Sharp- dressed hatch
WE DRIVE THE NEW BASE- LEVEL KIA RIO LX MANUAL, WHILE COLIN SMITH TESTS AN AUTOMATIC VERSION OF THE HATCHBACK
The Kia Rio is one of the most popular and respected small cars on the New Zealand market, and the new 2017 model has a lot to live up to.
The new Rio is wider, slightly longer and sits lower, all of which helps make it a better car to drive than its predecessor.
Though less distinctive than the previous Rio, the new model is a sharp- looking small hatch that offers an impressive list of technology features, even in the baseline LX model.
There are three Rio models, including the baseline LX six- speed manual version that we tested. It sells for $ 22,490 plus on road costs.
At the moment, Kia New Zealand is offering the automatic LX for only $ 20,490 plus orc, although it normally sells for $ 23,490.
So our manual Rio test car costs $ 2000 more than the automatic equivalent, but only while an introductory special offer is in place.
Like all Rios, the LX is powered by a 1368cc four- cylinder engine, which puts out 74kW of power at 6000rpm, and 133Nm of torque.
While you are getting your head around the concept of saving money by buying the automatic, however temporarily, the two other models are the mid- range EX, which sells for $ 25,490 plus orc, while the top- line Limited model costs $ 26,990 plus orc.
This is a well- equipped small car, with the standard safety package including six airbags, vehicle stability management, corner brake control and hill start assist.
None of the Rios includes the active safety and driver assist features now appearing on many small cars. But the base model comes with most controls on the steering wheel, including radio volume/ station buttons, and cruise control. Apple Car Play and Android Auto operate on the