Kia Rio Review

Review of the all-new Kia Rio

Just like practically any Kia model you can ever think of, the Kia Rio was once dismissed as nothing more than a budget car. It certainly wasn’t anything special. But that has now changed, and the new Kia Rio is a supermini many will be hungering to take a closer look at. Let’s take a closer look at what the Kia Rio offers in our Kia Rio Review.[vc_single_image image=”46228″ img_size=”article-image”]

An Agile Performer

The amazing thing about the Kia Rio is that it actually drives really well on Britain’s awful surfaces. Indeed, it’s hard to think of a more assured supermini than this tenacious new Kia Rio – perhaps with the obvious exception of the super composed Ford Fiesta. In its locker is an ability to manage a 10.5m turning circle, which makes it extraordinarily agile.

Aside from this, the Kia Rio also puts an end to the myths that a supermini is a poor companion on lengthy journeys. Aided by a very competent six-speed gearbox, as well as an excellent brake setup, the Kia Rio delivers a hugely rewarding driving experience. It isn’t the fastest of them all, but when we’re talking about superminis, we don’t necessarily hand out points for out and out speed. Still, the popular 1.4-litre petrol unit can reach 60mph from rest in a respectable 11.1 seconds. The frugal Kia Rio 1.1-litre petrol unit comes with a 3 cylinder setup that delivers 170Nm of torque and is worth a look, particularly if you are to be regularly heading out on long excursions.[vc_single_image image=”46229″ img_size=”article-image”]

A Handsome Devil

As you may have gathered, Kia cars are just better in every way nowadays – and this includes aesthetics. The new Kia Rio is lengthier and lower than last time around, and has more width. It also comes with the option of a three-door body shape, even though the 5 door will invariably be the more popular of the two. Essentially, the design is neat if not spectacular, and tidy as opposed to outrageous. In a few words – it’s good to look at.

Moreover, the Kia Rio 2nd generation is also more spacious than last time around, with a combined extra length of 4m making it longer than a Fiesta. The impression this creates once you step inside is a feeling that you’re stepping into a family-sized hatchback. Front and rear interior is roomy, with an increased wheelbase of 70mm benefiting legroom. Three adults can be squeezed into the back, whilst 2 would definitely feel comfortable. Boot space is 288-litres, which is perhaps a little disappointing, but it can be increased when rear seats are folded down.[vc_single_image image=”46230″ img_size=”article-image”]

Facts and Figures

The Kia Rio price range starts at £10,000, with Kia Rio deals rising to about £15,000. Previously you would have expected to pay a lot less for a new Kia Rio, but the brand have injected their cars with real quality, and standard Kia Rio specifications include daytime running lights, front electric windows, a trip computer, as well as speed-variable wipers. Safety Kia Rio specifications are the same right across the range and include ESC stability control. Models in the range include the Kia Rio Domino, whilst running costs are very good, with the Kia Rio 1.1-litre diesel coming up with figures of 88.3mph, whilst emitting just 85g/km.[vc_single_image image=”46231″ img_size=”article-image”]

Final Thoughts

Kia got its head down a few years ago, changed its brand identity and set about making much better cars. The result was a surge in sales, and we’re excited by this latest addition in the Korean manufacturers’ arsenal, the Kia Rio. It’s a supermini that comes with more than a cheap asking price; it’s practical and energetic and even has the potential to take customers from the Focus-sized family hatchback sector.

If you want to get hold of a new Kia Rio don’t hesitate to leave us a message on our contact page, or give us a call on 01903 538835 to find out more about our Kia lease deals.[vc_single_image image=”46232″ img_size=”article-image”]