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Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics

We get behind the wheel of the cleanest Kia Rio on sale, that promises 88mpg

Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics front cornering

Text: Jack Rix / Photos: Nathan Morgan

December 2011

According to Kia, petrol and diesel cars will continue to outsell hybrids and electric vehicles for at least the next two decades – but it’s not hanging around to find out if that’s true. The company now makes the world’s cleanest combustion-engined car: the Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics. And 
we have driven it in the UK.

The on-paper figures are astonishing. With economy of 88.3mpg and only 85g/km of CO2 emissions, the Rio has stolen the eco crown from the 86g/km Smart ForTwo CDI. It even trumps the new 87g/km Ford Fiesta ECOnetic, which is due in mid-2012.

To achieve these super-low figures, the 1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel comes with longer gearing, stop-start, low-rolling-resistance tyres, a neat roof spoiler and a closed-off grille to improve aerodynamics.

There are a couple of ‘eco-rules’, too. The Rio must be ordered in base-level 1 spec, without air-conditioning. Add air-con, for £800, and the economy and emissions rise to 78.5mpg and 94g/km. Still, the entry-spec car comes with a CD player, iPod connection and central locking as standard – expensive treats in years gone by.

What’s remarkable about this model is that it drives like any other supermini powered by a small diesel. The long gearing means it’s easy to catch the engine off-boost, but keep your right foot pinned down and the swell of acceleration is better than the 14.9-second 0-62mph time suggests. The engine is reasonably smooth, although a faint rattle is emitted from under the bonnet.

The very light steering is geared to react quickly, which adds fun in bends. Thick-walled steel wheels give a firm but compliant ride, while the manual gearshift is precise.

Our only major reservation is the price. At £11,895, the Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics is £400 more than a base-spec Fiesta 1.4 TDCi with similar power. But while the Ford is undoubtedly more engaging to drive, the Kia comes with more kit and trumps the Fiesta’s economy by a staggering 19.4mpg.

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

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5 Comments

I see, so you can have 88mpg but you can't have air-con, sounds a bit daft to me, who buys a car these days without air-con. So with air-con, this makes it not much better than any other eco car, such as the superior Fiesta Econetic, which now comes in high spec Titanium. Don't think Ford have too much to worry about. The interior looks very bland and Fisher Price, and its not a great car to look at, but I dare say Kia will sell bucket loads.

By balcstar on 15 December, 2011, 5:24pm

Looks good shame i can't get one!

Ordered a 1.1d Rio Air on 30th September and it will not be ready until mid January as Kia are not building 1.1 diesels with air con at the moment - so much for a recession?! Could have bought a Fiesta with priviledge discount (work in motor industry) but Ford only offer £250 off a diesel - everybody raves about the Fiesta but you even have to pay £50 for a centre rear headrest.

By aston01 on 15 December, 2011, 8:18pm

More Kit (including safety)

Has curtain airbags (Fiesta option all models why?) I would'nt like to be a rear passenger in a Fiesta.
Rio also has the following ESC,VSM,ESS,Hillstart Assist,Auto door locking,passenger airbag switch,
Has a larger interior and is not as bland as a Yaris,Polo,Mazda 2,
I have a 2 spec (Petrol) and it is a refined and well built car,
Even in Ecodynamics spec it is loaded and safer compared to an equivilent Fiesta.
Like the majority i like the look of the Rio.
It's a case of don't knock it till you've tried it.

By armac31 on 16 December, 2011, 12:17am

Ibiza

Think I'd rather have a SEAT Ibiza ecomotive, more kit inc climate control, more economic & cheaper, no brainer!

By brucem on 20 December, 2011, 7:48am

Ibiza less kit

What model are you quoting (check Seat's confusing brochure) but the Ibiza in standard E trim (lowest as in the Rio) does not have climate control only the more expensive SE Copa has it ,also again no curtain airbags on ANY model of the Ibiza and no ESP that's a no brainer alright!
Again Rio regardless of Seat's models has more kit & is SAFER.

By armac31 on 20 December, 2011, 10:53am

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Pictures

Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics front cornering
Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics rear cornering
Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics dash
Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics badge
Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics dash
Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics detail
Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics boot
Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics engine

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FIRST OPINION

    To make a non-hybrid car this efficient yet so uncompromised to drive is an impressive achievement, and there’s more to come. By 2015, Kia plans to reduce the weight of all its models by 10 per cent. And with other eco-technologies arriving all the time, it can’t be long before we see a 100mpg diesel hatchback. This excellent Rio has set the bar high – now it’s over to rivals to see what they can do.

 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £11,895
    Engine: 1.1-litre 3cyl, turbodiesel
    Transmission: Six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
    Power/torque: 69bhp/162Nm
    0-62mph: 14.9 seconds
    Top speed: 98mph
    Economy: 88.3mpg
    CO2: 85g/km
    Equipment: Electric front windows, iPod connection, CD player, ESP, central locking, split/fold rear seats
    On sale: Now
     
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