Premier Rio Diesel CRDi4 DX

The Premier Rio Diesel CRDi4 DX is a compact SUV that has been a pioneer in its segment in India. Powered by a 1.3-litre Fiat Multijet diesel engine, it produces 72 PS of power and 183 Nm of torque, making it quite capable for city driving and moderate highway use. The engine is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission and drives the rear wheels. The vehicle features a ground clearance of 200mm, which is adequate for Indian road conditions. Despite its compact size, the Rio offers a reasonable boot space and seating for five. However, the interior design and build quality are areas that need improvement, with hard plastics and poor finish being notable drawbacks. The Rio CRDi4 DX comes in several variants, but this particular model is known for its balance of performance, fuel efficiency, and affordability.

The Premier Rio Diesel CRDi4 DX is a significant improvement over its predecessors, primarily due to the integration of the 1.3-litre Fiat Multijet diesel engine. This engine, known for its high performance and stellar fuel economy, makes the Rio CRDi4 quite peppy and responsive, with minimal turbo lag. However, the vehicles NVH levels are on the higher side, and the diesel clatter is audible inside the cabin. The handling and ride quality are not its strong points, with a disconnected steering feel and noticeable body roll in corners. Despite these drawbacks, the Rio CRDi4s compact size, improved performance, and competitive pricing make it a viable option in the entry-level compact SUV segment. However, it falls short in terms of interior quality and design, which could be a deterrent for some buyers.

Premier has launched a facelifted version of the Rio in China, which is expected to make its way to the Indian market. The new design includes a revised front fascia with redesigned headlamps, a more aggressive triple-slat grille, and a contemporary looking bumper. The interior has also been upgraded with a revised dashboard and better plastic quality. I think this facelift could give the Premier Rio a much-needed boost in the Indian market.

The Premier Rio CRDi4 DX is equipped with a 1248cc Fiat Multijet diesel engine, producing 72PS of power and 183Nm of torque. This engine is known for its high performance and stellar fuel economy. However, the NVH levels are on the higher side, which is an area Premier needs to improve. I think fine-tuning the engine has made the Rio feel quite powerful, but noise reduction is crucial.

Premier is expanding its dealership network across India to support the sales of the Rio. The company also offers a roadside assistance program called PASS to Rio owners. With eight different variants available, the Premier Rio aims to cater to a niche market in the compact SUV segment. I believe this expansion and support will help Premier regain its foothold in the Indian car market.

The Premier Rio Diesel CRDi4 DX has been softly launched in India at an exciting price of Rs 6.7 lakh. This compact SUV is powered by a 1.3 litre Fiat Multijet diesel engine, offering a mileage of 23.75 kmpl. Deliveries for this model started in August 2012. I believe this pricing makes it a competitive option in the entry-level SUV segment.

Premier Rio, based on the Zoyte 5008, has been criticized for its quality and ergonomics. Despite its unique positioning in the market, the car has not seen significant sales. The company is working on improving these aspects, and a facelift is anticipated to address these issues. I hope the upcoming changes will make the Premier Rio more appealing to Indian buyers.

The Premier Rio Diesel CRDi4 DX is priced competitively in the Indian market. The ex-showroom price for this variant was around Rs. 6.74 lakh in Mumbai, which translates to an on-road price of approximately Rs. 7.5 lakh to Rs. 8 lakh, depending on the state and local taxes. This pricing makes the Rio CRDi4 one of the more affordable options in its segment, although it faces stiff competition from other compact SUVs like the Renault Duster and the Maruti Ertiga. The value for money is decent, considering the performance and fuel efficiency offered, but potential buyers should weigh this against the vehicles interior and handling shortcomings.

The Premier Rio Diesel CRDi4 DX offers impressive mileage figures, which is a significant selling point. With an ARAI-certified mileage of 23.75 kmpl, this vehicle is highly fuel-efficient, making it an attractive choice for those concerned about running costs. In real-world conditions, the mileage can vary but generally stays around 18-20 kmpl in city driving and up to 22 kmpl on highways, which is commendable for its class.