haha.... the forum can attract some new buyers ma... since younger buyers like to surf forum before make their decision one... haha

I think in terms of maintenance and spare parts, should be the same with Rio Hatchback as this sedan is based on it.

The hatchback has been around for quite some time.

My first service with them was okay. Of course can't say yet in the long run.

I believe the service centre that you go to is important, as not all centers has good reputation, no matter what brand of car.

Kia quality I believe has improved since the days of the Forte.

About the Rio Sedan, anything you wanna know in particular? I can share you my little bit experience of driving it so far since early Nov

I will start with the downsides of the car first. (In no particular order)

Note: - I only started driving this car since early Nov 2016. Previous ride was Nissan Almera E spec.
        - Each person would have different needs and requirements for their car (Family oriented, sporty, good FC, big boot space etc). For me, I am married but no child yet. Most of the time its either just me alone, with wife, or occasionally parents/friends at the back seat. 

1) Fuel consumption.

Degree of dissatisfaction: 5/10

FC will be on a higher side if you drive in city. I am saying around 9-10 km/L. The more traffic and start stop jam, the worst it will get.

HOWEVER, if on highway I can safely say it's acceptable. So far I have driven twice to Penang - Seremban, first journey I got 16.56 km/L, second time I managed to get 17.27 km/L (which is my best record so far). Optimum speed is 100 - 110 km/hr.

Note: I always use full tank to full tank method to measure FC, NOT what is displayed on the meter.

Below are the some of my FC readings (mixture of city and highway):-

16.56 km/L (First highway trip)
9.97 km/L (Before my first service, that time was hoping it will be better after first service)
12.11 km/L (After first service)
13.75 km/L
10.7 km/L
17.27 km/L (Second highway trip, best record so far)
13.44 km/L
14.58 km/L (Latest fill up)

For city driving, don't expect good FC. If FC is your main concern, think twice.
For me, I can live with it, just that hoping it was better.

2) 1.4 Engine with 4 AT Gearbox

Degree of dissatisfaction: 4/10

Coming from a Nissan Almera (1.5, 4 AT), one would say what difference will it make right?

True to a sense, but with many other car makers moving to CVT, 5 speed, 7 speed etc, I was hoping maybe Kia can introduce the 1.6 GDI or better engines in future Rios.

Though it's a 1.4, output is almost similar with 1.5 as claimed by Kia (on paper)

From my driving experience, I would say its better than Almera when going uphill. Almera was always struggling uphill.

From standstill, you will feel some lack of power, gear shifting is acceptable (Almera was always down shifting early from 3rd to 4th gear). One thing I have to commend is there is no vibration felt when changing from N to D. Almera always have this vibration when I shift from N to D.

On the highway, it gives you power when pressed hard. Max I went was only 130 km/hr.

3) Noisy stock Hankook Tyres.

Degree of dissatisfaction: 4/10

Small issue. I plan to change to quieter tyres once this wears out. I think ContiComfortContact CC6 would be good and cheap.

4) Reverse sensors

Degree of dissatisfaction: 2/10

This one is based on experience. When reverse sensors start second level beeping, means it's actually quite near already. Plan to install reverse camera in the future. Small issue.

5) Daytime Running Lights (DRL)

Degree of dissatisfaction: 3/10

You can't turn of DRL. I know most cars with DRL also can't turn off, but at least would be better with the option. Plus Rio Sedan's DRL is actually bulb type in place of fog lights. Means actually Rio Sedan doesn't have fog lights. The so called fog lights you see at the bottom are actually it's bulb DRL.

6) Brake noise

Degree of dissatisfaction: 5/10

When I first test drove the car, the sales rep gave me the heads up that few owners complaint noise when braking. He says it was regarding the braking material that Kia used. I appreciate that he was honest to me about that.

So after the test drive, I felt that it was an acceptable flaw. The sound only comes towards the end of braking, like a tight grip sound when the brake pads grips the disc rotors. If I got time I will post a video of how it sounds like.

I suppose the sounds can be managed if you change the brake pads to a different make. Not sure, haven't try yet.

7) Noisy stock wipers

Degree of dissatisfaction: 4/10

Again, a small issue. Sometimes no sound, sometimes got sound. Maybe due to under sun in showroom? Not sure though. But plan to change to better wipers in the future, just like the tyres.
EDIT:-

8) Low kerb clearance

Degree of dissatisfaction: 5/10

When carrying 4 or more passengers, be careful of bumps, as this car has low kerb clearance and might cause the underneath of the car to kena the bump.

Good thing about having lower gravity point is I feel more confident when taking corners.
----------------------------------------------------

Well, that's all I can think of so far 

To be continued with what I find impressive with this car.

(Continued Part 2)

What I find impressive with this car.

(In no particular order)

1) Safety features[/B]

6 airbags, VSC, TC, tyre pressure monitoring, all round disc brakes, 4 reverse sensors, what more can I ask for this car at this price range?

[B]2) Drive experience

(*Compared to previous Nissan Almera) Driving this car gives me better handling and confidence overall. Of course driving dynamics differ from one person to another. DO test drive first to get a feel of it.

NVH is acceptable for me.

3) Media player, steering controls, sound system.

This car has 6 speakers, USB, bluetooth connectivity (I can play songs from my phone to my car audio). Screen size of media player is perfect for me, not too small. It has a button to turn off screen at night.

4) Looks (Exterior/Interior)

Looks are subjective. But I really love the looks of this car 

Interior build quality is good too. Looks great as well.

5) 60:40 split folding rear seats.

Great for carrying bigger stuffs. Boot space is shy of 400 L, which I find more than enough for my usage.

6) Many small little things for practicality

Coming from Almera E spec which is basically most empty spec of all, there are some little things that made me like my Kia Rio:-

- Boot light (Lol, I know. New facelift E spec has bootlight I think)
- Remote trunk release.
- Netting to put stuff behind seats.
- Switch for locking all doors located at middle console, so easier for my wife to lock whenever I go out from my car, don't have to reach until my arm rest side.
- Lights lights everywhere. Passenger cargo space has lights, both driver and passenger vanity mirror has switch to turn on lights.
- Manual levelling of headlamps.
- Small white light overhead of the cabin, which is great for night time. It doesn't affect driving vision at night.
That's all I can think of so far.

Nothing really "impressive"actually if compared to other cars of this segment, but the main reason is chose this is because mainly I think it's value for money, plus with current end of the year discounts.

I think ultimately it boils down to whether the car you drive can bring a smile on your face whenever you drive it, and I can surely say that driving Rio Sedan has brought me lots of smile so far 

Cheers~~