New KIA Rio

Details

KIA Rio

“A perfectly reasonable car for people who aren’t interested in cars” The Rio is a classic example of the car as a white good – you don’t need your washing machine to be stylish, you just want it to get the stains out of your pants. Kia isn’t reaching for the stars here, and the Rio does everything you ask of it in a perfectly civil fashion. It’s all very easy to use and quite roomy for a supermini – easy to get on with, provided you aren’t bothered by its occasionally uncouth ride and road noise. There are superminis out there that are more refined, more stylish and more practical, but the Kia offers a winning combination of decent spec and an industry-leading aftercare package. The high point of the range is probably the ‘2’ spec car with the 1.0-litre engine – it offers the best balance of perky 3cyl engine and reasonable amount of kit.

Engine Options & Specs

Under the bonnet, the Rio gets a choice of 1.25 non-turbo petrol engines or a 1.0-litre turbo three-cylinder petrol with 100hp. In addition, there’s a 1.0-litre engine with mild-hybrid assistance, which generates a total of 120hp.