The Kia Rio Sedan is likely to launch in India after the debut of the SP Concept based SUV and the Rio hatchback. Prices will range from INR 8-13 lakhs. We tell you why it can turn out to be a very tough rival for Maruti Ciaz and Honda City.
Kia Motors India is all set to launch its first vehicle in India during the second half of 2019. The company has already announced that their first offering in our country is going to be the SP Concept based urban SUV. In addition to this, the South Korean giant has also said that after the debut of the former, it plans to further launch a couple more vehicle in India. Going by recent developments and several media reports, it looks like one of these new launches from Kia is going to be the Rio c-segment sedan.
Based on the same underpinnings as that of the Hyundai Verna, if launched, the Kia Rio sedan will compete against the likes of Maruti Ciaz, Honda City and the Hyundai Verna itself. And we have every reason to believe that it will turn out to be a tough competitor to all the above-mentioned c-segment sedans.
Also Read: Kia SP Concept SUV India Launch, Price Expectations, Features, Specifications And Other Details
Why we say that? Well, the first thing on our list is the car’s premium credentials. We have come to know Hyundai as one company which has always provided its cars with the best possible material quality and premium attributes. Kia, as most of you may already know, is owned by Hyundai. As a result of this, the two companies share quite a lot when it comes to product quality. With its up-market credentials, the Rio sedan is bound to attract buyers in the c-segment.
Just like Hyundai, Kia is also known for loading its cars up-to-the-brim with features and creature comforts and then some more. Current offerings in the c-segment, like the Honda City, Maruti Ciaz and Hyundai Verna come packed with feature. Kia is bound to use the learning from Hyundai in this arena and similarly stack the Rio sedan with an abundant kit. Expect the sedan to come with an impressive safety kit as well. Currently, the Toyota Yaris has set a benchmark in this segment by offering up to 7-airbags as standard across the range.
Also Read: Kia Grand Carnival MPV In Consideration For India; Will Rival Toyota Innova Crysta
The SP Concept based SUV is going to share the same platform as its Hyundai counterpart, the Creta. Not only this, but the two utility vehicles will have the same engine specifications. As mentioned before, the Kia Rio sedan shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai Verna. Hence, we have every reason to believe that the two cars are going to share their engine specifications as well. This means that buyers will get the same, tried and tested, smooth operation petrol and diesel engines along with the equally impressive transmissions, be the manual or the torque converter units. As in Hyundai, they are likely to be tuned for relaxed driving and not inclined towards the sporty side.
Kia is currently setting up its manufacturing facility in Andhra Pradesh. All its future models for India are going to be manufactured there. Local manufacturing aided by the local component supply chain is going to help the automobile manufacturer in keeping the prices competitive. We expect the Rio sedan to cost somewhere in-between the mark of INR 8 Lakh, going up to a price of INR 13 lakh for the top-spec trim.
