On the market since 2000, the Kia Rio has been newly styled
for 2003, and also sports a larger engine, giving it just
that much more power. As one of the most inexpensive cars
available, the Rio is also incredibly versatile, appearing
in either sedan or wagon form with hatchback body. It comes
with a 10 Year / 100,000 Mile Warranty Program, telling
prospective consumers that the manufacturer places confidence
in this product. This car might be subcompact, but it offers
a quiet and comfortable ride, with superb braking ability.
Available Models
The 2003 Kia Rio is available in either the base model or
the wagon, known as the Cinco. Both are 4-door vehicles,
and both are available in either 5-speed manual transmission
or 4-speed automatic transmission.
Interior Features
In the 2003 Kia Rio, rear-seat heater ducts are a newly
added standard feature. A height-adjustable driver seat,
variable/intermittent wipers, cloth upholstery, cupholders
and a center console are all standard as well. The Cinco
wagon also includes a tilt steering wheel, visor mirrors,
power steering, a tachometer, a split folding rear seat,
map lights, and an AM/FM/CD player. Power door locks and
air conditioning are optional features on both the base
model and the Cinco wagon.
Exterior Features
The 2003 Kia Rio has convenient automatic-off headlights.
Offering further convenience, the Kia Rio Cinco wagon also
includes a rear wiper/washer as a standard exterior feature.
Options to enhance the look of the 2003 Kia Rio include
a rear spoiler for the Rio Cinco wagon, and alloy wheels
for both the Kia Rio Cinco wagon and the base model.
Performance
The 2003 Kia Rio has a larger engine than its 2002 cousin:
1.6-litre versus last year's 1.5-litre offering. This 4-cylinder
engine now provides 104 hp at 5800 rpm, and 104 lbs-ft of
torque at 4700 rpm. Its fuel ratings are 26/33 mpg (city/highway)
for the models with 5-speed manual transmission, and 25/32
mpg for the models with 4-speed automatic transmission.
Both the base model and the Kia Rio Cinco wagon contain
independent MacPherson strut front suspension and stabilizer
bars, offering a comfortable, smooth ride.
Safety and Security
The standard safety features on the Kia Rio are dual front
airbags and emergency inside trunk release. Child-restraint
anchors are also included in both models. Both the base
model and the Kia Rio Cinco wagon can be equipped with anti-lock
brakes, as well as with fog lights.
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2003 Kia Rio & Kia Rio
Cinco Highlights
 Maintaining
their value leadership in the entry-level segment,
the 2003 Kia Rio sedan and Rio Cinco return with increased
power, a freshened exterior and more interior features.
Both
vehicles, like all Kia models, are covered by Kia's
industry-leading 10-year/10,000-mile comprehensive
warranty program.
Powering
the 2003 Rio models is a new 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder
engine producing 104 horsepower, an 8 horsepower gain
over the previous 1.5-liter engine that generated
96 horsepower.
Both
Rio models have fresh new front styling including
the grille, front fascia, bumper, hood and fenders.
The four-door sedan also includes a new rear look
with redesigned trunk lid, lights and bumpers. The
Rio Cinco now offers an optional body-color rear spoiler.
For
2003 the Rios feature seven new exterior colors to
choose from including: Rally Blue, Cinnamon, Blueberry,
Diamond Silver, Willow Green, Pewter Gray and Midnight
Black.
the
2003 Rio models have been re-engineered to provide
a smoother, quieter ride by adding revised engine
mounts and a redesigned exhaust system. Less vibration
is transmitted to the driver thanks to reinforcements
in the steering wheel and steering column mount.
Inside,
the 2003 Rio and Rio Cinco now offer more standard
equipment, including an updated instrument panel and
center console design with new cupholders, new seat
fabric, fade-out interior light, rear seat heater
vents and LATCH child seat safety anchors.
|
 Get
a Free Price Quote on a Kia Rio.
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| Fast Stats
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| Seats |
5
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| MSRP
from |
$9,745
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| Engine |
1.6L I-4
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| Horsepower |
104 @ 5,800
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| Transmission |
4-speed auto
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5-speed manual
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| MPG:
City/Hwy |
I-4 auto: 26/33
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I-4 man: 25/32
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2003
Kia Rio - Specs
