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2003 Kia Rio
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.
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Competing 2003 Models to the Kia Rio
 Chevrolet
Cavalier
Dodge
Neon
Honda
Civic
Hyundai
Accent
Mazda
Protege
Nissan
Sentra
Pontiac
Sunfire
Saturn
Ion
Toyota
ECHO
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a Free Price Quote on a Kia Rio.
Although New-Cars.com checks with auto manufacturers and their representatives
to confirm the accuracy of the data, it makes no guarantee or warranty,
either expressed or implied with respect to the data presented here. All
specifications, prices and equipment are subject to change without notice.
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2005
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