Kia Rio
Ratings
3 stars
Summary
Average. Solid supermini that makes up for in value what it lacks in excitement.
Review
Anyone looking for dependable transport on a tight budget should pay particular attention to the Kia Rio. Not only is it one of the more spacious superminis currently on the market, it's also very competitively priced against more mainstream rivals, especially considering generous standard equipment and the reassurance of Kia's bombproof warranty.
The handsome design isn't particularly original, but it's pleasing enough and gives the Rio the sort of visual identity that its lacklustre predecessor so conspicuously lacked. The cabin is even more impressive, with some expensive-feeling mouldings and a good level of ergonomic thought having gone into the design. Front seat passengers enjoy decent space, while there's a class-competitive level of room in the back too. It's just a shame that Kia hasn't paid to create a unique stereo - the Rio has to make do with a tinny and hard-to-operate old-fashioned unit.
Dynamic performance is staid and conservative thanks to dull steering and limited front-end grip. This isn't the sort of car that you'd ever choose to go particularly quickly in, but the flip-side is a decently comfortable ride and relatively relaxed cruising at motorway speeds. Two engines are available, although the closeness in price between the 1.4 litre petrol and 1.5 litre diesel motors makes opting for the more powerful and vastly more economical diesel something of a no-brainer.
Ratings Breakdown
Styling
4 star
Not very original - 'where have I seen you before'? details abound. But well-proportioned and handsome.
Handling
2 star
Enthusiastic drivers should apply elsewhere - the Rio isn't interested in anything more than the most gentle progress.
Comfort
4 star
Good by supermini standards. The driving position is comfortable enough and ride quality is smooth over rougher surfaces.
Quality & Reliability
4 star
Well built and tough feeling - and backed up by a mega-warranty.
Performance
3 star
The 1.5 litre CRDi diesel is quite punchy, certainly more than quick enough for the chassis. We can't see much point in the thrashy, barely-cheaper 1.4 litre petrol, though.
Roominess
4 star
Good in the front and reasonable in the back. The boot's okay for a supermini, but not up with class leaders in terms of capacity.
Running Costs
5 star
There's not much that costs less to run than a Rio. Depreciation is pronounced, but cheap servicing and insurance plus excellent fuel economy (for the diesel) make it a high value proposition.
Value for money
4 star
Undercuts mainstream rivals by an impressive margin when you figure in standard equipment. Even the most basic 1.4 GS comes with standard air conditioning.
