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Like other recent releases from Kia it looks fantastic, and the ride and handling are impressive. Photo Gallery
Chris Riley road tests and reviews the Kia Rio Si and SLi.
Not so long ago it was all about the price. People who bought a Kia did so because they wanted a new car but had a limited amount of money to spend. Fast forward and it's still very much about value for money, the difference is that you wouldn't mind owning one - we wouldn't anyway (and we should know). The all-new Rio hatch is a case in point. Like other recent releases from Kia it looks fantastic, and the ride and handling are impressive.
VALUE
Kia is yet to release its 1.4-litre model or its three and four-door variants which don't arrive until next year. The 1.4 will be cheaper but the better specified 1.6 is the pick, priced from $18,990. All models come with Bluetooth and a four-speaker sound system, complete with AUX, iPod and USB connections - all controlled remotely from the steering wheel. Si and SLi models add an extra pair of high range tweeter speakers. There's also two 12 volt power oulets in the centre console. Electric heated side mirrors are also standard.
TECHNOLOGY
1.6-litre GDi direct injection four cylinder petrol engine produces a healthy 103kW of power and 167Nm of torque at 4850 revs. Claimed fuel consumption ranges from 5.6 to 6.1 litres/100km depending on whether its the manual or auto. The six-speed auto feels like a better match for the engine and allows the driver to change gears manually anyway. It feels quicker off the mark too, with a sporty note under hard acceleration.
DESIGN
The latest offering from Kia's design guru Peter Schreyer. It's larger than the Yaris or Mazda2 and is even a few mills longer than the new Barina with a significantly longer wheelbase and load capacity that is almost line ball. The Barina is cheaper and is offered with a six-speed auto too, but it's 1.6 is no match for Rio's new direct injection engine.
For those in the know Kia is owned by Hyundai and the two share architecture and models. In this case the Hyundai equivalent is the Accent and while it looks pretty hot, it misses out on some advantages - chief among them the 1.6-litre direct injection engine and six-speed automatic. The i20 is a smaller car that sits on a new platform and is being marketed as a successor to Getz.
SAFETY
Designed to get five stars but it's yet to be crash tested. Comes with a full safety package including six airbags and electronic stability control are standard along with anti-lock brakes, brake assist and electronic brake force distribution. Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) program seamlessly integrates the operation of all the safety systems.
DRIVING
We drove the mid range Si auto and top of the line SLi manual. Only $1000 separates them in price. The Si has 16 inch alloys while the SLi has larger 17s. The Rio benefits from local suspension tuning and it shows, with a firm confortable ride over a variety of road surfaces. Undulations induced the occiasional bounce but nothing to really worry about.
You can punt this car hard and it won't bite back, but the stability control shuts down too soon. In terms of fuel economy we got 6.7 from the manual and 7.1 litres/100km from the automatic.
VERDICT
Love it. Looks the goods and can't wait to see one that has been really blinged.
KIA RIO
Price: Si from $18,990, SLi from $19,990
Warranty: 5-years/unlimited kilometres
Resale: 46% (based on outgoing model) Source: Glass's Guide
Service interval: 15,000km/12 months
Safety: 5-star NCAP (estimated)
Engine: 1.6L GDI petrol, 103kW/167Nm four-cylinder
Body: 5-door hatch
Dimensions (mm): 4045 (l), 1720 (w), 1455 (h), 2570 (wb)
Weight: 1179-1215kg
Transmission: 6-speed manual or auto, front drive
Thirst: 5.6-6.1L/100km, tank 43-litres, regular unleaded, CO2 133-145g/km
