Our latest Kia owner, Chris, had never owned a vehicle of his own before he purchased his Kia Rio5 back in November 2012.
He had heard a lot about Kia and how they were trying to move the brand away from being that of a cheap alternative to bigger names.
Chris reveals that he was pleasantly surprised with the quality and problem-free experience that his Rio5 delivered.
He also says that the vast majority of people give a compliment about his ride when they see it, with the ladies in particular taken with how cute it is. There are many who actually mistake his Kia Rio 5-door hatchback for a VW Golf.
As much as Chris was pleased with how the car looked from day one, he always knew that modifications would be in its future.
He believes in getting a look that is “just right” for every car, which he believes help add to the positives that it already brings to the table. Among those are the fact that the Rio5 is incredibly fun to drive, whilst basically sipping gas at a rate of about 30-35 mpg.
Chris has already made a number of modifications to the car, but has suggested that he is really just getting started.
He has gone with such changes as LED conversion, a flat black roof to go with the white body, a custom exhaust, Storm springs, Neuspeed SRI, and SFR flash/custom dyno tune.
The items that are still on hos modifications wish list include custom exhaust from exhaust manifold back, one final tune, air bag suspension, projector headlights, fog lights, a custom light bar behind grille, Veloster leather seats, short shifter, and a flat white paint job.
Kia Rio 5-Door Hatchback Specs
- Model year: 2012
- Trim level: LX
- Engine: 1.6L 4-cylinder
- Tire size: 205/45-17
- Average mpg: 33-35 mpg in the summer and 27-30 mpg in the winter (snow tires)
- Miles so far: 35000 miles
Kia Ownership Interview With Chris
1. Tell us something about your Kia car ownership experience?
My 2012 Rio5 is my first vehicle I purchased brand new. For being an company still working on it’s reputation and for being a cheap car, I’m very please at the quality and lack of problems that might require dealership visits.
2. What do other people say about your ride?
9 out of 10 people have some type of compliment for my car as it sits right now. Lots of looks, people trying to figure out what it is. Lots of people thinking it’s a Golf or Impreza. Lots of females think it’s “cute.”
3. How long have you owned your Rio5?
I bought my Kia Rio5 in November of 2012
4. Honestly, what was your intention when you bought your Kia?
I knew I was going to modify the car to my own taste. Every car has a “right” look for it, something that works right. I liked the white and black two tone and just trying to do different things all the time.
5. What do you like the most about your car?
I like the fuel economy and the fact that it’s still fairly fun to drive around town and on B roads, and that I can still get 30-35 avg mpg every tank.
6. What is it that makes your ride look unique?
Look at the car 😉
7. What accessories have you installed so far / do you have any future plans?
List of current mods:
- Neuspeed SRI
- custom exhaust
- SFR flash/custom dyno tune
- Storm springs
- Drag wheels and Nitto tires
- everything tinted
- LED conversion
- custom sub/amp setup
- flat black roof
Future modifications: full custom exhaust from exhaust manifold back, one final tune, air bag suspension, projector headlights, fog lights, custom light bar behind grille, Veloster leather seats, short shifter, flat white paint job.
How did you get the upgrades to fit your car? I have the exact same car and there’s nothing that says it will fit
How did you go about finding the upgrades for the car? i picked up a 2015, but cant find anything on it? 🙁
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