Some cool mods and a few stickers and there you have a WRX! (www.kia-world.net)

If you have ever wanted the chance to drive a Subaru WRX STi but have never had the money to afford the $40,000+ price tag, premium gas, and constant trips to the mechanic to keep that baby running clean, then here is the car for you! The Kia Rio and Rio RX-V has all the appearance of the STi, but without the price tag, maintenance and overall quality.

Kia Rio RX-V:

Shown below, the Kia Rio RX-V (which nearly shares the same name as the Subaru, making it seem like the Sub itself to non car lovers) is the station wagon version from the early 2000’s which greatly resembles the WRX wagon you see out on the road. Best of all, the Rio’s were mass produced in the same electric blue that the WRX is known for. Throw on a roof rack, and a little pink sticker on the back (the STi logo is pink) and you’re on your way to picking up the ladies.

Kia Rio RX-V Looking Good. (http://www.autonet.ca)

Kia Rio Sedan 2004:

  • MSPR: $9,740 – Price used: About $5,000
  • Stock Horsepower: 104 HP
  • 5 Speed Transmission
  • 26 mpg city / 33 mpg hwy

Though this model of the Rio is no longer in production, if you can find one of the few (only 500 in Canada when sold) you will be right out driving an STi without the luxury or  quality of a Subaru! The Rio Sedan pictured below resembles a STi beyond belief. It’s almost as if Kia purposely copied the design of one of the best known sporting cars…impossible. Though the car looks like a copy, it still boosts a good bit of horsepower with the right changes made to the engine being said to have up to 400 HP. Believable? Not really, as the stock Rio you can buy today has just over 100 horses and the stock STi has about 300HP, but then again, I’m not a car guy, who knows, a little NOS and you’re on your way.

If you really want the Rio to look like a Sub, you’ll need the 2004 Sedan, with a body kit, and a massive spoiler to keep you from flipping. For maximum WRX-ness a few stickers on the right door to show off your Sponzors will definitely keep those heads turning.

Some cool mods and a few stickers and there you have a WRX! (www.kia-world.net)

If you want to go the extra mile, whip out the gold spray can and get those rims golden! A european licence plate is also a nice touch.

The Rio Deal, Almost a WRX with those rims and spoiler. (www.kia-world.net)

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Subaru WRX STi:

  • Price New: $42, 695
  • Stock Horsepower: 305HP
  • 5 or 6 Speed Transmission
  • mpg city 17 /mpg highway 23

Alright, cut the crap. The STi is a world class rally car. Ken block takes it off jumps in the terrain park, and corners with it at high speeds and complete control. This car is precise, fast, and good in snow, dirt, mud, and on the road. No matter how hard they try, the Kia Rio will never live up to the reputation and ability of the STi. Good cars are expensive for a reason, bad cars are cheap for another reason.

(Stats of car come from 2012 Subaru WRX STi Sport-Tech Package (Not shown blow))

Subaru WRX STi (http://en.wikipedia.org)

Watch Ken Block shred the DC Mountain Lab in his Subaru!

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