What they said when the Kia Rio was new… (Jul 11 2005)
KIA is getting in carnival mood as the Korean car maker prepares to launch an all-new version of its Rio hatchback.
Following on from the success of the Picanto, which has climbed towards the top of the city car sales charts, Kia is now targeting the likes of the Ford Fiesta with the latest Rio.
And the car is good enough to take on the best - especially the diesel version which has astonishing mid-range power and economy.
Gone are the days when Kias were just cheap and cheerful alternatives to anything European manufacturers produced.
The latest models use up-to-the-minute production methods and that has seen Kia's reputation soar in recent years.
The Sedona people mover started the sea change and more recently that has been followed by the Sorento big 4x4, the Ford Focus class Cerato, the Picanto and the latest generation of Kia's popular four-wheel-drive, the Sportage.
There is nothing tacky about the quality of these cars and all are keenly priced.
Now the Rio is to follow suit and although prices still have to be announced it is likely they will range from £8,500 to £10,000 which will undercut the main players in this part of the market.
That means, pound for pound, the Rio will be top-notch value for money.
Two trim levels will be available, GS and LX, and all will come with air conditioning, ABS, twin airbags, electric windows, central locking, a height-adjustable driver's seat and a CD player that is MP3 compatible.
It is high level specification and Kia is going for the jugular with ambitions to sell as many as 15,000 Rios next year.
The Rio will also be available only as a five door model with a choice of two engines, a 1.4-litre petrol and 1.5-litre diesel. Neither is lacking but the diesel is good enough to make the Rio a class leading drive.
Top speed is a reported 110mph with 0 to 60 acceleration of 11.5 seconds but working through a five speed manual gearbox there is phenomenal power from this turbo-charged 110bhp common rail engine - again that is class leading power.
Work it hard and it is a delight to drive and although the steering and handling is equally impressive the suspension is a touch on the bouncy side on all but the best of surfaces.
Cost of ownership is a Kia strong point and the diesel Rio is capable of averaging a splendid 60.1 miles per gallon which, coupled to CO2 exhaust emissions of 121g/km, makes it very easy on the pocket.
Compared to the diesel, the 1.4 feels slightly flat and that is reflected in performance figures of 12.3 seconds 0 to 60 and although top speed is the same as the diesel, fuel consumption is down to 44.8mpg and emissions up to 149g/km.
Inside there are no complaints about the quality of trim or upholstery and with the Rio being longer and wider than previous versions it offers the most interior space in the class.
Two-tone trims are available and the only let down is in the choice of radio/CD player which, with its detachable front plate, looks dated. Most other cars in this league have built-in players which form part of the dash but this is the only weak point on the Rio.
In terms of noise it is surprisingly quiet for a car of this ilk and that has been helped by the use of hydraulic engine mounts - normally a feature of executive models.
The Rio's large interior proportions have not been at the expense of cargo capacity as that ranges from ten cubic feet to a maximum of 41 with the rear seats folding completely flat.
As a reward to existing customers, Kia is phasing in the introduction of the Rio with current owners being able to drive the car from October before it goes on general sale next January.
The Rio has a lot going for it but the diesel version is good enough to put it in a niche of its own.
Words: David Alan
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