Value-hunting motorists need look no further than the stylish Kia Rio that blends an economical super-mini with pace, space and up-to-the minute design and technology. The Kia Rio is much better than its predecessors and is now worthy of some serious thought. It is an accomplished five-door hatchback capable of competing with both small and medium-sized models. Everything about this car has been redesigned. The styling, for example, should go down well, featuring as it does a bolder nose and a more dynamic profile. The enhancements are not limited to the cars outside design the inside has been redesigned as well.The all-new 96bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine which made its debut with Rio, generating 17.5% more power than the class average, while the modern Euro IV compliant 109bhp 1.5-litre CRDi turbo diesel delivers 36% more power than most diesels in this segment. Yet despite the improved performance, fuel economy is also better. In manual-gearbox form, the 1.4-litre Rio covers 44.8 miles per gallon on the official combined cycle (39.2mpg for the automatic) and the 1.5 CRDi covers 60.1mpg which means that with a 45-litre fuel tank it has a potential range of just under a whopping 600 miles. Both engines come with a five-speed manual transmission as standard but a four-speed automatic specifically developed and tuned for the Rio is offered with the petrol engine.
The Kia Rio is among one of the largest vehicles in its class. Accessibility to the cars front and rear seats is good. The door apertures are not huge, but they are more than adequate and accessibility to the car’s cabin is straightforward. Front and rear passengers should have adequate head and legroom. The trim is neutral, though owners can opt for several different upgrades. The steering adjusts for rake but not reach. The cars fascia is logically arranged and neatly organized and the controls and dials are fairly simple and easy to use.
The Rio is not a sporty car but it delivers a smooth ride with low levels of noise and vibration, and with its excellent power steering is simple to park. Even though the Rio wasn’t built for speed it does deliver a decent ride with adequate power at an affordable price. By the end of my drive I was quite taken by this little car. The engine is superb and certainly up there with the class leading diesels in its sector. Kia now has a good range of cars that can compete on equal terms with the established players.
