Premier Ltd. had launched the Rio with a 1.5-litre diesel engine. The company has now introduced the petrol version of the Rio and this will be available across major metros and select Tier II cities in a phase-wise manner. The RiO petrol version is powered by a 1173cc engine that delivers 77bhp and offers 15kmpl, while the diesel version is powered by a 1489cc turbo diesel engine based on Peugeot technology delivering 65bhp of power, offering 16 kmpl (ARAI cycle). Based on a Daihatsu model, this vehicle is sourced from the Zotye Group (China) from its plant near Shanghai.
Premier assembles the Rio at its Pune plant, based in Chinchwad, and has been selling it through its dealer network in a phased rollout. Currently, the company has 50 dealers and eyes a network of 100 dealers in the next 12 months, thereby creating a pan-India network. The carmaker is now offering 3-year warranty are being offered for the Rio. According to a company spokesperson, “Our spare parts’ pricing will not be a profit centre, but rather provide customer service and delight.”
The RiO is available in four versions, accommodates 5 people, with the base model price starting from Rs 4.7 lakhs and the top-end model at Rs 6.3 lakhs, (ex-showroom prices, Pune), making it nearly Rs.1.5 lacs cheaper than any other SUV on the Indian roads. The RiO is available in four colours i.e. red, white, silver and black. All models are equipped with power steering, front power windows, electrically operated door mirrors, roof-rails central locking and CD/MP3 players. The higher models have additional features such as anti-lock breaking system (ABS), keyless entry and alloy wheels. RiO is also equipped with foldable split rear seats, thereby providing multiple seating configurations and its unique feature is high ground clearance enabling it to operate on all types of roads.
