Kia Rio SLS auto 2012 review

Growing fast and making headway in the Australian market is fast becoming a habit with Kia, which launched a number of new models last year. 

The Korean brand promised additional Rio variants and we're coming to grips with the SLS - the three-door that has the top-spec 1.6-litre engine teamed to the six-speed auto.

Value

The Rio 3-door SLS sits at the top of the pricelist - $19,990 with a clutch pedal or $21,990 with the auto - which is not bargain basement for a little car, in fact it's VW Polo money. 

Explore the 2012 Kia Rio range

• Kia Rio Si sedan 2012 review
• Kia Rio three-door 2012 review
• Kia Rio 2012 review
• Kia Rio S 2012 review
• Kia Rio SLS auto 2012 review
• Kia Rio 3-door SLS 2012 review

That said, the SLS has the same features list as the top-spec SLi five-door - climate control, Bluetooth phone and audio link, USB and aux-input for the six-speaker sound system, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with controls for the phone, sound and cruise control, power mirrors, trip computer, LED daytime running lights, 17in alloy wheels with Continental rubber, and automatic headlights. 

Add to that rain-sensing wipers, a keyless start system and leather seats and the SLS starts looking like value for money. 

Technology

A 1.6-litre direct-injection, variable-valve engine is shared with SLi five-door, providing 103kW and 167Nm - the powerplant isn't cutting edge technology but it's a solid little engine. 

The six-speed auto - which has a "manual" shift that won't hold a driver-selected gear - is smaller and lighter than the previous transmission and when left to its own devices has a predilection for fuel economy. 

Design

The Rio three-door retains the same sharp looks and dimensions (although the front doors are longer than those of the five door), which means it has the stance and solid proportions of the debut model. 

The SLS sits on the same 17in alloys but gets a dual chrome-tipped exhaust for a sporty look at the rear - no prizes for guessing where the inspiration for that came from .... VW exhaust pipes anyone? 

Inside, there's an Essendon-esque black and red colour scheme and a surprising amount of space - at 191cm I can get well set-up behind the wheel without eroding all rear leg-room. The boot is unchanged over the five-door hatch at 288 litres, which isn't bad for the light-car class. 

Safety

When the Rio was re-launched the expectation was five stars and ANCAP didn't contradict the Korean brand's staffers - the SLS has just inherited the 5 star rating of its sibling, with six airbags, stability and traction control among the safety features on its list. 

Driving

Even in the mocha-brown colour the little Korean is a striking machine - there's no shortage of brattish stance and it's presence was not lost on many pedestrians. From within, it's a black-and-red bonanza, but it's comfortable and has decent space front and rear, to the point where I can sit behind myself, although the headroom feels a little less than the five-door. 

The rear and three-quarter rear vision aren't great - form has won out over function so rear sensors and a camera would not be out of place for safety's sake. 

The little hatch is well-planted on the road, with good body control but when sitting on the 17s the ride is too firm - maybe if it had a two-litre turbo and a GTI badge then the ride quality might be justified.

The locally-developed suspension does the job in the corners but it's a little jittery if the surface is less than pristine. The six-speed automatic needs a solid shove to kick down and cover ground at pace, having economy foremost in its mind; even shifting gears yourself is not beyond the reach of the transmission's electronic reach, over-ruling the manual mode. 

The light-car market is fast becoming a feast of fashion, with feisty and attractive models on offer from French, Italian and German marques - the little Kia can sit comfortably among the choices and make it even more difficult for them to make a choice.