Kia Retona

The Kia Retona is a small mini SUV based on Kia's military jeeps. The name is a portmanteau of return to nature.^[1] Developed by Asia Motors, the car was initially sold as the "Asia Retona" in some markets. The Retona had been using the same platform as the first generation Kia Sportage Convertible. Its competitors included the Lada Niva, Suzuki Jimny and the SsangYong Korando.^[2]

Kia Retona
Overview
Manufacturer	Kia Motors
Also called	Kia Retona Cruiser (KDM Facelift)
Production	1998–2003
Assembly	South Korea: Gwangju (Gwangju Plant)
Body and chassis
Class	Mini SUV (J)
Body style	3-door SUV
Layout	Front-engine, four-wheel-drive
Chassis	Body-on-frame
Related	Kia KM131
Powertrain
Engine	2.0 L FE-DOHC I4 (Mazda) 2.0 L RT turbodiesel I4
Dimensions
Length	1998–2000: 4,000 mm (157.5 in) 2000–2003: 4,025 mm (158.5 in)
Width	1,745 mm (68.7 in)
Height	1,835 mm (72.2 in)
Curb weight	1,510 kg (3,329 lb)
Chronology
Predecessor	Asia Rocsta
Successor	Kia Sportage

A 2006 survey of German owners by magazine Auto Bild found that the Retona was "abysmally" unreliable.^[3]