Verdict
For a Malaysian buyer, the Kia Rio YB is the stronger new-versus-outgoing buy at RM75,381, undercutting the Kia Rio UB Facelift by RM7,002 while adding a 325-litre boot, reverse camera and 45-litre tank. The UB Facelift answers with 107 hp and 137 Nm against 99 hp and 133 Nm, plus Tiptronic control, four rear parking sensors and a full-size spare. Both are CKD B-segment hatchbacks with a four-speed automatic, six airbags and stability control, so the mechanical gap is modest. Choose the UB only if those driving and convenience details matter more than cargo room and price.
Pick the Kia Rio UB Facelift if you want the stronger 107 hp/137 Nm engine, Tiptronic shifting, four rear sensors and a full-size spare tyre.
Pick the Kia Rio YB if you want to save RM7,002 while gaining a reverse camera and a 325-litre boot.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Rio UB Facelift RM82,383; Kia Rio YB RM75,381.
- Power and torque: Kia Rio UB Facelift 107 hp and 137 Nm; Kia Rio YB 99 hp and 133 Nm.
- Boot space: Kia Rio UB Facelift 288 litres; Kia Rio YB 325 litres.
- Fuel tank: Kia Rio UB Facelift 43 litres; Kia Rio YB 45 litres.
- Parking assistance: Kia Rio UB Facelift has four rear sensors and no camera; Kia Rio YB has two rear sensors and a reverse camera.
- Spare tyre: Kia Rio UB Facelift gets a full-size spare; Kia Rio YB gets a space saver.
UB Facelift
- 107 hp and 137 Nm, versus 99 hp and 133 Nm.
- Tiptronic function on the four-speed automatic.
- Four rear parking sensors and a full-size spare tyre.
- Costs RM7,002 more.
- 288-litre boot is 37 litres smaller.
- No reverse camera.
YB
- RM7,002 lower purchase price.
- 325-litre boot and reverse camera.
- 45-litre fuel tank, 2 litres larger.
- Less power and torque: 99 hp/133 Nm versus 107 hp/137 Nm.
- No Tiptronic function.
- Two rear parking sensors and a space-saver spare tyre.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM82,383 | RM75,381✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | B-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70 | RM70 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,396 cc | 1,368 cc |
| Horsepower | 107 hp at 6,300 rpm✓ | 99 hp at 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 137 Nm at 4,200 rpm✓ | 133 Nm at 4,000 rpm |
| Cylinder Arrangement | Inline 4 | Inline 4 |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore × Stroke | 77 mm × 74.99 mm | 72 mm × 84 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 4-Speed Automatic | 4-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 4 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 4,045 mm | 4,065 mm |
| Width | 1,720 mm | 1,725 mm |
| Height | 1,455 mm | 1,460 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,570 mm | 2,580 mm |
| Weight | — | 1,162 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 43 litres | 45 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 288 litres | 325 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 205/45R17 | 205/45R17 |
| Rear Tyre | 205/45R17 | 205/45R17 |
| Spare Tyre | Full Size | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Continental ContiSportContact 5 |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 17" Alloy | 17" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) | 6 (Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain) |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | ✓ |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual for rear doors | Manual for rear doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen projector | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-Folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control | Single-zone Automatic Climate Control System |
| Sunroof | Front, Tilt and Slide | Front, Tilt and Slide |
| Power Sockets | 2 front | 1 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Map Lights | Map Lights and Ambient Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 front | 2 Front |
| Audio | Radio with CD, MP3 and AUX, 6 Speakers | 5" Floating Screen with 6 Speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Keyless operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Auto Wipers | ✓ | ✓ |
| Tiptronic | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Telescopic | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 2 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used cars for sale
UB Facelift vs YB FAQ
Is the Kia Rio UB Facelift or Kia Rio YB better?
The Kia Rio YB is the better value choice: it costs RM7,002 less, has a 325-litre boot and includes a reverse camera. Pick the Kia Rio UB Facelift if its extra 8 hp, 4 Nm, Tiptronic function, four rear sensors and full-size spare are priorities.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Rio UB Facelift costs RM82,383 and the Kia Rio YB costs RM75,381, making the UB Facelift RM7,002 more expensive.
Which Kia Rio has the larger boot?
The Kia Rio YB has the larger boot at 325 litres. The Kia Rio UB Facelift has 288 litres, a 37-litre deficit.
