Car Detail

The Kia Rio is a spacious supermini that appeals to those who appreciate good value. It sports a generous level of equipment given its inexpensive price and blends practicality with style.

Strong, fuel-efficient engines help to keep running costs low and add to the real-world appeal of this solidly constructed five-door hatchback. Easy-going road manners make it as satisfying to drive as it is to own.

The Kia Rio slots between the Picanto city car and Cee’d compact hatchback in the Kia line-up. However, the roomy cabin belies this car’s supermini dimensions.

The Kia Rio is available as a five-door hatchback with a choice of trims that rise from Kia Rio, via Kia Rio 2 and Kia Rio 3, to the range-topping Kia Sport model.

All versions are equipped with power steering, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, a four-speaker CD/radio sound system, digital clock, heated rear windscreen and 12v power outlet in the centre console. Most also have air conditioning, central locking, tinted glass, fog lights and alloy wheels.

The Kia Sport model features climate control, a sunroof, electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, four electric windows and an alarm.

The Kia Rio has achieved a four-star crash test rating from EuroNCAP and its safety equipment reflects that good performance. All Kia Rio’s are fitted with twin front airbags and top models also feature side and curtain airbags. Sport trim includes active head restraints, which are designed to reduce the effects of whiplash.

Every Kia Rio has three-point seatbelts for all five occupants and the front seatbelts are fitted with pretensioners. ABS anti-lock brakes with EBD (electronic brakeforce distribution) are standard, too.

There are ISOFIX child seat mounting points on the back seats and the rear doors have child locks. A deactivation switch for the passenger airbag allows the use of a rear-facing child seat in the front.

Fuel-efficient engines underscore the Kia Rio’s environmental appeal. The 1.4-litre petrol model emits 147g/km of CO2 with a manual transmission and the 1.6 petrol 153g/km. The 1.5 CRDi diesel is rated at an extremely modest 119g/km.

The Kia Rio is available with a choice of petrol or diesel power, which send drive to the front wheels. All three engines place the emphasis on fuel economy and low emissions although they are willing and responsive.

There are two four-cylinder petrol engines – a 1.4-litre and a 1.6-litre. The 1.4-litre generates 95bhp and 125Nm of pull, which is sufficient to give 110mph performance when connected to the five-speed manual gearbox. This engine is also available with a four-speed automatic transmission, where it combines 105mph performance with average fuel economy of 39.2mpg. The fuel efficiency of the 1.4 extends to 45.6mpg when fitted with the manual gearbox.
The 1.6-litre engine is almost as economical, with an average of 43.5mpg but offers more pace. It develops 110bhp and 146Nm, which allows it to achieve 118mph performance.

The most fuel-efficient of all is the 1.5-litre CRDi turbodiesel, which puts out 108bhp and a muscular 235Nm of pull. This four-cylinder engine has an impressive official combined average of 62.8mpg, yet it is capable of 110mph nonetheless. It is available with a five-speed manual gearbox.

To help keep running costs low, all Kia Rio’s require a service only once every 10,000 miles or annually, whichever happens first.

Keen pricing is one of the Kia Rio’s main attractions. The entry-level Kia Rio is the petrol-powered 1.4, which is priced at £7095.  There is also a Chill Special Edition for only £8095. The top 1.4 variant is the Kia Rio 3, priced at £9195, whilst specifying automatic transmission on this model adds £1000. The diesel-engined models span £9095 for the 1.5 CRDi Kia Rio Chill Special Edition with air conditioning, £9195 for the 1.5 CRDi Kia Rio 2 to £10,895 for the Kia Rio Sport. The 1.6 Kia Rio Sport is £10,095.

All prices are manufacturer's recommended retail price.  Click on the Offers panel for great Benfield special offers.