In terms of interior space, the new Kia Rio is actually the best in its class, giving the ultimate in passenger comfort for a supermini. On the road the drive is tight with a sound suspension set up that limits body roll, always a risk in taller cars. It's refined over ruts and potholes, but hasn't been sanitised at the expense of excitement - the Rio is still great fun to drive. The steering is light and accurate and much more impressive than the set up often found in superminis of more exclusive badges. If up to now Kia has been looked on as the necessity purchase of budget motorists, the Rio should make more customers sit up and take note.

The range of engines has been increased and the quality and refinement has been much improved. In fact Kia claim their engines are among the best in their class. There's a 1.4 litre petrol unit available with either manual or automatic transmission, and for the first time there's a diesel option in the shape of a 1.5 litre engine with a manual gearbox.

The new Kia Rio features twin front airbags, with side and curtain airbags and the electronic stability programme, ESP, available on request. S models include a CD player with four speakers, electric front windows and central locking, but for alloys, all-electric windows and leather trims you'll need to step up to the LS model.