Premier - Rio

Premier was established in 1944 by industrial pioneer Walchand Hirachand. It was one of the first Indian companies to start manufacturing automobiles in collaboration with Chrysler Corporation U.S.A. The first car rolled out of its factory in Kurla, Mumbai in 1948.

Thereafter, Premier has had several collaborations/joint-ventures with FIAT, Nissan, Peugeot etc. Its most popular model was the FIAT 1100 popularly known as Premier Padmini reputed for its ruggedness and reliability. Premier has also successfully launched several other models including the popular 118 NE, Fiat UNO and various diesel variants.

Overview Of Premier Rio - Affordable & Feature Rich

Premier India which was once famous for its padmini sedan, has made a bang with the launch of all new SUV - The Rio. Rio is basically the Zotye Nomada which is a mini crossover which is manufactured by leading chinese auto manufacturer - Zotye Autos.

Premier Rio is a small city SUV which has been developed on basis of advanced technology from domestic and international autos. The company has tied up with a Chinese auto company Zoyte International. The CKD version of the car will be assembled at premier's Chinchwad facility in Pune, where it currently manufactures Sigma van and Road-star pick-up. Rio is less than four metres in length and has 1489cc engine which is below 1.5 litre engine capacity, so it gets the tax benefit of a small car.

"We will be targeting fun-loving small families for their multi-purpose use with Rio. It is placed between the mid-sized passenger car and larger utility vehicles," Premier Ltd Chairman and Managing Director Maitreya Doshi said here after launching the vehicle.

The turn indicators are integrated into grey finished front bumpers which gives it a bold SUV type looks. At the rear end it features ford fusion type vertical tail lamps in D-pillar. Also the spare wheel is mounted on the tail gate like we have seen in safari and endeavour. With its significantly higher headroom, the Rio also offers more storage space than the large hatchbacks without enlarging its exterior dimensions.

Engine specifications...

Body Style         SUV 

Engine Type       Turbo Diesel

Engine Description 1.5L, 1489cc, Turbo Diesel engine

Dimensions        3900X1555X1670 mm 

Mileage                15/highway.

No. of Cylinders 4 cylinders

Maximum Power 65PS @ 4000rpm

Maximum Torque 152Nm @2250rpm

Valves Per Cylinder 4 cylinders

Fuel Supply System Direct Injection

Transmission       5 speed manual

Versions            Rio Ex, Rio Lx, Rio Dx,

Drive Type         Two Wheel Drive

Top Speed         145kmph

Seating Capacity 5 persons

Fuel Tank Capacity 46 litres

Price                  6,50,000Rs/- expected

Rio is going to be choice of a customer who wants SUV looks in a affordable 5 seater vehicle and for a price of premium hatchback. The base model of Rio comes with front power windows, rear defogger, rear wiper/washer and electric adjustment for outside rear view mirrors. In addition to all these comfort features the top model of Rio comes with AC, Central Locking, ABS, EBD & CD Player with AM/FM and premium fabric in different shade.

Powered by Premier's own engine that is essentially a downsized Peugeot TUD5 diesel engine, the Rio's engine capacity now measures in at 1490cc and develops 65 Bhp of peak power. The engine is Euro-III ready and the company is taking adequate steps to meet Euro-IV emission norms, come April 1, 2010. The 1489cc Turbo Diesel engine generates maximum power of 65 Bhp at 4000 rpm with maximum torque of 152 Nm at 2250 rpm.

DISCLAIMER: We are not associated, affiliated or connected with any one or global by any means. This is our personal interest.