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Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi

We drive the most frugal and road tax-free version of the new Kia Rio

Kia Rio front tracking

By Steve Fowler

November 2011

The new Kia Rio is one of the most impressive cars we have driven all year – and now it has arrived in penny-pinching 1.1-litre EcoDynamics guise. There are three versions, with CO2 emissions ranging from a world-best for a non-electric car of 85g/km on the 1, to this 2 model with more luxury kit at a still impressive 99g/km.

That equates to claimed average economy of 74.3mpg, but the most eco-orientated model claims 88.3mpg and a (theoretical) 800 miles between fill-ups. Road tax, not to mention London’s Congestion Charge, will be completely free for all three 1.1 CRDi models.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Kia Rio

 

What’s just as impressive is the lack of trickery needed to achieve this – just the usual line-up of stop-start, low-rolling-resistance tyres, longer gearing and aerodynamic tweaks. The 85g/km 1 car gets drum brakes, a roof spoiler and ditches air-con and the rear wiper to achieve its headline figures.

With peak torque of 170Nm arriving at only 1,500rpm and a wide powerband, the Rio feels much more gutsy than its 0-60mph time of 15.5 seconds suggests. The little three-cylinder engine sounds pretty good, too, with a distinctive note under acceleration, but it’s not especially quiet when cruising.

There’s quite a bit of tyre noise, too, and the ride is always firm, but while the steering lacks the sporty feedback of a Ford Fiesta’s, the Rio still feels nimble and good to drive. 

Inside there’s plenty of space, and material quality and design approach that of the class leaders. The kit count is good, too, with six airbags, ESP and plenty of luxury kit. It’s the presence of air-con and other items that pushes CO2 up and mpg down, but not by much. And whatever EcoDynamics model you choose, you’ll be buying the best Rio in the line-up.

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

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5 Comments

Tyres

Agreed those ECO tyres don't do this car any favours and effect steering feel too,tyre noise could be better but at lower speeds it's a refined and relaxing car to drive,(1.25 Petrol).

By armac31 on 4 November, 2011, 9:32pm

nice car i think the MPG figures will not be easy to achieve in real world conditions.I would opt for 1.4crdi less effort and probably more economical as an everyday car.

By nickbsmooth on 5 November, 2011, 3:31pm

KIA/HYUNDAI are making excellent real progress with cars for normal people!

Its really quite impressive what the HYUNDAI/KIAGroup have achieved since their inception! They have now an impressive range of reliable and attractive car models to fit nearly all normal customers requirerments.

This is much more important than Formula 1 type performance in road cars in these days of rapidly rising energy costs and economies that are either on the rocks or heading that way .

They certainly put the once almighty GM - yes General Motors - to shame where they are still dithering in Europe and still have far too many factories and employees and not really producing the cars their markets really require and with a dealer organisation that is not sure where the journey will end!

In the USA the situation with GM is even worse - even compared with FORD - and its board is not really up to the formidable problems they have and should actively be addressing!

So well done KIA - a realistic step very much in the right direction for normal family motorists and every day drivers!

By vandenplas4litre on 8 November, 2011, 8:45am

Mr C

This is a good car ,modern,well made and reasonably stylish. With a 7 year transferable warranty it will hold its value. Its a no brainer

By STILLO52 on 10 November, 2011, 4:06pm

With Super Economy Comes Hassle!

While this is the headline grabbing 1.1L diesel, it is at least a decent spec. version. Your average driver would probably have to seriously modify his driving technique to get anywhere near the quoted mpg though. I think the 1.4L diesel would be a better buy for most drivers. Personally, I chose the 1.4 petrol version '3' spec. - it's cheaper and I cover less than 5000 miles per annum. I do think the new Kia Rio is a cracking little car though.

By YoungAtHeart on 15 November, 2011, 10:26am

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Pictures

Kia Rio front tracking
Kia Rio rear tracking
Kia Rio dash
Kia Rio badge
Kia Rio front cornering
Kia Rio panning
Kia Rio rear cornering
Kia Rio boot

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FIRST OPINION

    If you’re in the market for a Ford Fiesta-sized car, put the Kia Rio EcoDynamics on your shortlist. It’s one of the best cars yet from Kia – a smartly styled supermini that promises incredible economy, low tax bills and virtually no compromises. The driving experience may still trail a Fiesta’s or a Polo’s, but with the bonus of a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, this Rio comes highly recommended.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £13,795
    Engine: 1.1-litre 3cyl turbodiesel, 74bhp
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    0-60mph: 15.5 seconds
    Top speed: 98mph
    Economy: 74.3mpg
    CO2: 99g/km
    Equipment: Six airbags, ESP, electric front windows, CD player with MP3 connectivity, split-fold seats, central locking
    On sale: Now
     
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