Kia Rio Range
Im certain Kia wouldnt be too upset if it was pointed out that the Rio has hitherto only had a modest impact in terms of UK sales. In the past, budget buyers may have been a little underwhelmed by this Focus-sized car for Fiesta money, preferring instead to simplify things by opting for a Fiesta, but Kia have kept at it. Their latest Rio offers more refinement, better quality and sharper styling. Perhaps this time round, the Rio will get a result.
One of the key problems of the old car was that from a styling perspective, it didnt seem to know quite what it wanted to be. It seemed to hover somewhere between a hatch and an estate, but the latest car sharpens up the styling quite significantly. In fact, its almost what you could call good looking, with a smart new family face. Everything about the car has been redesigned.
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Both feature much stronger refinement than Kia have been able to offer in the past, courtesy of sleeker aerodynamics, a stronger structure and greatly enhanced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) measures. Finally, customer convenience has also been high on the developers list, with the latest Rio offering a more versatile cargo space, a trip computer, solar glass and the availability of keyless entry.
"An endearing little car"
Some things dont change. The Rio still revels in its shameless affordability, with prices starting at £7,495 for the entry-level S model. There is only one body style 5-door hatch with three equipment levels (S GS and LS), one petrol engine, a 1.4 litre unit with manual or automatic transmission, and, for the first time in the Rio range, a diesel engine (1.
5 litres) with a manual gearbox. Theres also an optional Dynamic pack that includes a rear spoiler, sunroof and an Electronic Stability Program for additional safety. The 3,990 mm long new Rio hatchback is taller (+50 mm), wider (+15 mm) but shorter (-250 mm) than the model it replaces. The car also has a much longer wheelbase (+90 mm) which, combined with careful packaging of the mechanical components, enables it to claim best-in-class interior space for maximum occupant comfort.
The Rios wheelbase is between 9 mm and 40 mm longer than rivals like Volkswagens Polo, and Fords Fiesta, while its overall width is from 12 mm to 49 mm wider. The overall length is between 30 mm and 168 mm longer than those potential supermini rivals. Diesel power should be a popular option for Rio customers. The 1.
5 CRDi unit on offer features a common rail fuel injection system and an advanced variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). Similar to the Ceratos engine, this powerplant produces decent power and clean emissions that meet Euro 4 criteria. Performance of the 110PS 1.5 diesel unit is highly competitive and class-leading in an area of the market where most rivals have 75 PS or less.
The 16-valve engine delivers 235 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm, so you shouldnt have to row this Kia along with the gearlever. For customers who prefer petrol power or require an automatic transmission, a 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol engine is also available. This new 1.
4-litre engine makes its world premiere in the Rio. Its DOHC, 16-valve unit generates a maximum of 97 PS and maximum torque of 125.4 Nm at 4,700 rpm, making the Rio one of the most powerful cars in the 1,400cc class. Thus the car outperforms all its 1.
4-litre supermini rivals, with up to 22 PS more power than competitors. Both engines available in the five-door are offered with a five-speed manual transmission as standard. Available as an option, a four-speed automatic transmission specifically developed and tuned for the Rio, is offered on petrol engine only. The Rio is a surprisingly tight-feeling package on the road, with a reasonably taut suspension set up that keeps body roll well in check.
Whereas the old car was pretty entertaining but somewhat crashy, the latest models revised suspension geometry offers a little more refinement over ruts and potholes without sacrificing the fun factor. Indeed, the Rio is good sport to hustle about, the rack and pinion steering is light and accurate; something that has defeated the best efforts of many more prestigious manufacturers. Kia hope more customers take notice of the latest Rio. Its an endearing little car with a generous warranty arrangement that punches well above its weight.
Facts At A Glance
CAR: Kia Rio range
PRICES: £7,495-£9,995 - on the road
INSURANCE GROUPS: 3-4
CO2 EMISSIONS:121-150g/km
PERFORMANCE: [1.5 TD] 0-60mph 11.5s / Max Speed 110mph
FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.5 TD] 49.6 (urban) 68.9 (extra urban) 49.6mpg (combined)
WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 3990/1695/1470
