BEHIND THE WHEEL: For its a new Rio supermini, Kia started from scratch. The result is a car that is far superior to the model it replaces.
The Rio feels like a modern supermini, and with a shorter wheelbase it’s plenty of fun to drive, feeling agile on twisting roads while still being able to hold its own on the motorway.
The pick of the engines is the 110bhp 1.5-litre diesel unit, which is quiet and smooth but still powerful enough to make overtaking simple. It pulls well from low revs but doesn’t feel thrashy at higher speeds.
The 1.5 CRDi test car was a pre-production Euro-spec model and although the ride was soft, Kia assured this will be firmed up in time for the UK launch. Unfortunately, no mention was made of the vague and sloppy five speed gearbox. which seems to be a common flaw in Korean hatches (optional on the petrol engine is an automatic box).
In an otherwise very good car, this was by far the biggest disappointment.
Strengths: Value for money, improved RV’s
Weaknesses: Badge snobs may avoid
Opportunity: To take a chunk of the growing B-sector
Threats: Established competitors
USP: A Kia designed for Europe
Overview:
Price: £8,000-£9,500
Engines: 1.4-litre petrol, 96bhp; 1.5-litre CRDi, 108bhp
Performance: Petrol 0-62mph: 12.3 sec; top speed: 110mph. Diesel 0-62mph: 11.5 sec; top speed: 110mph
Transmission: 5speed manual, 4speed automatic
Efficiency: Petrol 44.8mpg, CO2 150g/km; Diesel 60.1mpg CO2 121g/km
Rivals: Chevrolet Kalos, Daihatsu Sirion, Hyundai Getz, Suzuki Swift, Citroen C2