"Kia Retona": specifications, photos and reviews

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

From 1999 to 2003, such an SUV as the Kia Retona was released. It was a civilian version of a military jeep produced by the same South Korean concern. And the model, built on the platform of the first versions of the Kia Sportage, has become very popular. She successfully competed with such cars as SsangYong Korando and Suzuki Jimny, and in Russia she was even preferred to Lada Niva. However, first things first.

Body

"Kia Retona" is a real brutal all-terrain vehicle. Although, many believe that outwardly it looks very awkward and cumbersome. However, this is not the case, the car is maneuverable - numerous test drives and owner reviews allow us to verify this.

The model is compact. Its length is exactly 4 meters. The width reaches 1745 mm, the height is 1835 mm, and the ground clearance is 20 centimeters. The wheelbase is impressive - 2360 mm. It is also worth noting that this is a rather heavy car. Its curb weight reaches 1394 kg. And the maximum allowable is more than 1.9 tons.

The body of the "Kia Reton" is such that it can be done without fearexposed to various external influences, such as bushes and trees that off-road enthusiasts usually drive through.

Internal comfort

Kia Retona's salon is as simple as possible. Many owners of this all-terrain vehicle even say that it is ascetic. However, this applies to the pluses - there is simply nothing to break inside, and this is another reason for the full operation of this SUV for its intended purpose.

The model is not without features. Many note small windows with attention. But you can quickly get used to it. The most important thing is that everything is perfectly visible in the rear-view mirrors.

By the way, the interior of the Kia Retona, although simple, is functional. The motorist is given the opportunity to transform it. All seats can easily be turned into one wide comfortable bed. And the trunk at the same time becomes so huge that you have to try hard to load it to capacity.

And the equipment is not bad, even in the standard version. Good music, adjustable seats in different directions and adjustable steering wheel, front armrest, sunroof, powerful air conditioning. The only thing missing is heated seats.

Specifications

Potential buyers were offered several models of Kia Retona. They differed in characteristics and engines.

Under the hood of the weakest version was a 2-liter 83-horsepower turbocharged diesel engine. This all-wheel drive model was controlled by a 5-speed"mechanics". Acceleration to “hundreds” of the model takes 20.5 seconds. And the speed limit is 124 km / h. The model consumes, by the way, 10 liters of fuel per 100 kilometers in mixed mode. A full tank is usually enough for a long time, because its volume is 60 liters.

There was also a model with an 87-horsepower engine. But despite the greater number of "horses", this version is slower - its maximum is 120 km / h.

The most powerful were models with gasoline engines. Which were offered in the amount of two pieces. One of them produced 128 liters. s., and the other - 136 liters. With. The last option is the most powerful. With such an engine, the Kia Retona had very impressive technical characteristics. Its "maximum" increased to 150 km / h, and the consumption was 16 and 9 liters (in the city and on the highway, respectively).

It is also worth noting that all versions had power steering and ventilated disc brakes. And also a reliable suspension - wishbones in front and coil springs in the back.

Drivability

This is one of the most important nuances that many motorists note with attention, leaving reviews about the Kia Retona SUV.

This machine is heavy but manoeuvrable. Turbo-diesel versions do not differ in particular dynamics, but they easily stay in the stream. Consumption, of course, "grew" with age. If you keep the speed at around 2200-2300, and do not go faster than 100 km / h, then it will be a little less than 10 liters on the highway. The gearbox works fine, but the fourth gear can only be engaged after the speedometer needlewill rise above the mark of 95 km/h.

The only drawback that motorists note with attention is the sensitivity of the car to rutting. And this defect is noticed at high speeds. With obvious impassability, the car copes easily, and on flat roads it stands as if “poured”. And, as the owners of this model assure, the higher the speed, the more difficult it is to “move” the car out of the way.

Cost

A few words should be said about how much the Kia Retona costs. The photos provided above show a solid and well-built SUV. In Russia, it is rarely seen, but, nevertheless, it is realistic to find advertisements for the sale. The Cruiser versions are more often offered - those that were produced after a slight cosmetic restyling.

A model in good condition can cost about 350-400 thousand rubles. And this is a great price for a solid SUV, also with fog optics, a sunroof, an alarm system with auto start, xenon headlights and engine heating. But at this price, models with 83-87 hp engines are usually offered. With. Those that are more powerful will cost a little more.

Dignity

A car like the Kia Retona Cruiser has a lot of them. Motorists note with special attention the self-locking differential and the presence of a convenient lever for connecting all-wheel drive. And also an excellent air conditioning and heating system. In summer it is not hot with her, and in winter you do not have to freeze.

Permeability is excellent, but the clearance is not enoughgreat. However, this problem can be easily solved by installing high profile tires.

The engines are all high-torque, the car moves off without problems even from the second speed, and some people on the roads do not even connect the four-wheel drive. The only negative is when driving on ice. The car is not equipped with ABS, so it can “turn around” on slippery surfaces.

In general, people who own this car leave extremely positive comments. The car is ideal for lovers of off-road trips in the mountains, fishing, hunting, etc. Operation does not cause any problems, and if it becomes necessary to replace any parts, then you will not have to spend a lot on spare parts, as they are very cheap. And this is important.