kia faced at the turn of the millennium, decreasing sales and at the same time it cannot escape the stigma that it had faced during the period of the sub-compact Pride. While the Rio was cheap and a breath of fresh air (it was developed independently, not anymore based on a Mazda platform), quality is thumbs down plus the dominance of Japanese makes placed this car out of oblivion. The second generation model, launched in 2006, was an improvement but was relegated to the taxicab crowd thanks to a somewhat basic interior and some marketing push.

The UB Rio debuted first at the Geneva Motor Show in 2011, which for the second time shares its platform and engines with the Hyundai Accent. While both sedan and hatchback models were available, a three door hatch was released for this generation.

For the Philippine market, the third generation Rio was first made available in the form of the 1.4 EX sedan in January 2012 with the lower 1.2 LX and hatchback a month later. Later variants for the sedan were added in 2013 covering both bases. This vehicle is an improvement over its taxi image with numerous changes ushering in especially in safety and interior quality.

Value and Costs
Kia vehicles, in general, have poor resale values which in return are bargains for second hand shoppers. A 2012 sedan can be had for as low as P280,000 while later models hover at the P600,000 below range. Do take note that hatchbacks cost more than their four box counterparts. In that price range however, some superior rivals exist which surpass the Rio in certain aspects, so do your research well.

Maintenance costs are similar to rivals of the same time period, with parts being similar to several Hyundai models. If you aim for one, do check out for the air-conditioning unit as it has the tendency to conk out. Kia models sold carry a five year or 100,000kms warranty, so eye for a unit with the remaining chunk.

Exterior and Interior
While the 2006-2011 model was dull at its best, this one has some European touches than something made from the land of Koreanovelas. The Tiger Nose grille gives the vehicle an aggressive yet classy approach. Hatchback models and the EX-S sedan have fog lights with its lowly models losing them, while the EX and SLX having alloy wheels and the base LX rides on steel wheels with hubcap covers.

Same goes with the interior, especially that it was a dramatic improvement (although still not to par with some established rivals) over the model it replaced. Another point of improvement is the safety department, with the 1.4 models gaining at least airbags and ABS brakes. 1.2 models do get at least front power windows and power mirrors and the hatchback/EX-S sedan gain cruise control, automatic climate control, and a push button smart key system.

Engine
Both engines are from Hyundai, so you may be familiar with these especially that they have been mentioned in several of my reviews. LX and SLX gets the Kappa 1.2 that has 86hp at 6,000rpm and 119Nm at 4,000rpm while the rest of the gang uses the Gamma 1.4 with 108hp at 6,300rpm and 137Nm at 4,200rpm. Both engines are capable on their best although the 1.4 needs some revving at certain times, worst for the latter is that its automatic version slurps gas more so stick to a manual if you want this.

Driving Impressions
Driving this one is at the middle ground when compared to the Ford/Mazda twins, with handling being on the safe side. Ride quality, despite the road imperfections our country has, is excellent.

Verdict
Although Kia was relegated to the middle or lower class, the attempt for the third generation Rio is an improvement (although not quite, but going there). It is no longer the dull sedan it was known for inside and out, rather an effort to step up to its game.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles November 2016

Today is your payday and you are contemplating on getting a car. Rather than wasting money on new car depreciation, a late model repossessed car is a prudent choice since recent year models are available. This list reveals that one bank has a lot of cars repo'ed.

Do take note the list is accurate as of November 19, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, September 2016, and October 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles October 2016

Today is your payday and you are contemplating on getting a car. Rather than wasting money on new car depreciation, a late model repossessed car is a prudent choice since recent year models are available. This list reveals that one bank has a lot of cars repo'ed.

Do take note the list is accurate as of October 14, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016, August 2016, and September 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles September 2016

Today is your payday and you are contemplating on getting a car. Rather than wasting money on new car depreciation, a late model repossessed car is a prudent choice since recent year models are available. This list reveals that one bank has a lot of cars repo'ed.

Do take note the list is accurate as of September 16, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, July 2016 and August 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles August 2016

Sweldo is just days away and the buying mood for late but good repossessed cars is anytime. While the previous administration had a lot of cars sold, a lot of people aren't stopping buying cars even with a new president on board. While we observe that a thousand repo'ed cars are available in a month, there are some unique vehicles that were being towed and we'll let you look for these.

Do take note the list is accurate as of August 12, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, June 2016, and July 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles July 2016

2 weeks from a new administration and a payday Friday, let us discover the most repossessed cars this month. If you see a trend here, the top 10 are mostly sub-compacts, where most people start buying cars. The economy is doing fine with people are on a buying spree for cars but finishing their payments are just a different topic. This list aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want.

Do take note the list is accurate as of July 15, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, May 2016, and June 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Quickie Used Car Review - Kia Rio Sedan (2006-2011)

2006-2011 Kia Rio Sedan

The Good: Ride is comfortable, rev happy engine

The Bad: Simplistic interior, absence of safety features

The Say: A basic car perfect for the lowly budget, but if you are willing to look beyond the badge.

Go For: 1.4 EX
Avoid: Ex-taxi units

Price Range: P240,000-P320,000
Our Rating: ***

Full Review: Used Car Review - Kia Rio (2006-2011)
Latest vehicle profile: Kia Rio Sedan

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2006-2009
2010-2011

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles June 2016

Its just less than a month before we have a new president and vice president taking over and the economy is just doing fine, my friend. People still has that buying mood of purchasing cars but finishing that monthly payments is a different tale. This list aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. Let us see after June 30 on how many vehicles will enter repo lots (this month it had increased in numbers) and if Duterte's administration will do good for the industry as a whole.

Do take note the list is accurate as of June 13, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, April 2016, and May 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles May 2016

We all have that election hangover since Monday's polls and we all know who will be our next president while the vice presidential race has yet to be known. The ones who took advantage of the good economy who defaulted on their payments are present. This list aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. Let us see after June 30 on how many vehicles will enter repo lots and if Duterte's administration will do good.

Do take note the list is accurate as of May 14, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, February 2016, March 2016, and April 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles March 2016

On our third month of the year 2016, people who bought new cars last year (and some in the previous years) will definitely have a chance of defaulting on their payments ; a portion of people who bought cars last year will default on their payments are either those who wanted a personal ride or those who invested for Grab/Uber units (which is not profitable in the first place). This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. While the Kia Rio used to be the most repo'ed vehicle from January and the Toyota Vios last February, this month's is a shocker

Do take note the list is accurate as of March 11, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, UCPB, Maybank, BPI, and Security Bank.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, January 2016, and February 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles February 2016

324,000 vehicles were sold in 2015 and that was throughout the country; a portion of people who bought cars last year (and some in the previous years) will default on their payments either those who wanted a personal ride or those who invested for Grab/Uber units (which is not profitable in the first place). This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. For the first time, the Kia Rio takes a rest as the most repossessed vehicle and you will be surprised who is number one.

Do take note the list is accurate as of February 10, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, Security Bank, and Chinabank. UCPB does not have any active list as of writing time so we will be skipping them for now.

See the top 10 of  the following months: October 2015, November 2015, and January 2016. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles January 2016

We know you missed this since we got off by a month. Since today is the first month of the year, there will be people who will default on their payments, especially that 2015 car sales are estimated to hit above 300,000 units. This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. For the past two series, the Kia Rio has the most units repossessed and with the new year is there any car that will take the title?

Do take note the list is accurate as of January 9, 2016. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, Security Bank, and Chinabank.

See the top 10 of October 2015 and November 2015. Original 2014 article here.

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles November 2015

Last year, we had published a list of vehicles that are commonly repossessed by banks. For this year, let us see the top 10 repossessed vehicles (last time was 12 due to a tie) overall with a top five per bank. This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. With automotive sales on the rise plus the fad of Uber/GrabCar services, there would come a time people would default on their monthly payments.

Do take note the list is accurate as of November 15 2015. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Maybank, BPI, Security Bank, and Chinabank

Car Features - 10 Commonly Repossessed Vehicles 2015 Edition

Last year, we had published a list of vehicles that are commonly repossessed by banks. For this year, let us see the top 10 repossessed vehicles (last time was 12 due to a tie) overall with a top five per bank. This list also aims to help buyers on which bank to go in finding a specific vehicle they want. With automotive sales on the rise plus the fad of Uber/GrabCar services, there would come a time people would default on their monthly payments.

Do take note the list is accurate as of October 2, 2015. Sources include: PS Bank, Banco De Oro, RCBC Savings Bank, East West Bank, Unionbank, Sterling Bank of Asia, Maybank, and BPI.

Kia Rio Sedan - Generation 3.2 (2015-2017)

KIA RIO SEDAN (2015-2017)

A simplified line-up alongside some exterior revisions are given for 2015. No changes in the equipment are done, though. This would be the last sedan model of the Rio.

See the overview of the Rio Sedan

See the Generation 3.1 model

Car Profiles - Kia Rio Sedan (2012-2017)

2012-2017 Kia Rio Sedan

The Good: Cheap to buy, sheds its taxicab image

The Bad: Not much safety features in base models

The Say: While it has some faults, it comes prepared.

Go For: 1.2 LX, despite being basic
Avoid: 1.4 EX-S

Price Range: P340,000-P600,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Reviews: Used Car Review - Kia Rio (2012-2017)

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2012-2015
2015-2017

Car Profiles - Kia Rio

KIA RIO

For now, the Rio is only offered with a hatchback configuration and you can get three variants with lower models available. Bad news is the price does not match the available features available.

The Good: 

The Bad: 

Price Range: P746,000-P975,000

Our Rating: 

Last Update: January 23, 2018

Car Profiles - Kia Rio Hatchback (2012-2017)

2012-2017 Kia Rio Hatchback

The Good: Interior flexibility, handsome looks

The Bad: Engine needs to be revved hard

The Say: A stylish hatchback that has problems.

Go For: 1.4 EX
Avoid:

Price Range: P450,000-P570,000
Our Rating: ***

Related Reviews: Used Car Review - Kia Rio (2012-2017)
Latest vehicle profile: Kia Rio Hatchback

See the different versions of this vehicle:
2012-2015
2015-2017

Kia Rio Hatchback - Generation 2.1 (2006-2007)

KIA RIO HATCHBACK (2006-2007)

Unlike the sedan, the hatchback body is only sold for a year. There is not much of a difference between the trunked brother apart from a cargo cover.

See the overview of this Rio Hatchback

See the latest model of the Rio Hatchback

Kia Rio Sedan - Generation 2.2 (2010-2011)

KIA RIO SEDAN (2010-2011)

A 2009 update (released as a 2010 model) gave the Rio sedan a basic model for taxi fleets and a new grille. Otherwise, there are no other significant changes until it was redesigned in 2012.

See the overview of this Rio Sedan

See the Generation 2.1 model