Value that’s hard to beat: Kia Rio

REVIEW: Ron Hughes test drives the new Kia Rio and finds that inexpensive doesn’t mean “cheap”.

The new-look Kia Rio has an impressive look: its bullish nose and sculpted sides give it a distinctive air and its high rear opens up to a very generous bootspace. We drove the middle of the range 1.6L Si which comes with 16” alloy wheels as standard, adding to its sporty look.

Sliding into the driver’s seat you get the feeling you’re not sitting in a budget car.

The seat is six-way adjustable for one thing, with lumbar support and wrap-around sides to make you feel very secure. The controls are easy to reach and understand; the instrument panel is fully illuminated whenever the car is running and contains a switchable computer read-out; and media and phone controls are mounted on the steering wheel and so is the easy-to-use cruise control.

The Rio contains features as standard that normally you would expect only in bigger or more expensive cars. For example, blue-tooth, USB and AUX connectivity and dual 12V power outlets, individual map lamps and vanity mirror lamps, numerous drink and bottle holders, commodious glove box and an excellent sound system. The Rio also come with large, electric wing mirrors which, at the touch of a button, fold flat against the side of the car, which is great for those tight parking spots.

Safety is also a prime concern and the Rio has standard front, side and curtain airbags, anti-lock brakes, with electronic brake distribution and brake assist, automatic speed-detecting door locks and various performance controls including an Electronic Stability Control which you can switch off for a more sporty feel.

The ride in the Kia Rio is terrific. The handling is direct and sure, the suspension firm but still able to iron out a few bumps in the road and its quiet, with very little road or wind noise entering the cabin. Having steering wheel mounted cruise control is also very handy for those of us who want to cruise along the expressway without risking a speeding fine.

The 1.6L GDI engine pushes out 103kW@6300rpm. It’s no huge power pack, but it’s not exactly sluggish, either. It picks up very quickly and there’s enough oomph to accelerate you out of trouble if you need it. It’s also economical: the manual will tell you combined usage gets you 5.6L per 100 kms, but our average showed up as 6.2 in ECO mode. Still, not a thirsty beast.

The most impressive thing is that the Rio starts at just under $17,000 with the top of the range SLi only a couple of grand more. The look, the finish and the feel all make you think of a much pricier vehicle, so is it value for money? Very much so.

Oh, and in the latest ANCAP safety ratings the Kia Rio was named best small car in Australia at less than $20,000.

Hard to beat.

Engine: 1.6L GDI petrol
Power: 103 kW @ 6300 rpm
Torque: 167 Nm @ 4850rpm
Fuel consumption: 5.6L/100kms (combined use)
Price: starts at $16,990 (plus on-road costs)