Premier RiO History

In October 2009 Premier re-entered the Indian passenger-vehicle market with the RiO, launched as India's first compact diesel SUV and assembled from CKD kits of the Zotye Nomad I — a Chinese SUV that was itself derived from the Daihatsu Terios. The RiO went on sale in December 2009, initially offered with only a 1.2-litre petrol engine producing approximately 75.5 bhp.

A significant update arrived in 2012 when Premier fitted a Fiat-sourced diesel engine, giving the RiO the fuel-economy credentials its debut lacked. Despite being a class pioneer, the RiO earned a reputation for poor build quality and unreliable service support, limiting its commercial success. Production continued alongside the Sigma until Premier filed for bankruptcy in December 2018 and sold its Pune factory land in 2019.