Kia Rio

Having driven hundreds of cars from all the manufacturers in the past 17 years.. I have come across some duds in the luxury segment and real gems in cheaper cars.

The Kia Rio is a case in point. Recently awarded car of the year in another on line website.

Earlier models were the epitome of cheap and cheerful with little to commend them except price.
The new Rio is a far cry from  previous iterations, and boy is it so much better than before.

The top of the range Sli would have to be among the best value for money buys in the light car segment in Australia.

It's fitted with kit you'd only find in a Mercedes or BMW of not too many years ago.

Cornering lights that come on as you turn, giving better illumination at the kerb, auto lights and wipers, distinctive daytime running lights, almost Audi like taillights ,auto locking, and keyless entry and start... just to name a few.

The headlights could be brighter but that's easily fixed with a more powerful globe.

The driving experience is not quite up to VW Golf standards but it is among the best in its class albeit with slightly dead steering feel at the straight ahead position.

The one point six litre engine takes a while to wind up to speed but goes about its business quietly and without fuss.

While it won't win any traffic light grand prix iit's more than acceptable for everyday driving, achieving about seven litres per hundred kilometres in the city.

The suspension is not too bad around town.. a little on the firm side but nothing that would be a deal breaker.It actually revels in open road corners.There's no wind noise on the highway.. a real surprise.

Rear vision is a little hampered by the size of the C pillar but it's far from the worst example among many other modern cars in all classes.

The three door Rio is a real head turner, with a new Kia trademark of some remarkably smart two tone alloys, following in the wheeltracks of the excitingly styled larger sibling the Optima Platinum.
The doors shut with a satisfying solid thud.

Being well over 183 cm tall I was untroubled finding a good driving position.
The leather seats in the top of the range Rio are extremely supportive and worthy of installation in a much more expensive model.

Lightly padded console and door armrests are also very welcome, as are wing mirrors that swing in out of the way at the touch of a button.

The instruments are clear and concise and give all the information you need including distance to empty, economy, and average speed.
An illuminated glovebox and visor mirrors are yet more "luxury" touches.
Even the folder for the handbook is well made and classy, not some cheapo plastic.

I was very surprised to learn that the most you'd pay for the top range Sli is a tad under twenty two thousand dollars.

Quite astonishing considering the level of equipment, that embarrasses others in its class..

It's not often you find a car like this that also has a five year warranty..

It is in fact one car that I would consider owning and that's a statement I don't make lightly. I wouldn't  hesitate recommending this new RIo to anyone.
Peter Sellen