Kia Rio Review

Rating

Quick Summary

Recommended Another big step forward for Kia – our Kia Rio review finds a supermini that can slug it toe-to-toe with the best of the Europeans.

Road Test

The Rio completes the Kia revolution which started with the Ceed family hatchback. The Korean company now has a complete range of cars designed to compete not simply on cost with its European rivals, but also on merit. Kia must be tremendously relieved to have this Rio to sell - the previous car was the last reminder of 'old Kia'.

The design of the new model was undertaken by Peter Schreyer, who used to work for Audi. He has produced another high-quality piece of work. It is perhaps a little less characteristic than the Picanto, but it is highly professional. Most importantly, there is nothing about it that says 'Korea'.

However, Kia has not forgotten its core customer base. It still offers excellent value for money and substantial practicality. With one of the biggest bodyshells in the supermini sector, the Rio feels little smaller inside than a car from the Vauxhall Astra's class, while being lower priced than a Corsa.

The interior is a good blend of uncomplicated design and a few flourishes to stop you thinking you're in the bargain basement. The instruments look quite chic and the rocker switches for the heater controls give an upmarket touch. Equipment is strong and the model range is admirably logical: trim levels are 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3, with all models getting the full complement of modern connectivity: USB, Aux input and Bluetooth (except Bluetooth is not fitted on the 1 diesel, for some reason).Tapping the interior plastics generally gives satisfying results, although the dashboard materials are not quite up to the level of a Volkswagen, say.

On our Kia Rio road test we found the drive was decent rather than outstanding. It is light and smooth, but for dynamic thrills, buyers should head to their nearest Ford dealer to get a Fiesta. However, there are plenty of buyers who will deem that more space and equipment at a lower cost is a fair exchange for losing the last five percent of dynamic polish. We'd find it hard to argue against them.

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