Kia Rio : Give It Time

I was reading an interesting article from the sunday herald and the writer talks about how the Kia Rio doesn't get a look in on the latest European Car Of The Year 2006 Awards.

This year's award went to the Renault Clio in which the writer sympathises with Kia as he believe's there's "little to choose" between the two cars.

Of course this isn't true. Renault are steeped in history, are in F1 and the Clio is a well established thoroughbred in European terms. But on the world stage it's a different matter and this is where Kia are building on their global success, with a view to making a real impact in Europe. Evidence of this impact comes in the form of the Kia Picanto which is already establishing itself as a favourite amongst super-mini fans.

The Kia Rio diesel costing a mere £7995 against the Clio diesel's £12,350 is a huge price to pay for vanity, although it still goes to show how much work Kia need to do in the PR department. It also illustrates how much image holds sway over the car buying public. Folly but true never-the-less.

So give it time and Kia will come to the European masses in the end, as this is a very good car regardless of its bargain price.

Besides it was always going to be a difficult task for a car like the new Rio to win any annual award considering its only into a two month launch. Let's see what happens next year.