Search Car Reviews



See all makes

New Kia Rio

We're first behind the wheel of Kia's new Rio, can it trouble the class-leaders?

New Kia Rio static front

By Luke Madden

March 2011

Some manufacturers hit upon a winning formula and stick to it, but not Kia. Despite the current Rio selling almost 900,000 units worldwide, the Korean firm has given the Rio a complete and thorough re-working to bring it in line with the rest of its range.

Place the two cars side-by-side and you’d struggle to tell they were related. Oversized headlights with LED daytime running lights, a narrow ‘bow-tie’ grille and carved flanks mark out the new model, giving it the premium feel associated with modern Kias.

Inside, the cabin is a much more pleasant place to be too. This car is 20mm longer than the old Rio and has had its wheelbase extended by 70mm resulting in an increase in space for all passengers. Four tall adults can sit comfortably for long journeys. 

Boot space has also risen to 288 litres– a 7% improvement over the old Rio.

Solid build quality has become a Kia trademark, and the newcomer feels no different. The stylish interior is well screwed together and the quality of materials is good for this class. 

Our test car was powered by Kia’s new three-cylinder diesel which produces 69bhp. The big news is its low 85g/km CO2 emissions figure (when fitted with stop/start), which makes it the cleanest combustion engine car on the road today.

Considering the sluggish 0-62mph time of 16.4 seconds, the Rio didn’t feel particularly slow and that’s partly down to its 162Nm torque figure. Our only worry would be overtaking at motorway speeds. 

Most impressive of all though is how refined the unit is. Below about 3000rpm there’s only a faint hum from underneath the bonnet. Push it too hard though and there’s a harsh rattle.

In the bends, the Rio feels nimble thanks to its light but responsive steering and well-controlled body roll. Re-worked rear suspension has helped cure the Rio of the understeer that plagued the old model too. 

The overall result is a ride slightly stiffer than current Rio drivers will be used to but it still manages to take the edge off harsh bumps in the road.

With the new Rio, Kia’s hatchback has gone from budget option to genuine class contender and – with a price of around £10,000 when it goes on sale in September – it's good value too. 

For an alternative review of the latest Kia Rio visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

What Next

For more breaking car news and reviews, subscribe to Auto Express magazine. We'll give you 6 issues for £1 and a free gift!

< Previous   Next >

Sponsored Results

12 Comments

I predict a winner

In this same email we have had details of the Proton/Lotus EMAS. This Hybrid-Electric range extended vehicle has a CO2 output of 60g and does 150mpg. Much better than the Kia.

However it is predicted to cost £30K making it completely and utterly pointless.

Buy the Rio for your commute and a V12 XJS for weekends and keep £10,000 to repair it!

By IronChicken on 24 March, 2011, 8:53am

Schreyer's Masterpiece

This is on my buying list,looking forward to road test of the 1.25 advanced 'Kappa' engine and 1.4 'Gamma' to see how they fare.
There's a 1.25 turbo appearing next year similar to VW's,the Korean's have spent a fortune developing these engines.
Love the look of this car the interior seems a little conventional tho'
or maybe germanic as the designer intended.

By armac31 on 24 March, 2011, 9:33pm

Already lining one up for my wife

With a 7 year warranty, at around 10k this looks unbeatable. I bought my first Kia 5 years ago (a Sorento) which I got for 16k pre reg. 5 Years on it is worth 10k, so it cost me just over 1k per annum in depreciation. I have never had a problem with it, and like most others who actually buy and own a Kia, I have become a total convert. This new Rio matches my next door neighbour's Sportage (which he bought after sampling my Sorento and is now a total convert himself) in looks. Any wonder why Kia is growing at such a phenomenal rate?

By wakeywarrior on 6 April, 2011, 9:36am

Her name is Rio ...

This is exactly why the South Koreans are gaining ground hand over fist.

While the Japanese seem to have lost their way, whether it be designing cars with questionable looks (the Nissan Joke?) to simply making them too expensive (the entire Honda range from the Civic up), the South Koreans have stolen a march in the last few years by tapping into that most precious of commodities, the customers' requirements. Which in most cases is for a sound, safe, stylish product at a keen price - and with a big fat warrranty.

This looks like a winner. That back screen looks quite small and high up for rearwards visibility though.


By FloatingVoter on 17 April, 2011, 6:48am

I agree.

Yes, yes yes, I agree with all the pre cee'd ing (geddit?) comments bar the very last about the back screen. Who looks through there back window to reverse? Mirrors and reversing aids sorted that out 10 years ago. This car should take the market that it's aimed at by storm, if it doesn't, then Kias marketing needs looking into. Peter Schreyer has put the icing on Kias cake. Sir, I salute you.

By hsbcgeoff on 26 April, 2011, 8:20am

Wow

I cannot believe how fast the Koreans are developing and changing their mindset for the more accomplished, demanding European mindset. This new Rio looks great, albeit very much VW. They provide the best warranty, best value for money and now great looks. Whats also more interesting is the Korean cars are now as reliable as any other makes, certainly not less but perhaps better than the French and Italian makes.

By f1moh on 26 April, 2011, 8:58am

Stylish, luxorious and cheap!

A 3-pot diesel that achieves nearly 90mpg sounds very cost effective to me. Even if you stick some extras on like leather and sat nav (both of which I like in a car) the Rio with this little engine will be a fantastic purchase.

In terms of resale, Kia's are holding value well due their style, increased quality and standard kit, and most significantly, their 7 year warranty.

Speaking of style, this might look a little bit 'Vauxhall Astra' from the front and 'old Seat Leon' from the back, but somehow takes those looks and makes them even more stylish...perhaps the LED lights front and rear help? In addition, the Astra and Leon are from the bigger car class and this is also a slightly bigger car than others in it's class, but for this price who cares?! Certainly not me. Subject to a test drive, our little eco-run-around (Citroen C3) will be replaced in September for one of these.

By mkaiser1 on 8 July, 2011, 9:29am

PinkyBow

Great - but where's the hot diesel version? It was supposed to fill the gap left by the outgoing Fabia VRS - at least that's what KIA boss man said??

By Brijenbudgies on 12 July, 2011, 5:10pm

Just seen one in metal - disappointing

The interior has cheap feeling seat fabric, unappealing dark hard plastic on the centre of the dash and headroom is tight, especially in the rear. Legroom not great in the rear either and the boot, whilst a reasonable size, has a false floor that covers a large whole where the spare wheel should be but isn't - it just houses a tray for the jack which wastes lots of free space (if UK cars don't get spare wheels).

If the way it drives is disappointing too, why is a car that now costs the same as its competitors still getting such favourable reviews? This is no longer a cheap car so can't be forgiven for being average in so many areas!

Keep an open mind, don't believe the hype and try for yourself!

By gavsmit on 5 September, 2011, 7:51pm

Just seen one in metal - disappointing

The interior has cheap feeling seat fabric, unappealing dark hard plastic on the centre of the dash and headroom is tight, especially in the rear. Legroom not great in the rear either and the boot, whilst a reasonable size, has a false floor that covers a large whole where the spare wheel should be but isn't - it just houses a tray for the jack which wastes lots of free space (if UK cars don't get spare wheels).

If the way it drives is disappointing too, why is a car that now costs the same as its competitors still getting such favourable reviews? This is no longer a cheap car so can't be forgiven for being average in so many areas!

Keep an open mind, don't believe the hype and try for yourself!

By gavsmit on 5 September, 2011, 7:52pm

An Owner's Viewpoint

Just purchased a Rio 1.4 Petrol '3' spec. Ride & handling are okay without being brilliant but it's roomy, quiet and comfortable with loads of goodies. Well built, value for money car with a 7 year warranty. It has a few bad points: lousy rear visibility, low floor pan makes it difficult for old folk to get out easily, poor petrol consumption (only 250 miles on the clock).Over-all though, an excellent purchase!

By YoungAtHeart on 12 November, 2011, 9:39pm

STYLISH, LUXURIOUS. CLEAN, ECONOMICAL & CHEAP / TICK !

NICE CAR BETTER THAN A FORD KA, VW UP, SEAT & SKODA & THE SAME PRICE.

By BEREAL on 11 December, 2011, 1:53am

You need to register to post comments. Existing members can log in below to comment, otherwise click here to join.



Sponsored Results

- Advertisement -

Pictures

New Kia Rio static front
New Kia Rio interior
New Kia Rio static rear
New Kia Rio
New Kia Rio side
New Kia Rio rear

Sponsored Results

Find New Cars

Find your new Kia Rio with our new car search:

Find New Cars
Find Used Cars

Find your Kia Rio with our used car search.

Find Used Cars

FIRST OPINION

    The new Rio is a vast improvement over the old car. Not only is it one of the most stylish models on the road but it also now has the kind of drive and build quality to match up to the class-leaders. If the price is right – and we’ve been told it will be – and Kia continue to throw in generous kit as standard then the Rio could really shake up the supermini segment later this year. 
 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £10,000 (est)
    Engine: 1.1-litre, 3cyl turbodiesel
    Transmission: 6-spd manual, fwd
    Power: 69bhp
    Torque: 162Nm
    Economy: 85mpg (est)
    CO2: 85g/km
    Equipment: Air-con, LED daytime running lights, electric front windows
    On sale: September
     
    - Advertisement -