KIA

CLASS ACT The Latest Kia Rio Looks A Step Up In Class From The Previous Model, Particularly in 1.4-litre Petrol Guise. Steve Ghosley Takes It For A Spin…

The latest Kia Rio is a marked improvement on the last model, both in terms of looks and engine. For proof, take the 1.4-litre petrol unit that made its world debut in the model featured here. Thus equipped, this little Korean would certainly appear to have more to offer in the supermini sector than before.

Designed specifically for European tastes, this Rio’s shape, although not earth-shatteringly original, is certainly more Focus-like in appearance than its predecessor and larger too. In size terms alone, this model easily out classes the opposition. One of the key problems of the old car was that from a styling perspective, it didn’t seem to know quite what it wanted to be. It seemed to hover somewhere between a hatch and an estate, but the latest Rio sharpens up the look quite significantly. In fact, it’s almost what you could call good looking, sporting a smart, neat family face. Everything about this Kia Rio has been redesigned. That styling, for example, should go down well, featuring as it does a bolder nose, a more dynamic profile and a neater interior. Comfort-wise, there’s more headroom, legroom and shoulder room, especially in the rear. In 1.4-litre petrol form, the Rio features much stronger refinement than Kia have been able to offer in the past, courtesy of sleeker aerodynamics, a stronger structure and greatly enhanced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) measures. The 1.4-litre DOHC 16-valve petrol engine is a gutsy performer and will launch this supermini from rest to 62mph in a very sprightly 12.3 seconds. The top speed of 111mph is achieved courtesy of the 96bhp developed by this power unit. This too is better than most other 1.4-litre engines in this sector that typically average 75 to 80bhp. Despite this impressive performance, the Rio produces just 150g/m of CO2, and with a combined economy figure of 44.8mpg, it is certainly a hard one to fault when it comes to running costs. Moreover, the DOHC 16-valve engine delivers 92.5lb ft of torque at just 4,700 rpm, which makes for very relaxed driving with less need to use the standard five-speed manual gearbox.

"…with the latest styling, improved equipment levels and gutsy 1.4-litre engine, Kia have created a very desirable package"

A four-speed automatic, specifically developed for the Rio, is an option only with this petrol-engined model. It features an electronic controller, which monitors a range of parameters including acceleration, deceleration, engine speed and road speed, ensuring smooth gear changes. It also adapts the transmission’s characteristics to suit individual driving styles. Some things never change though. The Rio 5-door hatch still revels in its shameless affordability, with prices starting at £7,495 for the entry-level S model. The GS is only £500 more and includes central locking, air-conditioning, electric front windows, power-assisted steering, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and twin front airbags as part of its standard specification. This impressive list is only spoilt by what appears to be an ‘after market’ JVC MP3 compatible radio/CD player. The only other trim level - LS - adds 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, front fog lights, rear electric windows, side and curtain airbags, active head restraints and remote central locking with perimeter alarm. There’s also an optional Dynamic pack that includes a rear spoiler, sunroof and an Electronic Stability Programme for additional safety. The latest 3,990 mm long Rio hatchback is taller (+50 mm), wider (+15 mm) but shorter (-250 mm) than the model it replaces. The car also has a much longer wheelbase (+90 mm) which, combined with careful packaging of the mechanical components, enables it to claim ‘best-in-class’ interior space for maximum occupant comfort. The Kia’s wheelbase is between 9mm and 40mm longer than rivals like Volkswagen’s Polo, Skoda’s Fabia, Ford’s Fiesta and Vauxhall’s Corsa, while its overall width is from 12mm to 49mm wider. The overall length is between 30mm and 168mm longer than those potential supermini rivals. This Rio is a surprisingly tight-feeling package on the road, with a reasonably taut suspension set up that keeps body roll well in check. Whereas the old car was pretty entertaining but somewhat crashy, the latest model’s revised suspension geometry offers a little more refinement over ruts and potholes without sacrificing the fun factor. Indeed, the Rio 1.4-litre is a good sport to hustle about, the rack and pinion steering is light and accurate; something that has defeated the best efforts of many more prestigious manufacturers. Kia have taken the industry by surprise by charging the same money for this Rio 1.4-litre petrol as an equivalent 1.5-litre diesel model with the same trim level. They argue that it made no sense to charge cost-conscious buyers a premium for buying a diesel-powered car. It will be interesting to see if this enterprising view is subsequently shared by other manufacturers in their pricing structures. Overall, the Kia Rio 1.4-litre 16-valve is quite a surprise. It is much roomier than the competition and with the latest styling, improved equipment levels and gutsy 1.4-litre engine, Kia have created a very desirable package. The Koreans have obviously invested a lot of time and effort in targeting the Rio for the European market and once word gets around, the 1.4-litre version ought to become a petrol supermini buyers shouldn’t ignore.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Kia Rio 1.4-litre 16-valve range PRICES: £7,495-£10,045 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 4D-5D CO2 EMISSIONS:150g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 12.3s / Max Speed 111mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: 44.8mpg (combined) WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm 3990/1695/1470

CHILL OUT IN RIO Kia hopes its Chill trim will help Rio owners make the most of the warm weather. Matt Low reports.

The Kia Rio is available in a limited addition trim level called Chill, featuring special interior changes and an exclusive colour scheme. The Rio has long been regarded as a substantial amount of vehicle for the price and the extra features available in the Rio Chill certainly add weight to that school of thought.

The old ‘Focus-sized car for Fiesta money’ is trotted out time and time again when Kia’s Rio comes onto the agenda but there’s more than a nugget of truth in it. The Rio is a substantial vehicle for the amount being asked and it doesn’t obviously feel like it’s skimped on quality to attain that attractive price point, especially with the added extras the Rio Chill version features. I’m certain Kia wouldn’t be too upset if it was pointed out that their Rio supermini has in previous generation forms had only had a modest impact in terms of UK sales. In the past, budget buyers may have been a little underwhelmed by this Focus-sized car for Fiesta money, preferring instead to simplify things by opting for a Fiesta, but Kia have kept at it. Their second generation Rio has done rather better over here, offering more refinement, better quality and sharper styling. The Kia Rio Chill comes with a choice of two engines, the 1.4-litre petrol engine or the 1.5-litre CRDi. The diesel power should be a popular option for customers. The 1.5 CRDi unit on offer features a common-rail fuel injection system and an advanced variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). Performance of the 109bhp 1.5 diesel unit is highly competitive and class-leading in an area of the market where most rivals have 70-80bhp or less. The 16-valve engine delivers 235Nm of torque at just 2,000rpm, so you shouldn’t have to row this Kia along with the gearlever. For customers who prefer petrol power, a 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol engine is also available. This 1.4-litre engine made its world premiere in the Rio. Its DOHC, 16-valve unit generates a maximum of 96bhp and maximum torque of 125Nm at 4,700rpm, making the Rio one of the most powerful cars in the 1,400cc class. The Rio is a surprisingly tight-feeling package on the road, with a reasonably taut suspension set-up that keeps body roll well in check. Whereas the first generation car was pretty entertaining but somewhat crashy, the current model’s revised suspension geometry offers a little more refinement over ruts and potholes without sacrificing the fun factor. Indeed, the Rio is good sport to hustle about, the rack and pinion steering is light and accurate; something that has defeated the best efforts of many more prestigious manufacturers.

"Kia needs more customers to take notice of its Rio, hence this ‘Chill’ version…."

This generation 3,990mm long Rio is taller (+50mm), wider (+15mm) but shorter (-250mm) than the MK1 version. The car also has a much longer wheelbase (+90 mm) which, combined with careful packaging of the mechanical components, enables it to claim one of the most spacious interiors in the class. The Rio’s wheelbase is between 9mm and 40mm longer than rivals like Volkswagen’s Polo and Ford’s Fiesta, while its overall width is from 12mm to 49mm wider. The overall length is between 30 mm and 168 mm longer than those potential supermini rivals. Kia has the impressive cee’d operating in the family hatchback segment but in size terms, the Rio hovers somewhere in between that sector and the smaller supermini one. Prices start at £7,995. Where the Kia Rio Chill differs from the standard model is in its generous bundle of extras, offered at a price with undercuts the standard mid-range ‘2’ Rio model by £100. Air conditioning, remote central locking and full iPod compatibility accompany a colour exclusive to the Chill, Cool Blue. The Chill also features 14-inch alloy wheels and a rear spoiler to keep you looking cool. Front electric windows, power steering and a 12v charge socket are also standard fare in the Rio Chill. Some things don’t change though, there is only one bodystyle, the 5-door hatch. Despite offering strong performance, the Rio diesel still meets Euro-IV emissions criteria, producing just 121g/m of CO2, and with a combined economy figure of 60.1mpg, it is certainly a hard one to resist. The petrol Rio produces just 150g/m of CO2 and with a combined economy figure of 44.8mpg, it’s also a competitive engine from a running costs standpoint. The Rio retains its value reasonably effectively but not as well as mainstream supermini or family hatch models. Buyers can expect to recoup just over 40% of the purchase price after a typical 3-year ownership period. Insurance is rated at group 4. Kia needs more customers to take notice of its Rio, hence this ‘Chill’ version. Perhaps they should. It’s an endearing little car with a generous seven-year warranty arrangement and a tempting array of features. There’s always the temptation for buyers to stick to the more mainstream marques but Kia is doing its utmost to become one of those. A small detour off the beaten track could be well worthwhile in the Rio’s case. We particularly found the 1.4-litre 16-valve version to be quite a surprise. Like all Rios, it’s much roomier than the competition and with the latest styling, improved equipment levels and gutsy 1.4-litre engine, Kia has created a very desirable package. The Koreans have obviously invested a lot of time and effort in targeting the Rio for the European market and it shows. Don’t knock it until you’ve tried it.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Kia Rio Chill PRICE: £7,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 4 CO2 EMISSIONS:121-150g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.5 TD] 0-60mph 11.5s / Max Speed 110mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.5 TD] 49.6 (urban) 68.9 (extra urban) 49.6mpg (combined) WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 3990/1695/1470

RIO REVISITED Kia hope their Rio supermini can capture the imagination of budget-minded motorists. By Andy Enright

I’m certain Kia wouldn’t be too upset if it was pointed out that the Rio has hitherto only had a modest impact in terms of UK sales. In the past, budget buyers may have been a little underwhelmed by this Focus-sized car for Fiesta money, preferring instead to simplify things by opting for a Fiesta, but Kia have kept at it. Their latest Rio offers more refinement, better quality and sharper styling. Perhaps this time round, the Rio will get a result.

One of the key problems of the old car was that from a styling perspective, it didn’t seem to know quite what it wanted to be. It seemed to hover somewhere between a hatch and an estate, but the latest car sharpens up the styling quite significantly. In fact, it’s almost what you could call good looking, with a smart new family face. Everything about the car has been redesigned. That styling, for example, should go down well, featuring as it does a bolder nose, a more dynamic profile and a neater interior. Comfort-wise, there’s more headroom, legroom and shoulder room, especially in the rear. From a safety perspective, there are now twin front, side and curtain airbags, active head restraints and the availability of the electronic stability programme, ESP. As for performance, well, unusually, this is an all-new car that launches with all-new engines, with both diesel and petrol units claimed by Kia to be amongst the class best. Both feature much stronger refinement than Kia have been able to offer in the past, courtesy of sleeker aerodynamics, a stronger structure and greatly enhanced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) measures. Finally, customer convenience has also been high on the developers’ list, with the latest Rio offering a more versatile cargo space, a trip computer, solar glass and the availability of keyless entry.

"An endearing little car…"

Some things don’t change. The Rio still revels in its shameless affordability, with prices starting at £6,995 for the entry-level model. There is only one body style – 5-door hatch with three equipment levels (standard, ‘2’, ‘3’ and ‘Sport’), one petrol engine, a 1.4 litre unit with manual or automatic transmission, and, for the first time in the Rio range, a diesel engine (1.5 litres) with a manual gearbox. There’s also an optional Dynamic pack that includes a rear spoiler, sunroof and an Electronic Stability Program for additional safety. The 3,990 mm long Rio hatchback is taller (+50 mm), wider (+15 mm) but shorter (-250 mm) than the model it replaced. The car also has a much longer wheelbase (+90 mm) which, combined with careful packaging of the mechanical components, enables it to claim ‘best-in-class’ interior space for maximum occupant comfort. The Rio’s wheelbase is between 9 mm and 40 mm longer than rivals like Volkswagen’s Polo, and Ford’s Fiesta, while its overall width is from 12 mm to 49 mm wider. The overall length is between 30 mm and 168 mm longer than those potential supermini rivals. Diesel power should be a popular option for Rio customers. The 1.5 CRDi unit on offer features a common rail fuel injection system and an advanced variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). This powerplant produces decent power and clean emissions that meet Euro 4 criteria. Performance of the 110PS 1.5 diesel unit is highly competitive and class-leading in an area of the market where most rivals have 75 PS or less. The 16-valve engine delivers 235 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm, so you shouldn’t have to row this Kia along with the gearlever. For customers who prefer petrol power or require an automatic transmission, a 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol engine is also available. This new 1.4-litre engine makes its world premiere in the Rio. Its DOHC, 16-valve unit generates a maximum of 97 PS and maximum torque of 125.4 Nm at 4,700 rpm, making the Rio one of the most powerful cars in the 1,400cc class. Thus the car outperforms all its 1.4-litre supermini rivals, with up to 22 PS more power than competitors. Both engines available in the five-door are offered with a five-speed manual transmission as standard. Available as an option, a four-speed automatic transmission specifically developed and tuned for the Rio, is offered on petrol engine only. The Rio is a surprisingly tight-feeling package on the road, with a reasonably taut suspension set up that keeps body roll well in check. Whereas the old car was pretty entertaining but somewhat crashy, the latest model’s revised suspension geometry offers a little more refinement over ruts and potholes without sacrificing the fun factor. Indeed, the Rio is good sport to hustle about, the rack and pinion steering is light and accurate; something that has defeated the best efforts of many more prestigious manufacturers. Kia hope more customers take notice of the Rio. It’s an endearing little car with a generous warranty arrangement that punches well above its weight.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Kia Rio range PRICES: £6,995-£10,795 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 4-7 CO2 EMISSIONS:121-150g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.5 TD] 0-60mph 11.5s / Max Speed 110mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.5 TD] 49.6 (urban) 68.9 (extra urban) 49.6mpg (combined) WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 3990/1695/1470

RED LETTER DAY In special edition ‘Red’ form, Kia’s Rio supermini takes some beating. Jonathan Crouch reports

If you’re shopping for a supermini with a budget of around £8,500, then you’ll find that your options are pretty limited, especially if you want your new car to feature things like air conditioning, a CD/MP3 player, metallic paint, electric windows and power steering.

You’ve probably guessed at this point that I’m going to suggest a solution, Kia’s special edition Rio Red. Get past the name and check out the value proposition on offer from this five-door 1.4-litre petrol-powered or 1.5-litre diesel-powered supermini. It costs from £8,695 in petrol form, not much more than the kind of feeble base-model Ford Fiesta 1.25 Studio that has all the extras you’d like on the options list. The diesel version costs £9,695, again, not much more than the same Fiesta with inferior diesel power. This Kia’s asking price represents a saving of around £680 over the price of a comparable model in the standard Rio line-up. Despite the fact that the asking price includes twin side and curtain airbags, a leather covered steering wheel and gear knob plus premium upholstery with metal pedals and plush interior trim. The super-affordable pricing would be understandable if Kia’s offering was a typical South Korean cheapie. Thankfully, it isn’t. The Rio was introduced in the Autumn of 2005 and was immediately greeted as the most competitive small car the marque – and its nation – had ever produced. Designed specifically for European tastes, this Rio’s shape, although not earth-shatteringly original, is certainly more Focus-like in appearance than its predecessor and larger too. In size terms alone, this model easily out classes much of the opposition. In fact, it’s almost what you could call good looking, sporting a smart, neat family face. Comfort-wise, there’s more headroom, legroom and shoulder room than you might expect, especially in the rear. In 1.4-litre petrol form, the Rio features much stronger refinement than Kia have been able to offer in the past, courtesy of sleeker aerodynamics, a stronger structure and greatly enhanced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) measures.

"That the Rio Red is good value won’t come as a surprise. That it is an extremely good car might..."

The 1.4-litre DOHC 16-valve petrol engine is a gutsy performer and will launch this supermini from rest to 62mph in a very sprightly 12.3 seconds. The top speed of 111mph is achieved courtesy of the 96bhp developed by this power unit. This too is better than most other 1.4-litre engines in this sector that typically average 75 to 80bhp. Despite this impressive performance, the Rio produces just 150g/m of CO2, and with a combined economy figure of 44.8mpg, it is certainly a hard one to fault when it comes to running costs. Moreover, the DOHC 16-valve engine delivers 92.5lb ft of torque at just 4,700 rpm, which makes for very relaxed driving with less need to use the standard five-speed manual gearbox. The 1.5-litre turbocharged common-rail diesel is a difficult choice to ignore, even if it’s not the quietest engine of its kind. This Rio will sprint from rest to 62mph in a very sprightly 11.5 seconds and charge on to a top speed of 110mph where the traffic conditions allow. Despite this impressive performance, the Rio diesel still beats Euro-IV emissions criteria, producing just 121g/m of CO2, and with a combined economy figure of 60.1mpg, it is certainly a hard one to resist. Performance of the 110PS 1.5-litre diesel unit is highly competitive and class-leading in an area of the market where most rivals have 75 PS or less. The 16-valve engine delivers 235 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm, so it makes for very relaxed driving with minimal use of the gearbox. The latest 3,990 mm long Rio hatchback is taller (+50 mm), wider (+15 mm) but shorter (-250 mm) than the old Rio model it replaced in 2005. The car also has a much longer wheelbase (+90 mm) which, combined with careful packaging of the mechanical components, enables it to claim ‘best-in-class’ interior space for maximum occupant comfort. The Kia’s wheelbase is between 9mm and 40mm longer than rivals like Volkswagen’s Polo, Skoda’s Fabia, Ford’s Fiesta and Vauxhall’s Corsa, while its overall width is from 12mm to 49mm wider. The overall length is between 30mm and 168mm longer than those potential supermini rivals. This Rio is a surprisingly tight-feeling package on the road, with a reasonably taut suspension set up that keeps body roll well in check. Whereas the old car was pretty entertaining but somewhat crashy, the latest model’s revised suspension geometry offers a little more refinement over ruts and potholes without sacrificing the fun factor. Indeed, the Rio is a good sport to hustle about, the rack and pinion steering is light and accurate; something that has defeated the best efforts of many more prestigious manufacturers. That the Rio Red is good value won’t come as a surprise. That it is an extremely good car might. Even if you leave price out of the equation, it’s still a supermini buyers shouldn’t ignore.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Kia Rio Red special edition range PRICES: £8,695-£9,695 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 4D-5D CO2 EMISSIONS: 121-150g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.4] 0-60mph 12.3s / Max Speed 111mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.4] 44.8mpg (combined) WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/height mm 3990/1695/1470

RIO GRAND Kia Are Bucking The Industry Trend By Pricing This Diesel Rio Supermini The Same As The Equivalent Petrol Model. Is This A Smart Move? Steve Ghosley Checks It Out…

The last Kia Rio promised much but didn’t really deliver and consequently wasn’t the runaway success its manufacturer had expected. So, it was with little expectation that I got behind the wheel of Kia’s latest Rio fitted with a 1.5-litre common-rail diesel engine.

Despite my initial resigned apathy towards the car, it very soon grabbed my attention. The engine is surprisingly good. It has bags of pulling power, delivered from way down the rev-range in a smooth and progressive manner. It handled well and the manual five-speed gearbox, the only option currently available with the diesel engine models, was easy, if not exactly precise, to use. Suddenly it began to dawn on me that the car I was driving had more about it than I had initially expected. One of the key problems of the old car was that from a styling perspective, it didn’t seem to know quite what it wanted to be. It seemed to hover somewhere between a hatch and an estate, but the latest car sharpens up the styling quite significantly. In fact, it’s almost what you could call good looking, with a smart new family face. Everything about this car has been redesigned. That styling, for example, should go down well, featuring as it does a bolder nose, a more dynamic profile and a neater interior. Comfort-wise, there’s more headroom, legroom and shoulder room, especially in the rear. The Kia Rio 1.5 CRDi features much stronger refinement than Kia have been able to offer in the past, courtesy of sleeker aerodynamics, a stronger structure and greatly enhanced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) measures. The 1.5-litre turbocharged common-rail diesel is a difficult choice to ignore. This Rio will sprint from rest to 62mph in a very sprightly 11.5 seconds and charge on to a top speed of 110mph where the traffic conditions allow. Despite this impressive performance, the Rio diesel still beats Euro-IV emissions criteria, producing just 121g/m of CO2, and with a combined economy figure of 60.1mpg, it is certainly a hard one to resist. Performance of the 110PS 1.5-litre diesel unit is highly competitive and class-leading in an area of the market where most rivals have 75 PS or less. The 16-valve engine delivers 235 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm, so it makes for very relaxed driving with minimal use of the gearbox.

"Kia are starting to put together a range of cars that can compete on equal terms with the established players"

Some things never change though. The Rio 5-door hatch still revels in its shameless affordability, with prices starting at £9,045 for the GS model, which includes central locking, air-conditioning, electric front windows, power-assisted steering, ABS brakes with electronic brake force distribution and twin front airbags as part of its standard specification. This impressive list is only spoilt by, what appears to be, an ‘after market’ radio/CD player. The only other trim level - LS, adds 15-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured door handles and mirrors, front fog lights, rear electric windows, side and curtain airbags, active head restraints and remote central locking with perimeter alarm. There’s also an optional Dynamic pack that includes a rear spoiler, sunroof and an Electronic Stability Program for additional safety. The 3,990 mm long new Rio hatchback is taller (+50 mm), wider (+15 mm) but shorter (-250 mm) than the model it replaces. The car also has a much longer wheelbase (+90 mm) which, combined with careful packaging of the mechanical components, enables it to claim ‘best-in-class’ interior space for maximum occupant comfort. The Rio’s wheelbase is between 9 mm and 40 mm longer than rivals like Volkswagen’s Polo, and Ford’s Fiesta, while its overall width is from 12 mm to 49 mm wider. The overall length is between 30 mm and 168 mm longer than those potential supermini rivals. This Rio is a surprisingly tight-feeling package on the road, with a reasonably taut suspension set up that keeps body roll well in check. Whereas the old car was pretty entertaining but somewhat crashy, the latest model’s revised suspension geometry offers a little more refinement over ruts and potholes without sacrificing the fun factor. Indeed, the Rio diesel is a good sport to hustle about, the rack and pinion steering is light and accurate; something that has defeated the best efforts of many more prestigious manufacturers. Kia have taken the industry by surprise by charging the same money for this Rio 1.5 CRDi diesel as an equivalent 1.4-litre petrol model with the same trim level. They argue that it made no sense to charge cost-conscious buyers a premium for buying a diesel-powered car. It will be interesting to see if this enterprising view is subsequently shared by other manufacturers in their pricing structures. So, by the end of my drive I was quite taken by this little car. The engine is superb and certainly up there with the class leading diesels in its sector. Kia are starting to put together a range of cars that can compete on equal terms with the established players. This is by far the best car they have produced and with prices set to ruffle a few corporate feathers, the Kia Rio CRDi could be one to watch….

Facts At A Glance CAR: Kia Rio 1.5 CRDi range PRICES: £9,045-£10,045 - on the road INSURANCE GROUP: 4-5 CO2 EMISSIONS:121g/km PERFORMANCE: 0-60mph 11.5s / Max Speed 110mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: 60.1mpg (combined) WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 3990/1695/1470

RIO REVISITED Kia Hope The Latest Rio Can Capture The Imagination Of Budget Minded Motorists. By Andy Enright

I’m certain Kia wouldn’t be too upset if it was pointed out that the Rio has hitherto only had a modest impact in terms of UK sales. In the past, budget buyers may have been a little underwhelmed by this Focus-sized car for Fiesta money, preferring instead to simplify things by opting for a Fiesta, but Kia have kept at it. Their latest Rio offers more refinement, better quality and sharper styling. Perhaps this time round, the Rio will get a result.

One of the key problems of the old car was that from a styling perspective, it didn’t seem to know quite what it wanted to be. It seemed to hover somewhere between a hatch and an estate, but the latest car sharpens up the styling quite significantly. In fact, it’s almost what you could call good looking, with a smart new family face. Everything about the car has been redesigned. That styling, for example, should go down well, featuring as it does a bolder nose, a more dynamic profile and a neater interior. Comfort-wise, there’s more headroom, legroom and shoulder room, especially in the rear. From a safety perspective, there are now twin front, side and curtain airbags, active head restraints and the availability of the electronic stability programme, ESP. As for performance, well, unusually, this is an all-new car that launches with all-new engines, with both diesel and petrol units claimed by Kia to be amongst the class best. Both feature much stronger refinement than Kia have been able to offer in the past, courtesy of sleeker aerodynamics, a stronger structure and greatly enhanced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) measures. Finally, customer convenience has also been high on the developers’ list, with the latest Rio offering a more versatile cargo space, a trip computer, solar glass and the availability of keyless entry.

"An endearing little car…"

Some things don’t change. The Rio still revels in its shameless affordability, with prices starting at £7,495 for the entry-level S model. There is only one body style – 5-door hatch with three equipment levels (S GS and LS), one petrol engine, a 1.4 litre unit with manual or automatic transmission, and, for the first time in the Rio range, a diesel engine (1.5 litres) with a manual gearbox. There’s also an optional Dynamic pack that includes a rear spoiler, sunroof and an Electronic Stability Program for additional safety. The 3,990 mm long new Rio hatchback is taller (+50 mm), wider (+15 mm) but shorter (-250 mm) than the model it replaces. The car also has a much longer wheelbase (+90 mm) which, combined with careful packaging of the mechanical components, enables it to claim ‘best-in-class’ interior space for maximum occupant comfort. The Rio’s wheelbase is between 9 mm and 40 mm longer than rivals like Volkswagen’s Polo, and Ford’s Fiesta, while its overall width is from 12 mm to 49 mm wider. The overall length is between 30 mm and 168 mm longer than those potential supermini rivals. Diesel power should be a popular option for Rio customers. The 1.5 CRDi unit on offer features a common rail fuel injection system and an advanced variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). Similar to the Cerato’s engine, this powerplant produces decent power and clean emissions that meet Euro 4 criteria. Performance of the 110PS 1.5 diesel unit is highly competitive and class-leading in an area of the market where most rivals have 75 PS or less. The 16-valve engine delivers 235 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm, so you shouldn’t have to row this Kia along with the gearlever. For customers who prefer petrol power or require an automatic transmission, a 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol engine is also available. This new 1.4-litre engine makes its world premiere in the Rio. Its DOHC, 16-valve unit generates a maximum of 97 PS and maximum torque of 125.4 Nm at 4,700 rpm, making the Rio one of the most powerful cars in the 1,400cc class. Thus the car outperforms all its 1.4-litre supermini rivals, with up to 22 PS more power than competitors. Both engines available in the five-door are offered with a five-speed manual transmission as standard. Available as an option, a four-speed automatic transmission specifically developed and tuned for the Rio, is offered on petrol engine only. The Rio is a surprisingly tight-feeling package on the road, with a reasonably taut suspension set up that keeps body roll well in check. Whereas the old car was pretty entertaining but somewhat crashy, the latest model’s revised suspension geometry offers a little more refinement over ruts and potholes without sacrificing the fun factor. Indeed, the Rio is good sport to hustle about, the rack and pinion steering is light and accurate; something that has defeated the best efforts of many more prestigious manufacturers. Kia hope more customers take notice of the latest Rio. It’s an endearing little car with a generous warranty arrangement that punches well above its weight.

Facts At A Glance CAR: Kia Rio range PRICES: £7,495-£9,995 - on the road INSURANCE GROUPS: 3-4 CO2 EMISSIONS:121-150g/km PERFORMANCE: [1.5 TD] 0-60mph 11.5s / Max Speed 110mph FUEL CONSUMPTION: [1.5 TD] 49.6 (urban) 68.9 (extra urban) 49.6mpg (combined) WILL IT FIT IN YOUR GARAGE?: length/width/heightmm 3990/1695/1470

RIO REVISITED Models covered: (5dr hatchback 1.4 petrol, 1.5 diesel [base, LS, GS])

BY ANDY ENRIGHT

Sometimes car buyers don’t want to do the research. They want something that’s going to be easy to buy, easy to maintain and easy to drive. They don’t care about handling, soft-touch plastics or 0-60 times. They just want a hassle-free experience and that’s exactly what’s served up by the Kia Rio. Good looking and inoffensive, the Rio is a very good cheap car. As a used buy it has plenty to commend it.

The Kia Rio first established itself as a very spacious but rather outdated budget hatchback that originally went on sale back in 2001. Kia was still struggling to establish itself in Western markets at that stage and had little clue as to the detailed requirements of European and US drivers. The Rio sold in modest numbers while elsewhere in the company’s model line-up, with each successive car, Kia zeroed in closer to design respectability. Vehicles like the Picanto, the Sedona and the Sportage established the Korean company as a credible manufacturer of value products but the MK2 Rio, while massively better than its predecessor, never really caught on in the same way. Introduced in September 2005, this Rio featured a crucial ingredient lacking from its predecessor – the option of a diesel engine. One five, door body style, two trim levels and a choice of a 1.4-litre petrol or a 1.5-litre diesel was the extent of the Rio range.

One of the key problems of the old car was that from a styling perspective, it didn’t seem to know quite what it wanted to be. It seemed to hover somewhere between a hatch and an estate, but the second generation car sharpens up the styling quite significantly. In fact, it’s almost what you could call good looking, with a smart fresh family face. Everything about the car was redesigned. That styling, for example, went down well, featuring as it did a bolder nose, a more dynamic profile and a neater interior. Comfort-wise, there was more headroom, legroom and shoulder room, especially in the rear. From a safety perspective, there were twin front, side and curtain airbags, plus active head restraints and the option for owners to consider the availability of the electronic stability programme, ESP. As for performance, well, rather unusually, this was an all-new car that launched with all-new engines, with both diesel and petrol units claimed by Kia to be amongst the class best. Both featured much stronger refinement than Kia had been able to offer in the past, courtesy of sleeker aerodynamics, a stronger structure and greatly enhanced NVH (noise, vibration and harshness) measures. Finally, customer convenience was also high on the developers’ list, with the Mk2 Rio offering a more versatile cargo space, a trip computer, solar glass and the availability of keyless entry. The Rio still revelled in its shameless affordability and decent equipment levels, the entry-level model including central locking and twin front airbags as part of its standard specification. There was also an optional Dynamic pack that included a rear spoiler, a sunroof and an Electronic Stability Program for additional safety. The 3,990 mm long second generation Rio hatchback is taller (+50 mm), wider (+15 mm) but shorter (-250 mm) than the model it replaced. The car also has a much longer wheelbase (+90 mm) which, combined with careful packaging of the mechanical components, enabled it at launch to claim ‘best-in-class’ interior space for maximum occupant comfort. The Rio’s wheelbase is between 9mm and 40mm, longer (in 2005 at least) than rivals like Volkswagen’s Polo, Skoda’s Fabia, Peugeot’s 206, Ford’s Fiesta and Vauxhall’s Corsa, while its overall width was from 12mm to 49mm wider. The overall length was between 30mm and 168mm longer than those potential supermini rivals.

Prices for the 1.4-litre start at around £2,800 for the LX model on a 2003 52-plate, with a 2005 55-plate GS fetching around £5,450. The diesels are a little more sought after and a 55-plated 1.5CRD LX is still worth somewhere in the region of £6,375. Insurance ranges from Group 3 to Group 5, so that’s not about to break the bank either.

The Rio looks a little flimsy inside and the cabins are prone to minor plastic parts breaking and extraneous squeaks and rattles developing. The mechanicals are reasonably simple and rarely give cause for complaint. Kias bear up pretty well reliability-wise, but do check for its service history and contact a few franchised dealers to try to find the best bargain available.

(Estimated prices, based on a 2006 1.4 LX) Kia spares prices have gained an enviable reputation for good value, and replacement parts for the Rio are no exception. A clutch assembly is around £140, whilst front brake pads weigh in at around £40. An alternator will cost around £120, and for a starter motor you’ll be looking at £110.

Diesel power has been a popular option for Rio customers. The 1.5 CRDi unit on offer features a common rail fuel injection system and an advanced variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). Similar to the larger Cerato family hatchback’s engine, this powerplant produces decent power and clean emissions that meet Euro 4 criteria. Performance of the 110PS 1.5 diesel unit is highly competitive and class-leading in an area of the market where most rivals have 75PS or less. The 16-valve engine delivers 235 Nm of torque at just 2,000 rpm, so you shouldn’t have to row this Kia along with the gearlever. For customers who prefer petrol power or require an automatic transmission, a 1.4-litre 16-valve petrol engine is also available. This 1.4-litre engine made its world premiere in the Rio. Its DOHC, 16-valve unit generates a maximum of 97PS and maximum torque of 125.4 Nm at 4,700 rpm, making the Rio one of the most powerful cars in the 1,400 cc class. Thus the car outperforms all its comparable 1.4-litre supermini rivals, with up to 22PS more power than competitors. Both engines available in the five-door were offered with a five-speed manual transmission as standard. Available as an option, a four-speed automatic transmission specifically developed and tuned for the Rio was offered on the petrol engine only. The Rio is a surprisingly tight-feeling package on the road, with a reasonably taut suspension set up that keeps body roll well in check. Whereas the old car was pretty entertaining but somewhat crashy, the MK2 model’s revised suspension geometry offers a little more refinement over ruts and potholes without sacrificing the fun factor. Indeed, the Rio is good sport to hustle about, the rack and pinion steering being light and accurate; something that has defeated the best efforts of many more prestigious manufacturers.

The Kia Rio isn’t the most exciting car your budget will stretch to but it’s modern, good looking and, importantly for many, nearly new. It’s hard to criticise at these prices and would make a very good choice for the more mature buyer looking for something that’s not going to let them down.