Premier Unveiled RiO: Compact Diesel SUV Car in India @ Rs. 5.66 Lakhs

Premier Limited, (formerly known as Premier Automobiles Limited) India’s pioneering car maker, today unveiled its Compact Diesel SUV "RiO" in Bangalore. RiO is the first ever Compact Diesel SUV in the Indian market. With the new RiO, Premier has re-entered the Indian passenger vehicle market and is all set to retain its old charm as one of the leading automakers in India. Premier RiO aims to cater to the segment between mid-size passenger cars and large utility vehicles.

The RiO seats five people comfortably and is powered by Premier's 1489 cc turbo diesel engine based on Peugeot technology delivering close to 65 BHP and a fuel efficiency of about 16 kms per liter. The vehicle, based on a Daihatsu model, will be sourced from China through a component supply agreement with Zotye Group, the Chinese manufacturer that sells close to 1,00,000 units per annum of this model from its modern plant near Shanghai, China.

Commenting on the occasion, Avniesh Goel, General Manager, Marketing, Premier Limited, said "We have re-entered the Indian market with India’s first ever Compact Diesel SUV. With the luxurious comfort in Rio along with its unbeatable pricing strategy, we are optimistic of redefining Indian customer’s perception about an SUV."

"RiO is being assembled at Premier’s Pune plant and sells through its dealer network across India. The Company currently has 60 dealers, and will expand to 200 in the next 12 months, thereby creating an all India network. Premier is beefing up its sales and service support and will be offering a 3-year warranty for the RiO," he added.

The RiO will retail in three versions with the base model priced at Rs. 5.66 lakhs (Ex-Showroom, Bangalore) and the high end model at Rs. 6.40 lakhs.

Premier Limited has signed an exclusive all-Karnataka dealership with Komura Premier, promoted by Taranath R. The showroom is located in Koramangala in Bangalore.

Ex-showroom prices of RiO in Bangalore are:
Premier RiO EX - 5,66,791
Premier RiO DX - 5,93,003
Premier RiO LX - 6,40,182

RiO is available in five exciting colors that include: Brick Red, Tafeta White, Sleek Silver, Royal Black, Cool Blue All models come equipped with power steering, front power windows, central locking and CD/MP3 player. The vehicle is available both in A/C and non-A/C versions. Higher models will have additional features like anti-lock breaking system (ABS) and alloy wheels.

The RiO comes with foldable split rear seats thereby providing multiple seating configurations and, its unique feature is a very high ground clearance enabling it to comfortably operate on all types of roads.

Courtesy: Premier Limited