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Kia Rio 2011
This is what Graham Smith liked most about this particular version of the Kia Rio: Many will still have active warranty, Roomier than previous model, Good safety gear
The 2011 Kia Rio carries a braked towing capacity of up to 1150 Kg, but check to ensure this applies to the configuration you're considering.
Kia Rio 2011 Reviews

Used Kia Rio review: 2011-2014

Used Kia Rio review: 2000-2015

Used Kia Rio review: 2000-2013

Used Kia Rio review: 2011-2013

Used Kia Rio review: 2000-2012

Kia Rio 2011 review

Kia Rio Si and SLi 2011 review

Kia Rio hatch 2011 review

Kia Rio 2011, 2012 Review
Kia Rio 2011 Price and Specs
Pricing guides

Kia Rio Model | Body Type | Specs | Price from | Price to | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
S | Hatchback | 1.4L ULP 4 SP AUTO | $3,400 | $5,500 | |
S | Hatchback | 1.4L ULP 6 SP MAN | $3,100 | $5,280 | |
S | Hatchback | 1.4L ULP 5 SP MAN | $2,800 | $4,840 | |
Si | Hatchback | 1.6L ULP 6 SP AUTO | $4,200 | $6,820 | |
Si | Sedan | 1.6L ULP 4 SP AUTO | $3,800 | $6,160 | |
Si | Sedan | 1.6L ULP 5 SP MAN | $3,400 | $5,500 |
Kia Rio 2011 Q&As
Check out real-world situations relating to the Kia Rio here, particularly what our experts have to say about them.
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What car should I buy to replace my 2006 Toyota Corolla?
There are still plenty of great small cars around within your budget, Agnes, and they all have good safety packages (or we wouldn’t recommend them). Look at offerings such as the Suzuki Swift Navigator (with the optional autonomous emergency braking) for around $17,000 (plus on-road costs) or the Kia Rio S at around $19,000 or Kia Picanto S (one size smaller than the Rio) at closer to $16,000. Both the Kias also feature the brand’s excellent seven-year warranty, capped-price servicing and free roadside assistance which is great peace of mind.
The Volkswagen Polo is a classy drive but a little more expensive at closer to $21,000 for the 85TSi Comfortline. Actually, to be honest, you’ve missed the boat on bargain small cars by a couple of years. Firm favourites such as the Toyota Yaris and Mazda 2 have both been updated relatively recently and have recorded big price jumps in the process. The cheapest Yaris with an automatic transmission is now around $23,000 (it was less than $17,000 back in 2018) while the Mazda 2 Maxx went from being a sub-$17,000 proposition in 2018 to a $23,000 car by the time you add an automatic transmission in 2020.
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What should I do if the transmission warning sign comes on in my 2020 Kia Rio?
I wouldn’t be taking the car to a transmission specialist…yet. Since the car is still under warranty, you need to give Kia every chance to sort it out for you. The good news is that this won’t cost you a cent, whereas taking it to an independent repairer will start emptying your wallet.
You’re doing the right thing by keeping a close watch on the transmission temperature readings (provided that’s not at the expense of watching the road) and if overheating was what caused the warning light to illuminate, then I’d be of the view that the transmission fluid should be changed (at the very least) and an investigation carried out into why the transmission overheated in the first place.
I haven’t heard of a rash of problems with the Rio GT-Line’s seven-speed DCT transmission in Australia, but Kia’s DCT gearboxes in other models have been known to give problems in other countries. Given our typical summer ambient temperatures, we probably won’t be immune from the same problems. This is not a Kia thing, by the way, but seems to be one of many problems that have plagued DCT (double-clutch) gearboxes over the years from a variety of car-makers.
The clutch packs in these gearboxes have to slip to work and that’s a well-known cause of heat in any transmission. If they slip enough, they could conceivably cause the transmission to overheat at which point it will trigger the warning light you’re seeing as well as not operating properly and potentially doing internal damage. Both Ford and Volkswagen have discovered this the hard way, replacing many double-clutch transmissions under warranty over the years.
It’s a bit hard to see why so many manufacturers are persisting with this technology, especially when the modern, multi-ratio conventional automatic is so compact, light and efficient these days.
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Skoda Fabia 2017: Would it make a good first car?
I think that a Kia Rio would be an excellent choice as a first car. Especially since a Rio built in the time frame you’re looking at will still have a big chunk of its factory warranty left to run. The Kia seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty is the best around, really, and provided the car you buy has a complete service record, that warranty will be real peace of mind.
Also, the Rio is known to be a good, solid car that has a good reputation for reliability and durability. The Skoda Fabia, meantime, suffers from the poor reputation of is dual-clutch transmission. The Fabia is also a bit of an orphan in Australia, meaning that it’s largely overlooked by buyers. That means it will potentially be more difficult to unload when you daughter looks to upgrade her car in a few years.
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Kia Rio 2019: Is it economical to run premium petrol?
The Kia Rio only requires 91RON unleaded. The engine is tuned for that octane rating, so you won’t gain anything, apart from more space in your wallet, by switching to 95 or 98RON fuel. Despite every premium petrol marketing campaign suggesting otherwise, running on more expensive fuel won’t gain you any performance or greater fuel economy, so stick with 91.
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Kia Rio 2011 Fuel consumption
Fuel consumption for the 2011 Kia Rio is dependent on the type of engine, transmission, or model chosen. The Kia Rio currently offers fuel consumption from 5.5 to 6.9L/100km. The Kia Rio is available with the following fuel type: ULP.
Kia Rio Model | Body Type | Specs | Fuel Consumption | |
---|---|---|---|---|
S | Hatchback | 1.4L,ULP,4 SP AUTO | 6.7L/100km | |
S | Hatchback | 1.4L,ULP,5 SP MAN | 6.7L/100km | |
SI | Sedan | 1.6L,ULP,4 SP AUTO | 6.9L/100km | |
SI | Sedan | 1.6L,ULP,5 SP MAN | 6.9L/100km |
Kia Rio 2011 Dimensions
Dimensions for the 2011 Kia Rio are dependent on which body type is chosen. The maximum width and height is 1720mm x 1470mm and can vary on the basis of model.


Kia Rio Model | Body Type | Height x Width x Length | Ground Clearance | |
---|---|---|---|---|
S | Hatchback | 1470x1695x3990 mm | 155 mm | |
Sports | Hatchback | 1470x1695x3990 mm | 155 mm | |
S | Hatchback | 1455x1720x4045 mm | 140 mm | |
SI | Hatchback | 1470x1695x3990 mm | 155 mm | |
SI | Sedan | 1470x1695x4240 mm | 155 mm |
Kia Rio 2011 Wheel size
Wheel size for the 2011 Kia Rio will vary depending on model chosen, although keep in mind that many manufacturers offer alternate wheel sizes as options on many models.The wheel size available will alter the range of tyres available to be fitted. Standard wheel sizes on the Kia Rio vary from 14x5 inches to 17x6.5 inches.
Kia Rio Model | Body Type | Front Tyre Size | Front Rim | Rear Tyre Size | Rear Rim | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
S | Hatchback | 175x70 R14 | 14x5 inches | 175x70 R14 | 14x5 inches | |
Sports | Hatchback | 195x55 R15 | 15x5.5 inches | 195x55 R15 | 15x5.5 inches | |
S | Hatchback | 185x65 R15 | 15x5.5 inches | 185x65 R15 | 15x5.5 inches | |
SI | Hatchback | 175x70 R14 | 14x5 inches | 175x70 R14 | 14x5 inches | |
SI | Sedan | 175x70 R14 | 14x5 inches | 175x70 R14 | 14x5 inches |
Kia Rio 2011 Towing capacity
The Kia Rio’s towing capacity ranges from 850kg to 1150kg. Some models also offer heavy-duty or towing option packs which can increase towing capacity, as well as options which can hamper towing capacity. Towing capacities can vary wildly on a large number of factors. These include engine, transmission, model, and options chosen. Always check with the manufacturer or in your vehicles handbook before attempting to tow anything.
Kia Rio Model | Body Type | Specs | Braked Capacity | |
---|---|---|---|---|
S | Hatchback | 1.4L,ULP,5 SP MAN | 1100kg | |
Sports | Hatchback | 1.4L,ULP,5 SP MAN | 1100kg | |
S | Hatchback | 1.4L,ULP,6 SP MAN | 1050kg | |
SI | Hatchback | 1.6L,ULP,5 SP MAN | 1100kg | |
SI | Sedan | 1.6L,ULP,5 SP MAN | 1100kg | |
SI | Sedan | 1.6L,ULP,4 SP AUTO | 1100kg |
Kia Rio 2011 News

Highs and lows of 2011

2011 Carsguide Car of the Year winners

Kia Rio wins Carsguide Car of the Year 2011

Car of the Year 2011 shortlist

COTY 2011 Kia Rio

Kia Rio goes surfing at SEMA

Kia plans 1.1-litre diesel

New world order
