Rio Highlights
Planning your stay in Rio
There’s more choice than ever before in the Rio range, meaning there’s one to suit everyone’s individual style and taste. With five quite distinct and unique versions available across the elegant sedan and sporty five-door hatch body designs, you’ll easily find somewhere great to stay in Rio.
Rio LX hatch:
Combining the convenience of five doors, exotic style and the promise of amazing economy, the LX hatch is your passport to fun in Rio. Air-conditioning, power steering, power front windows and a CD player with four speakers provide for your comfort; dual SRS airbags look after your safety and the 1.4 litre 16-valve engine returns amazingly low fuel consumption without losing any of the zing you need for navigating bustling streets.
Rio EX hatch:
All the great features of the LX, but with the extra power of the 1.6 litre motor with CVVT (Continuously Variable Valve Timing) technology and the added comfort of rear power windows, electrically-adjusted and heated mirrors, a folding armrest for the driver and two more speakers for your sound. ABS anti-lock brakes are also standard to look after your safety.
Rio Sports hatch:
For those wanting a little more excitement in their daily driving and a dash more style, the Sports hatch gives you 16-inch alloy wheels with 205/45 performance tyres, a rear spoiler, unique sports trim with racing-style pedals and a leather steering wheel and gear shift. A centre console finished in sporty satin silver sets the dash apart. Add to this the increased safety of ABS anti-lock brakes and six airbags, and the Rio Sports makes for the perfect travelling companion.
Rio EX sedan:
Specified to the same level as the EX hatch, the EX sedan is for those wanting all the attractions of Rio but with the elegance of a compact four-door body with a separate boot.
Rio EX-L sedan:
The ‘L’ stands for ‘Luxury’ and the EX-L sedan takes the Rio sedan to its ultimate expression. A sumptuous leather steering wheel and gear shift provide the tactile delights while unique 15-inch alloy wheels, larger 195/55-series tyres and front fog lights set the EX-L apart visually. ABS anti-lock brakes and six airbags make this a truly sophisticated and world-class way to do your touring.
Admiring Rio’s architecture
Every Rio is built to withstand the rigours of time. Critical sections of the body shell – which is built around an integral passenger safety cage – are put through a specialised preparation process to safeguard against corrosion. After the body is carefully primed, a multi-stage system then applies the paint layers which give it both its good looks and its own ‘force-field’ against the elements. Finally, cavities are treated to protect against the effects of moisture. It’s this dedication to the detail which shines through in a multitude of different ways…some obvious, others more subtle. Feel the reassuring sense of solidity when you close the driver’s door on a Rio and you’ll know what we mean.
The energy on the streets
Whichever way you go in Rio, you’ll find all the passion you need to make every day a breeze. The LX hatch features the fuel efficient 1.4 litre engine which produces 70kW of power and 125Nm of torque. The torque curve is wide and flat, which means the LX offers flexibility and responsiveness across a wide range of engine speeds…ideal for comfortable commuting in urban conditions and reducing the need for constant gear-changing. Double overhead camshafts (DOHC) and 16-valves make for more efficient power delivery through better engine breathing. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard and a smooth-shifting automatic is available as an option.
The 1.6 litre, 16-valve DOHC motor in the remainder of the range benefits from continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) technology, which automatically adjusts the duration of valve openings to boost performance, throttle response and fuel economy as well as reducing emissions. The engine delivers impressive power of 82kW and 145Nm of torque through a 5-speed manual gearbox or an optional 4-speed automatic transmission. The 1.6 litre engine’s fuel efficiency was one of the many reasons the Rio EX was named the lowest cost new car to run in its class by the NRMA, RACV, RACQ, RACWA, and RAA in 2006*.
* Amongst those surveyed in the 2006 Light segment.
Taking in the sights
There’s no doubting Rio’s distinct European influence, evident from any angle. Even the smallest details show a commitment to practical elegance – from the body-coloured door handles, bumpers and mirrors to the discrete roof-mounted aerial, tinted glass and sweeping window lines.
Hatch models feature a generously-proportioned taillight design, which seamlessly integrates with the lines running the length of the bodywork; while the sedans look strong and purposeful thanks to a perfect balance between the front and rear overhangs.
The Sports hatch is clearly differentiated by its subtle but aerodynamically-effective rear spoiler and aggressive alloy wheels; while the EX-L sedan looks the part of urban sophisticate with stylish 5-spoke 15-inch alloys and an integrated front fog light design inspired by prestige European marques.
Getting comfortable in Rio
As exotic as it appears, you’ll feel at home the moment you arrive in Rio. The doors are all unlocked via remote central locking, which incorporates an anti-theft immobiliser to prevent unauthorised use of your pride-and-joy. The driver’s seat has adjustment eight different ways, and the steering wheel can be tilted for the perfect grip. Standard air-conditioning in all models will keep you and your fellow travellers cool, and everyone will enjoy the inclusion of five 3-point seatbelts for their safety along the way. There’s more than enough room for five on board, and the rear seats can be split-folded 60:40 to enable the carrying of larger loads in both the hatch and the sedan.
Storage spaces abound, and there’s a useful hook at the base of the headrest on the front passenger seat to secure shopping or even take away food. A 12-volt power outlet in the centre console means you can power up your mobile phone, MP3 player or portable satellite navigation system; and cupholders help to safeguard that all-important morning coffee.
Quite simply, you’ll love the way nothing’s been forgotten or omitted in Rio. Everything you could possibly want is there for the perfect escape, every day.
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