Premier Rio

Premier Rio

Premier Limited has made a comeback in passenger car segment after nine years gap, with the launch of Premier Rio SUV. Known for its Premier Padmini, one of India’s oldest automaker has developed low priced SUV with the compact crossover. The car is the Indian version of Zotye Nomada, which is manufactured by Chinese automaker Zotye Autos. The Chinese ally will be supplying vehicle kits to Premier Limited for assembling Rio at Pune facility.

The compact SUV, targeting sport enthusiasts, is assimilated with low capacity engine in comparison to conventional sports utility vehicles. However, the lucrative pricing has flared expectations of aficionados and industry experts. Its power, acceleration and torque are more like hatchback cars.

One of the smallest SUV in India, it measures 3.9 meters in length and has a width of 1.55 meters, which is substantially less than any conventional SUV. As far as design and interiors are concerned, Premier Rio 2011 has been simply designed and it features several comfort / safety arrangements. New Premier Rio will contend with Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, Mahindra Bolero and Mahindra Xylo for its pie of market share.

Premier Rio Launch History

Premier Limited, based in Mumbai was established in the year 1944. The automaker produced Premier Padmini and hatchback Fiat Uno in the past. With the introduction of low priced SUV Premier Rio, the car maker is aiming for regain its image in the Indian automotive industry.

The moderately powered SUV is introduced in petrol and diesel variants. Premier Rio 2011 targets audience, aspiring to own SUV.

Premier Rio Variants (Models):

Variants of new Premier Rio can be classified by fuel type. All the variants of the compact SUV are detailed below:

Premier Rio Pricing

Premier Rio 2011 is positioned below conventional SUVs, falling in the segment of Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, Mahindra Bolero and Mahindra Xylo. Premier Rio price ranges between Rs. 4.7 lacs to Rs. 6 lacs, targeting middle-class aspiring for SUV.

Premier Rio Review

The mini SUV from Premier Limited, Premier Rio, is among interesting additions to the range of cars in Indian automotive market. Offered in the price bracket of Rs. 4.7 lacs to Rs. 6 lacs, Premier Rio 2011 is an alternate to B+ segment hatchbacks. Re-introducing itself in the Indian automotive market, Premier Limited is targeting Indian consumers with its unbeatable pricing strategy. The compact SUV from automaker will contend with Maruti Suzuki Gypsy, Mahindra Bolero Invader and Scorpio M2Di in its league.

The compact SUV features several advanced features, which include power steering, power windows, central locking and advanced music console with CD / MP3 / Radio capabilities. Available in both A/C as well as non-A/C versions, Premier Rio targets wider base of audience. Its top models are integrated with anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution that makes it highly safe and secure.

Premier Rio Used Car Market

Premier Limited is not appreciated in the used car market of India, due to its long term absence from car making. The automaker gathered success with its eon Premier Padmini, but failed to maintain it with changing market. Moreover, Fiat Uno and Peugeot 304 failed to create a positive impression in the minds of Indian consumers. In this manner, second hand market is again a rebuilding platform for Premier limited with recently launched, Premier Rio.

Premier Rio Specifications

New Premier Rio is introduced in petrol as well as diesel version in several variants. The petrol fuelled variants are powered by a high performance 4 cylinder engine with a displacement of 1173 cc. This high-performing engine has capability to generate power output of 77 bhp at 5800 rpm and peak torque of 104 Nm at 3500-4000 rpm.

Premier Rio diesel is loaded with fuel-efficient 4 cylinder engine, having a displacement of 1489 cc. The diesel engine has an advanced mechanism for optimal utilization of fuel and a fixed geometry turbo charger air charging system. This engine delivers maximum power of 65 bhp at 4000 rpm and peak torque of 152 Nm at 2250 to 3000 rpm.

Premier Rio Exteriors

Exterior Appearance

Overall exterior appearance of new Premier Rio is simple. In the front, it has simple flat headlamps with a levelling device. Internally adjustable ORVMs, three-spoke alloy wheels, indicators below impact line and windscreen wiper are some of the notable exterior highlights. On rear end, space is occupied by tailgate that has key type opening. Among noteworthy features of rear are large tail lamps with side claddings, rear fog lamps, rear wiper with rear washer and rear demister.

Exterior Measurements

Premier Rio is designed to accommodate 5 occupants comfortably. Exterior measurement of the car is tabulated below:

Premier Rio Interiors

Interior Appearance

The mini SUV from Premier Limited, Premier Rio 2011, has capacious interiors for accommodating 5 occupants comfortably despite its small size. The roomy interiors of Rio are decorated with fabric upholstery along with comfortable leather seating arrangement. Its modern instrument panel along with three spoke steering wheel are other features that grab attention.

Interior Comfort

New Premier Rio SUV from Premier Limited has several arrangements for comfort and convenience of the passengers. The spacious vehicle has comfortable space for occupancy of five passengers. It has split foldable rear seats that increase boot space for luggage storage. Moreover, top end variants have comfortable leather seat covers, which have adjustable head restraints. Other notable comfort arrangements are front door trim pockets, electrically adjustable OVRMs cup holder and removable ashtray.

Interior Measurements

Roomy compact SUV, Premier Rio 2011 has plenty of space for comfortable accommodation of passengers. It has ample legroom, shoulder room and elbow room at the front and rear for passengers. Furthermore, Premier Rio boasts of high headroom.

Premier Rio Mileage, Average and Fuel Economy

The compact SUV, New Rio is powered with an advanced engine, with BSIII technology. As per test reports by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI), 4 cylinder petrol engine of the Premier Rio SUV delivers a fuel economy of 12.5 kmpl. On the other hand, 1489cc diesel engine provides mileage of 12 kmpl as per testing by Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI).

Premier Rio On-road Drive

As per on-road testing of Premier Rio by expert agencies, both petrol and diesel variants gave positive results. Premium Rio 2011 comes with an advanced anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), which gives extra safety to the vehicle, preventing locking up of wheels and skidding on off-road terrains. Furthermore, it has an advanced braking mechanism, featuring disc brakes on the front wheels and drum type brakes at the rear wheels. This mechanism provides tremendous force for deacceleration and it generates considerably less heat. In addition to this, there is brake assist, which maintains intensity of braking during immediate braking.

Braking system and high performance engine is supported by an excellent braking mechanism, which consists of McPherson strut and coil spring at front and 5 rod system at rear. Besides, Premium Rio 2011 has ground clearance for better driveability.

Premier Rio Power

Premier Rio's petrol variants are loaded with 4 cylinder engine, with a displacement of 1173 cc. This high-performing engine has capability to generating maximum power of 77 bhp at 5800 rpm and has peak torque of 104 Nm at 3500-4000 rpm. Whereas,  Premier Rio diesel variants are equipped with 4 cylinder engine with a displacement of 1489 cc, which is acknowledged for fuel efficient performance. Assimilated with geometry turbo charger air charging system, diesel engine generates peak power of 65 bhp at 4000 rpm and has a maximum torque of 152 Nm at 2250 to 3000 rpm.

Premier Rio Premier Rio Acceleration and Pick Up

New Premier Rio is known for its acceleration and pick-up. Petrol as well as diesel variants are complemented with a five speed manual gearbox that helps mini crossover to generate momentum. Petrol variant of SUV races from 0 to 100 kmph in 18 seconds, whereas, diesel variant reaches 100 kmph in 19 seconds. Furthermore, Premier Rio SUV has top speed limit of 145 kmph.

Premier Rio Safety and Security

Despite its low pricing, safety aspects have not been compromised in the new Premier Rio 2011. Detailed attention is given to the safety aspect as an SUV, providing several active and passive arrangements for ensuring utmost safety of passengers. Anti-lock braking system (ABS) complements electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD) for immediate braking is the highlighting active safety arrangement.

Standard 3-point ELR seatbelts with pre-tensioners, child lock, high mounted stop lamps and side impact beams helps preventing collision in the new Premier Rio. Other notable safety features of compact SUV are keyless entry and brake assist.

Premier Rio Comfort and Convenience

For better driving position and road visibility, seats are placed adequately. A door-ajar warning lamp makes sure the safety of the driver. Steering mounted audio controls along with several other comfort features ensure convenience on-road experience.

Premier Rio Wheels

New Premier Rio has wheelbase of 2420 mm and is fitted with 15-inch alloy wheels. The tubeless tyres of size 205/70 R15 all variants provides firm grip in various road terrains.

Premier Rio Stereo and Accessories

New Premier Rio 2011 comes with a modern music console with AM / FM radio player and four speakers. In addition to this, buyers can also avail roof rails in the mini crossover.

Premier Rio Dealers

Premier Limited, one of India's oldest automakers, produces sports utility vehicles along with light utility vehicles. Based in Pune, the car maker is making a comeback in the passenger’s car segment in India with the launch of compact SUV, known as Rio. Premier Limited has entered into collaboration with Zotye Auto of China for this car model.

As of now, the car manufacturer has 30 flagship dealers scattered around the country. To back the sales of Premier Rio 2011, the automaker aims to expand dealership network to 100 in 6 months from the current period. Jaipur Auto Service Private Limited and Vivek Automobiles Limited are company owned dealership stores in New Delhi. New Premier Rio cars are available at Madan Motors in Mumbai. Lokenath Premier is a well-known dealer of Premier in Kolkata.

Premier Rio Company Quotes

According to a company spokesperson, “Our spare parts’ pricing will not be a profit centre, but rather provide customer service and delight.”

“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,” said company spokesperson.

Premier Rio Competitor Analysis

Premier Rio 2011 is an attractively priced compact SUV, which is targeted at the group aspiring for sports utility vehicles. Mini crossover from Premier takes on Maruti Gypsy, Mahindra Bolero and Mahindra Xylo in its league. Moreover, Rio is an interesting alternative for B-segment hatchback models.

Maruti Suzuki Gypsy is the closest contender of Premier Rio, which has lost its sheen over the years. Ranched way back in 1985, the impressive off road vehicle has achieved iconic stature. 4 X 4 capability along with smooth handling and light weight body makes it ideal for off-roading pursuits. However, lack of revisions in exteriors and interiors has decreased its demand in the market.

Mahindra Bolero, a rugged sports utility vehicle has been a major success in tier-II and tier-III cities. Since its launch, Mahindra Bolero has stood up to the expectations of target group and has offered high utility and reliability. Bolero is assimilated with high-revving 2498 cc diesel engine for a powerful on-road / off-road experience. Moreover, interiors and exteriors of the SUV are also appreciated in the industry.

Mahindra Xylo is another competitor of Premier Rio 2011, which was introduced in the Indian market in 2009. The dynamic SUV comes with several new age features for comfort and safety of occupants. It is loaded with a powerful 2498 cc, mEagle CRDe diesel engine with CRDI (Common Rail Direct Injection) fuel supply system. Buyers have appraised SUV for its intelligent fuel combustion and off-roading performance.

In comparison to its counterparts, new Premier Rio is more appealing mini crossover, placed between mid-size passenger cars and larger utility vehicles. Several variants in the price bracket of Rs. 4.7 lacs to Rs. 6 lacs, opens more options for target audience. Moreover, it has all essentials such as power steering, front power windows, central locking, air-conditioning system, modern music console and anti-lock breaking system (ABS). These features at lucrative price tag make an attractive proposition for Premier Rio.

Premier Rio LPG / CNG Version

As of now, there are no LPG / CNG versions of Premier Rio.

Premier Rio Pros

Premier Rio is one of the exciting mini crossovers of recent times in India. The advanced features such as power steering, front power windows, central locking and modern music console are positive features of the compact SUV. Its top-end models with advanced anti-lock braking system (ABS) mechanism at low pricing are major highlights.

Premier Rio Cons

Beside several positives, there are some limitations of new Premier Rio. Exteriors of the car are basic, which makes it appear like an ordinary SUV. Body colour bumpers / door handles and chrome accents are missing from the crossover. Moreover, black coloured B-Pillars further reduces elegance character from the compact SUV. Target group fears of the high maintainability of Premier cars, which can also hinder growth of this SUV in India.

Premier Rio Conclusion

Premier Motors has grabbed attention of aficionados and industry experts with the launch of its awaited low priced SUV, Premier Rio. New Premier Rio 2011, targeted the Indian middle-class aspiring for sports utility vehicles, marks re-introduction of automaker in Indian passenger car segment. One of India's oldest automakers, Premier Limited has launched compact SUV in petrol as well as diesel version to cater to wider base of target group.

Loads of comfort, safety and convenience features at low price tag is selling proposition of the off-roader. Presence of power steering, power windows, split foldable rear seats, electric door mirrors, anti-lock braking system (ABS) with electronic brake distribution (EBD) are notable features of the mini SUV. For off-roading purposes, it has high ground clearance of 200 mm. Premier Rio 2011 comes with digital clock, door ajar warning lamp, tachometer, advanced air-conditioning system and modern music console, which makes it a comfortable car.