Kia Rio

• Rating:
• Latest deal price: from £8,661 to £12,581
• For : Attractive pricing, spacious cabin, strong aftersales package
• Against : Rivals more fun, lifeless steering, flimsy plastics

The Kia Rio is the Korean manufacturer's entry into the supermini market. Introduced in September 2011, the new model is a significant step forward from its lacklustre predecessor. It offers a big-car feel while reducing running costs, and easily matches rivals such as the Renault Clio and Fiat Punto for quality. The driving experience is more functional than fun, though, with lifeless steering and the engine range optimised for efficiency rather than performance. The ownership experience promises to be pain-free, with an inclusive servicing deal and lengthy warranty, so if you fancy a well built, low-maintenance supermini, the Rio is well worth a look.

Our pick: 1.1 CRDi 1

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

Styling

The Rio is the latest in Kia design boss Peter Schreyer’s bow tie grille creations, aimed at giving the firm’s cars a familiar look but with an individual identity. It’s less aggressive than the smaller Picanto, and is one of the more distinctive superminis on the road, with a swoopy roofline. It's currently only available as a five-door, but a three-door is due soon.

Interior

The most noticeable aspect of the Rio’s cabin is how spacious it feels – Kia claims class-leading headroom and legroom in the front. Standard two-way height adjustment on the steering wheel on all models bar the entry-level diesel ensures it’s easy for the driver to get comfortable. Two adults should fit comfortably in the rear. The model was benchmarked against leading European rivals for quality, and it shows – this is one of the best built Kias yet. Only flimsy plastic door handles are a disappointment; they don't feel especially robust. The three-cylinder instrument cluster used in other Kias features again, while all the key controls are logically placed. Four trims are offered – 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3 – with all from 1 Air onwards getting air-con.

Driving and Performance

Although there is nothing fundamentally wrong with how the Rio drives, the on-road experience is not its trump card. The biggest plus is the refinement – good noise deadening ensures it excels here, and contributes to the general big car feel. The higher-powered models are competent at motorway speeds, although the 1.4-litre diesel is not the torquiest of engines and requires quite a lot of revs to get up to pace. But the feeling persists that the driving experience was not a priority for Kia. Body roll is resisted adequately, but the handling falls a long way short of the class-leading Ford Fiesta, and offers little in the way of excitement. Lifeless steering is another issue – there is curious play in the wheel in the dead-ahead position. The 1.4-litre petrol offers the quickest 0-60mph time in 11.1 seconds; this compares to 12.6 for the 1.25 petrol, 14.9 for the 1.1 diesel and 12.6 for the 1.4 diesel. The ride is acceptable for the class, although it can feel a little firm on poorly surfaced roads. If you want thrills, look elsewhere, but if you are happy with a safe, predictable supermini which is easy to drive, the Rio will fit the bill.

MPG and running costs

The Rio excels here. Star performer is the 1.1 CRDi 1 model, fitted with the company’s EcoDynamics stop-start package. This is the world’s most efficient non-electric production car, emitting 85g/km and promising 88mpg fuel economy. It is stripped of a lot of kit to achieve this though. The top-spec petrol and diesel cars claim 51.4mpg and 70.6mpg respectively. All manual models are road-tax free in the first year of ownership, while a three-year fixed-price servicing pack is available and Kia’s seven-year 100,000-mile warranty is class-leading.

Practicality

When it comes to practicality, the Rio is on a par with class rivals. The boot offers 288 litres of space, which is just slightly less than a Ford Fiesta, while the sill is usefully low for loading. Split folding rear seats are standard on all models to increase capacity. Access to the rear seats is easy, and there's plenty of space – a useful benefit of the Rio’s increase in dimensions (it's 25mm wider than the previous model). Few superminis are as well packaged as the Kia. A decent-sized glovebox and array of in-cabin storage areas complete the package.

Safety and reliability

All Rio models feature the same safety equipment, regardless of spec or cost. Electronic stability control (ESC), which stabilises a car when it detects it might go out of control by braking one or more wheels or reducing engine torque, is standard. Twin front, side and curtain airbags are fitted, plus a passenger’s seat side airbag cut-off switch is included in case a child seat is placed in the front. The Rio also features Emergency Stop Signalling, which warns following drivers of impending danger by flashing three times when the car stops sharply. Reliability should be good too – Kia has traditionally fared well in owner satisfaction surveys.

Model Variants and Specifications

• KIA Rio 1.4 Rio Domino Special Edition Auto £10635
• KIA Rio 1.5 CRDi Rio Domino Special Edition £10635
• KIA Rio 1.4 Rio Graphite £10685
• KIA Rio 1.4 Rio 2 Auto £10990
• KIA Rio 1.5 CRDi Rio 2 £10995
• KIA Rio 1.5 CRDI Rio Graphite £11810
• KIA Rio 1.4 Rio 1 £8540
• KIA Rio 1.4 Rio Domino Special Edition £9510
• KIA Rio 1.5 CRDi Rio 1 £9665
• KIA Rio 1.4 Rio 2 £9870