Premier Rio CRDi4

Premier very recently refreshed its Rio mini-SUV with a styling update, but it is the introduction of the new diesel engine that should really broaden its appeal. The engine in question is the ubiquitous 1.3-litre Multijet from Fiat, which among others, also powers Fiat’s own Punto and Linea, the Tata Indica Vista and Indigo Manza, and the Maruti Swift, SX4 and Ertiga. This engine allows the Rio to meet BS-IV emission norms and hence qualifies it for sale in the metros.
However, shoehorning the 1.3-litre Multijet engine into the Rio was far from easy. That’s because the rear-wheel-drive Rio positions its engine longitudinally rather than the front-wheel drive transverse arrangement the Multijet is built for. This required careful modification of mounting points to keep noise, vibrations and harshness in check.
However, engine refinement is still not comparable to other Multijet-equipped cars on sale. There is quite a bit of clatter at idle, and the engine does get noisy at higher revs. However, the new engine does feel a whole lot better than the older TUD5 motor that will still be offered in non-metro markets. Performance is much improved too (power is up to 71bhp) and the Rio doesn’t feel as laboured as before. It is still slow by established standards but feels a lot peppier than the older motor. Power comes in after 2000rpm, but the short gearing helps keep the Rio in the meat of its powerband.http://www.autocarindia.com/Review/315033,premier-rio-crdi4-review-test-drive.aspx