[HammerHead]

Originally Posted by YC.BALENO.CHD

But isn't it the PACKAGE that we buy?

Sure, IMO all the 'car attributes' and 'brand attributes' should be given equal weightage before calling it a good, bad or average package.

Bottom line is RIO IS NOT A GREAT VEHICLE AND BEING FROM PAL ITS NOT A GREAT PACKAGE AS WELL.

Agreed. The only positive that we can take out of Rio is that it will surely make other manufacturers to think about the segment it opened up.

[gaddiwale]

Originally Posted by HammerHead

Agreed. The only positive that we can take out of Rio is that it will surely make other manufacturers to think about the segment it opened up.

+1 to this. I loved the concept of small SUV. If Maruti, Hyundai, TATA, or M&M comes with this kind of vehicle I would definitely buy that. Rio - a big no no, I don't want to spend my hard-earned money to a Chinese product like this.

[GTO]

Originally Posted by HammerHead

Agreed. The only positive that we can take out of Rio is that it will surely make other manufacturers to think about the segment it opened up.

Mahindra sure didn't waste any time. Link to 5 seater Xylo thread

Originally Posted by pgsagar

GTO and YC Baleno! I got earfull from you guys. Was my post so offensive?

Hey, no offense was meant at all. My apologies if I sent out the wrong message. After all, its the different viewpoints that lead to healthy educational debates

[pgsagar]

GTO, thanx for lifting my spirits up! Let me take this opportunity to convey to you that I hold your frank and unbiased reviews on new car launches in high esteem. I find them way better than auto mags.

Just one more word. I am yet eagerly waiting for your review on the legendary Mitsu Evo and I am sure here I speak for everyone on Teambhp.

[mooza]

I usually happen to do my evening jog past the RIO showroom in Koramangala (Bangalore) at around 7 pm.

I really do not know if PAL wants to sell this car, because when all showrooms including the adjoining garments shops are brightly lit, the RIO showroom has remained unlit whenever I cross it, even after dark, even though the showroom is open and the sales guys can be seen moving about in the background !

[xingamazon]

I did have chance to see the Rio during my trip to Bangalore, I must accept the concept as such was of my liking, a hatch turned to an SUV.

I guess if someone like Maruti or Hyundai had this job ( I mean converting a hatch to a mini SUV) they would have succeded, provided the finishing was better.

I would bet Fusion would have been one good contender for a mini SUV makeover.

[aby]

Saw a Rio in Bangalore roads, couldn't click a pic as I decided that negotiating the traffic was in the better interest of my safety.

Anyways contrary to popular opinion, I think it is quite a looker . Better looking than the Gypsy (Or maybe because we in India have only been exposed to Gypsy and a few ugly looking M&M contraptions in that range bar the Bolero Invader), it could have been a hell of a package had it been introduced by the likes of Maruti, Hyundai or even Tata Motors.

I just wish this Mini SUV (with a decent off-roading capabilities) is revived by mainstream auto manufacturers so that we don't have to suffer the ignominy of having to see this Chinese tinpot junk jostling for Indian Road space.

Under 4m, with our national engine, and decent off-road capabilities plus equipment, selling for 7-9 Lakhs. If only wishes were horses

[WindRide]

Originally Posted by mooza

... when all showrooms including the adjoining garments shops are brightly lit, the RIO showroom has remained unlit whenever I cross it, even after dark, even though the showroom is open and the sales guys can be seen moving about in the background !

Ah, must be due to a power cut. Iam sure they will buy a decent generator with the proceeds from the first Rio sale in bangalore.

[allana13]

The Rio i.e the Daihatsu was a popular seller here in Europe and in the middle east.

It gave the Mitsubishi Shogun Pin (i.e the mini shogun) a run for its money.
Being 4 doors it was preferred to the the Suzuki Jimmy.

[sbala]

Rio has a decent look.. But its surely disappoints in other aspects. I have seen many of these compact SUV's in Malaysia. Nissan, Toyota has cool compact SUV's which would definitely be a hit here in India.

Wondering, why these folks always hesitate to bring in these cars here :(

[sandeepmdas]

What Rio can do at best: "opening the shelf" for the compact SUV segment.
Let us stay away from this vehicle dear TBHPians, but at the same time, let's pray for the Rio to do some volume sales. If it will, the other players (with a better pedigree) will jump in and then...

So whenever you see a Rio on road, rejoice! (I'm still waiting for the my turn to do so, as a matter of fact).
My 2 cents.

[shankar.balan]

here is the little RIO
its not bad really.

I stopped the dealers test car because I saw it on the road near my house and asked the very obliging driver to let me sit in it and drive it for a short distance. ( I had to chase it a bit and honk and flash my lights at him till he noticed me and stopped. On account of its compact size and the fact that the test driver was clipping, I was pretty hard pressed to catch up with the Rio in my Scorpio - also I really didnt wish to gun the Scorpio on the wet roads in my neighbourhood especially with so many people and traffic around.)
Driving it isnt so bad - its reasonably powerful for a small family - i felt it was just a tad bigger than the WagonR.
My knees however found a distinct lack of room - kept banging into the steering column and front dash bulkhead.
else the car felt quite nice on the short distance I drove it. Slightly squashy gearbox though.
The ground clearance was its most impressive point. Luggage space is pretty limited unless the rear seat is put down. Tyre size is nice and the alloys are also nice - 15 inchers so the vehicle feels quite good over potholes and speed breakers.
It is not a top heavy sort of vehicle and doesnt feel really bad around corners. The power window switches are located most horrendously.
Brakes were pretty good and the ABS kicks in quite quickly - it was a wet day a few days ago when I first saw and experienced the Premier RIO

While everyone in general is sceptical about it, I think it is an interesting try by Premier.
I spoke to the dealership - there is one in 5th Block Koramangala Bangalore - they said that the new RIO is expected this week - it is an uprated upgraded version of the existing one - some few more bells and whistles added in.
Lets see what numbers it does over the next 6months to a year and whether it lasts the course!
I think that if nothing else, it will at least serve to open up this hitherto untapped segment of vehicles - small compact SUV's.

This kind of vehicle is the ideal one for a young couple with a couple of small kids who want something as an alternative to the run of the mill boring hatch backs and sedans that are all over the place.

[condor]

That chrome lip on front grille is garish. That needs to go out fast.

@Shankar, how's NVH, seats comfort & luggage space at the back ?

[Mpower]

Originally Posted by shankar.balan

here is the little RIO
its not bad really.

To be fair, we have to compare the Rio's fit and finish with the other budget SUV, the Bolero and not the latest hatchbacks like Polo or i-20.

[shankar.balan]

Hi!

NVH:Quite a noisy little beast when heard from outside. Typical diesel clatter from the TUD5 engine. Quite similar to the DI Bolero - sounds a bit like a tiller. But with the Windows up, the noise is surprisingly lessened.

Seats: for a tall man - bad under thigh support. also despite the seats being pushed completely back as far as possible my knees were banging the front dash/ steering column/ bulkhead.
Long drives would be a pain on account of this.

Luggage space: Very Average. With the rear seats put down yes there is a bit of extra space. Enough for a young couple or couple with 2 small kiddies. Not enough space in the back to put a golf bag in normally. With the rear seat down, if kept at an angle then it can fit a standard golf bag. Else it cant.

This vehicle can probably best be compared with the Maruti Wagon R except for the tyre/ wheel size, ground clearance and the fact that it is diesel.

Originally Posted by condor

That chrome lip on front grille is garish. That needs to go out fast.

@Shankar, how's NVH, seats comfort & luggage space at the back ?