Rio’s grand supermini is top class

THE MK4 model Kia Rio now looks an even better alternative to the Corsas and Fiestas of this world.

It has a clever downsized turbo petrol option, impressive connectivity and a more spacious cabin.

More importantly, it’s the first really top-class supermini the Korean brand has ever brought us.

This car targets nothing less than the top of this segment with the things that really matter to buyers — styling, running costs and everyday practicality.

Key to the line-up is the little three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol unit we first saw on the facelifted MK2 model cee’d family hatch, offered here with either 99 or 118bhp power outputs with both managing more than 60mpg on the combined cycle, and 172Nm torque.

Inside, the restyled cabin feels more up-market, helped by gloss black trim that lines the central section of a dashboard.

At the centre of the fascia is a high-resolution touchscreen.

Below, the driver-oriented centre console features fewer buttons, with more ergonomic, concave switches and rotator dials to control the heating and ventilation.

It has a stiffer bodyshell and a more compliant suspension system to improve comfort at all speeds.

And thanks to 10mm of extra wheelbase, there’s also more room to spread out inside — and boot space, too, with about the same as you get in a Focus, despite the fact this is a Fiesta-segment model.

Rio pricing hasn’t changed too much so, as before, this car with its four engines — 1.0, 1.25 and 1.4litre petrol and 1.4 diesel units — sits in the £12,000 to £18,000 bracket.

That might sound a lot but most variants will be sold in the £14,000 to £16,000 bracket, which makes it a pretty affordable supermini.

As before, equipment levels are strong. Most models get a ‘floating’ 5.0-inch touchscreen audio system with six speakers. But buyers can also specify a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, with Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for full smartphone integration.

This Rio will also be the first car in the B-segment to be equipped with USB ports in both the front and rear of the cabin.

As for safety, the Rio will feature ‘AEB’ ‘Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition’ as standard and a Lane Departure Warning System.

As with all Kias, the Rio is covered by a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.