Kia are raising their game with the latest Rio
THE Rio supermini is Kia’s global best-seller and so the Korean company were conservative with the design when they launched the fourth-generation model in February.
The new model features a choice of new engines and more tech in a bid to make a larger impact on the lucrative supermini sector.
Now available only in five-door form the Rio is up against the likes of Fiesta, Polo and Corsa.
Bigger and bolder than before, the Rio offers a choice of diesel and petrol engines as well as three trims – 1, 2 and 3.
The styling is familiar with a slimmer ‘tiger-nose’ front grille flanked by sculpted headlights and LED running lights. The rump is tidy and features nice lights, while the longer wheelbase means that there is more room inside.
Indeed head, leg and shoulder room is as good as or better than anything else in the class and even rivals some models in the class above.
Boot space is also increased to 325 litres, making the Rio a really practical supermini.
Inside the changes are more dramatic with all the latest technology accessed via a touchscreen. USB ports are available in the rear as well as the front, so the whole family can keep charged on long journeys.
Everything is neatly laid out and with controls and switches just where you want them. Scratchy plastics let the cabin down, but at least they feel built to last.
There is room for four adults to travel in comfort, and all the trim levels offer value for money.
Starting with the Rio 1 you get air conditioning, electric front windows, remote locking, a 3.8-inch display screen, Bluetooth, automatic lights, LED daytime running lights and much more.
Opt for grade 2 and you will add 15-inch alloys, a leather trimmed steering wheel and gear knob, allround electric windows, a digital DAB radio, five-inch colour display screen, a six-speaker sound system, reversing camera, rear parking sensors and some other kit.
The top grade 3 that I sampled adds 16-inch alloys, automatic air conditioning with a defogging system, black faux leather upholstery, a seven-inch display screen, heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers, rear privacy glass, sat nav, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and Bluetooth with voice recognition.
It was powered by the 1.4 89hp CRDi engine and the little diesel performs well with a top speed of 108mph and a sprint to 60mph in 11.6 seconds. Mated to a nice sixspeed manual gearbox it boasts a claimed fuel economy of 74.3mpg with emisssions at 98g/km.
It offered a nice blend of performance and economy and was reasonably quiet on the move. I did not match the claimed mpg but certainly achieved figures in the high 60s.
The Rio also packs a more than decent level of safety kit and is the first in its class to offer autonomous emergency braking. It also has lane departure warning on Rio 2 and 3 and it can be had as an option on the entry-level car.
The Rio has lifted its game to compete with the best in its class but it no longer enjoys a large price advantage over its talented competitors.
What it does have is that famous Kia seven-year warranty and that will ensure that it will attract its fair share of buyers.