Kia Rio Leads Worldwide Sales

July, 2013

Kia Rio Leads Worldwide Sales

The Kia Rio continues to be the best selling model in the Kia Motors line-up around the world, as buyers look to maximise economy through compact, yet roomy, fuel-efficient cars.

Figures for the first half of 2013 show the Kia Rio clocked up 245,183 sales internationally, making it the most successful Kia model for yet another year. And it is selling better than ever, with first half sales for the Rio sitting 2% ahead of the same period last year.

Rio sales are also doing well in New Zealand, where this model is among the top performers for Kia Motors in this market.

“Rio is still one of the most eye-catching models in our showrooms – the sporty styling is very distinctive – and it has been gaining more attention due to the recent round of fuel price rises,” says Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand.

“Every time petrol and diesel go up, buyers become more focused on the fuel-efficiency of new cars they are considering and we are very fortunate that we have one of the class leaders in Rio. But there is much more to Rio than just fuel-efficient engine and transmissions. It also scores very highly when its interior space and high levels of equipment are lined up against competitors – that’s the power of Kia to surprise.”

Kia Rio prices start from just $22,990 and among the most competitive in the small car market in New Zealand.

The Rio is available with a choice of 1.4-litre petrol or diesel engines and both come with Kia’s acclaimed EcoDynamics package on manual models, which helps to further reduce fuel consumption and emissions. The EcoDynamics fuel-saving technologies include Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) that switches off the engine when at traffic lights or stopped in heavy traffic, low rolling resistance tyres, drag-reducing front grille and a gearshift indicator that advises the driver on the optimum time to change gear. The Kia Rio CRDi diesel EcoDynamics model achieves an impressive 4.1L/100km (69mpg) and a low CO2 level of 109g/km, whilst the petrol version returns 5.3L/100km (53.4mpg) and 124g/km. Both are equipped with the same slick 6-speed manual gearbox. There are also two petrol models available in New Zealand offering an automatic transmission.
Mr McDonald says that a trend he has noted during the past year has been the number of Kia vehicles featuring EcoDynamics technology that are being purchased by fleets and businesses in New Zealand.

“They are getting two benefits with one vehicle, reducing their fuel bills on the one hand and enhancing their green credentials at the same time – it’s a smart move,” he says.
Initially introduced as a five-door hatchback only, the Rio range was expanded this year with the launch of a limited edition 3-door Sport model, available with the 1.4-litre petrol engine with manual and automatic options.

The rise in Kia Rio sales internationally this year has mirrored the growth of the company as a whole around the globe, topping 1,383,759 units to the end of June, which is up 2.5% on the same period in 2012.

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