Kia Rio SLi 2012 Review

Incremental gains are the norm in the car industry, but not at Kia. The South Korean carmaker's latest Rio is such a quantum leap over its predecessor that it deserves a new name.

If you could drive it with your eyes closed you would swear it was a premium small car from Europe, such is its tautness and finesse.

DESIGN

Now in its fourth generation, the Rio is yet another example of the attractive styling theme that permeates most of Kia's model range. From any angle it is well-proportioned with bold, confident lines and an athletic, purposeful stance.

Add attractive pricing, lively performance, a stylish interior, respectable handling and a five-year warranty and the Rio banishes forever its previous life as a cheap and cheerless runabout.

PRICE

But if the blandness of the previous model has gone so too has the budget price. The entry level 1.4 S at $16,290 for the six-speed manual (four-speed auto $18,290) is about $1300 more than its predecessor. Then comes the 1.6 Si at $18,990 (six-speed auto $20,990) and the 1.6 SLi at $19,990 (auto $21,990). On test were the SLi manual and automatic.

Equipment in the S includes six airbags, stability control, a maximum five-star crash rating, brake assist, hill start assist, Bluetooth, single CD audio with MP3, iPod and USB connection, power windows, trip computer, heated mirrors and a full-size spare wheel. The Si adds the 1.6 engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, higher grade audio, folding mirrors, upgraded instruments, fog lights and a centre console arm rest.

ENGINE AND MECHANICAL

Output from the 1.6-litre GDi (gasoline direct injection) engine is a class leading 103kW and 167Nm. Helped by short gearing, the six-speed manual is quick, eager and has plenty of punch for overtaking providing you are in the right gear.

DRIVING

On the highway it is spinning at an unobtrusive 2800rpm in sixth or about 300rpm more than the automatic, which doesn't feel as sharp as the manual and is noisier under load. If you like changing gears then the manual delivers with a slick gear shift and foolproof clutch. 

And it is $2000 less than the auto and a little lighter on fuel, with a combined average of 5.6l/100km compared with 6.1 in the auto, both a fraction more frugal than the 1.4. Suspension is well controlled, riding comfortably over bigger bumps and undulations, but spoilt by the SLi's overly wide tyres. 

All the controls and instruments are clear and easy to use, including intuitive steering wheel buttons. The hatch opens up a decent load area and the rear seats flip fold, though not to a flat floor.