Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback
Need finance for your new vehicle?
Review Of The Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback
JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDaWZyYW1lJTIwd2lkdGglM0QlMjI1NjAlMjIlMjBoZWlnaHQlM0QlMjIzMTUlMjIlMjBzcmMlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy55b3V0dWJlLmNvbSUyRmVtYmVkJTJGSldwVW83amd2cjAlMjIlMjBmcmFtZWJvcmRlciUzRCUyMjAlMjIlMjBnZXN0dXJlJTNEJTIybWVkaWElMjIlMjBhbGxvdyUzRCUyMmVuY3J5cHRlZC1tZWRpYSUyMiUyMGFsbG93ZnVsbHNjcmVlbiUzRSUzQyUyRmlmcmFtZSUzRSUzQyUyRmNlbnRlciUzRQ==The new Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback is a solid all-rounder that doesn’t really have a standout USP. This will either be a strength or a weakness, depending on what you’re shopping around for. But if a 7-year warranty, low running costs and a big boot sound good, by all means, keep reading.
It’s also worth mentioning how sensible the Rio is compared to rivals. Conservatively styled, it doesn’t have the same dynamic look of competitors.
Interested? OSV takes a closer look at what the car is all about with our 2017 Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback review.
On The Road
[vc_empty_space height=”16px”]“Capable” is the best way to describe the Rio Diesel’s on the road experience. It’s not really entertaining, but it will get you from A to B with no hassle. For a good amount of buyers, that’s all they ask for.
Pleasingly, the engine line-up has been updated and refreshed. Now much more modern than back in 2008, the line-up contains diesel engines that are cheaper to run, and more refined. They’re still not so fast though, as we’ll find out in a moment.[vc_single_image image=”58466″ img_size=”article-image”]
Dull steering is a criticism, but it shouldn’t be a deal breaker if you just need a car to “do a job.” It lacks agility too, while overall ride quality isn’t up there with the best in the class.
The diesel engines are the sensible choice. They return good economy, and will make a lot of sense if you’re a high mileage driver. However, the entry level 1.4-litre 76bhp engine is difficult to recommend otherwise. It takes 13.5 seconds to complete the 0-62 dash, and doesn’t really pick up momentum even when you put your foot down.
The 1.4-litre 89bhp diesel engine is our pick. It’s more refined than a lot of rivals, including the popular VW Polo, and does 0-62 in around 11.7 seconds. It also comes mated to a very useful 6-speed manual transmission, which keeps the engine in the right area of the rev range.
However, it’s worth mentioning that the diesel engines are naturally heavier than petrols. As a consequence, the Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback feels weighty in corners. Moreover, above 3,000rpm, even the refined 89bhp variant will start to emit a clatter.
Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback Interior, Design & Build
[vc_single_image image=”58467″ img_size=”article-image”]The Rio’s interior is not fantastic, but it still manages to put to shame its predecessor (yes, the 2008 Rio had a very bad interior!). Kia have modernised the Rio for 2017, with the inclusion of a 7” touchscreen infotainment system massively helping to this end. It looks great, and is responsive.
There are still buttons that control the media systems and air conditioning, but the dashboard doesn’t suffer from clutter like it did previously.
Overall, the cabin looks smart. However, scratchy plastics bring the quality down. In terms of materials used, the Rio can’t compete with more established rivals. Still, we think most buyers interested in this car will be able to overlook the harder plastics.
Especially when you take into account how practical the cabin is. The three-door model has been ditched, which means all Rio’s are now five doors. This has improved access to the rear seats, while all models are much more spacious. Legroom is a bit tight still in the rear, but headroom throughout is excellent.
The boot, meanwhile, is unusually large in this class. It measures 325-litres, making it bigger than more expensive rivals. If the Rio does have a USP, it’s this boot.
Equipment & Safety Of The Kia Diesel Rio Hatchback
There are three trim levels available, with the entry-level model getting some decent standard kit. This includes Bluetooth, front electric windows, air conditioning, LED daytime running lights, and a 3.8” infotainment display.
The 2 trim will sell the best. It comes with more engine choice, as well as 15” alloys, a leather-trimmed steering wheel, and a DAB radio. It also gets electric windows up front and in the rear, as well as a 5” colour display.
The 3 trim adds 16” alloys, automatic air-conditioning, a 7” touchscreen sat-nav system, and heated seats. It also gets Apple CarPlay, and tinted windows.
The new Rio hasn’t been crash tested by Euro NCAP yet. The previous model scored all 5 stars, and we’d expect this one to follow suit. Its safety credentials have been bolstered by more high-strength steel, while standard safety kit is good. It includes hill-start assistance and electronic stability control.
Costs Of The Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback
Prices for the new car start out from £17,100 and rise to £21,100. For more information on our lease deals, check out our page here.
In terms of its running costs, the diesel model actually loses out slightly compared to the petrol versions if you’re a low mileage driver. In which case, it’s probably better to look at the petrol models. They have more power, and can return 62.8mpg at best.
That said, the most frugal engine in the Rio’s range is the 1.4-litre 76bhp diesel. It averages 80.7mpg, and emits just 92g/km of CO2. This is the cheapest engine to insure too, sitting in insurance group two.
The 89bhp variant is economical, too. It returns 74.3mpg, and emits 98g/km of CO2.
Pros and Cons Of The Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback
Pros:
It’s Practical
Bigger than last time, more spacious than last time, and it has a 325-litre boot.
7-Year Warranty
Still no rival brand can match Kia’s attractive seven-year warranties.
Economical
Both diesel engines return over 74mpg, with the most frugal returning over 80mpg. If you’re planning to put the miles in, these engines make a lot of sense.
Cons:
Bland Design
Okay, so it’s smartly designed. But it’s not going to excite you, or impress your teenagers. It’s very ordinary.
Cabin Is A Mixed Bag
Again, it’s smartly designed. But scratchier plastics might be a deal breaker for some of you. Moreover, the dark colours are unappealing.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
Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback vs SEAT Ibiza Diesel Hatchback vs Hyundai IX20 Diesel Hatchback
Let’s see how the car fares against its rivals in the comparison section of our Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback review.
Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback vs SEAT Ibiza Diesel Hatchback
The new SEAT Ibiza Diesel Hatchback continues to be one of the sexiest, most fun-loving affordable cars on the market in 2017.
The Ibiza always has a few party tricks up its sleeve. This time around, it feels super secure despite its compact size. This means that if you’re downsizing, you won’t need to have your confidence undermined.
Without getting too scientific, this is a proportions thing. It’s no lengthier than last time, but the extra 8cm of width that SEAThase added means its weight is more evenly distributed.[vc_single_image image=”58468″ img_size=”article-image”]This allows it to feel better planted on the road. You can bob down weaving lanes at pace without having to feel too nervous.
Apart from that, the Ibiza boasts accurate steering as always, and lots of grip. It’s still fun, but we’d argue it’s not quite as fun as it used to be. This is because the steering lacks communication, which goes some way to robbing the car of its entertaining nature.
The diesel engines haven’t yet arrived. But once they do, they will be three variations of a 1.6-litre engine – 79, 94, and 113bhp respectively. We expect them all to be impressively economical, but we anticipate the 94bhp variant to be our top pick. The mid-range engine, it will likely have best mix of economy and performance.
Because the diesel engines haven’t yet arrived, we don’t have any accurate fuel economy numbers. However, the most frugal petrol engine returns 60.1mpg, and we expect all diesels to average higher numbers. Will they match the Rio’s 80mpg economy? It’s unlikely, due to the expected performance on offer.
The Ibiza has always been affordable, and it’s always been popular. It’s the small car that puts a smile on one’s face. However, it’s always been absent from Britain’s list of top 10 selling cars. With its smart, well-built interior, we think the 2017 SEAT Ibiza Hatchback might finally nudge its way in.
Comfort is assured by the smooth suspension, while the slick new driving environment is a highlight. Fit, finish and feel is excellent, with SEAT going to town on decorating the cabin in soft plastics.
You’ll spot a few cheaper materials here and there, but they’re few and far between. An easy-to-use infotainment screen dominates the centre of the dashboard, while a pair of air vents sit over the touchscreen.
In terms of how usable the interior is, we have to give it five stars. Five can squeeze in, but four will be super comfortable. Three children will have a ball in the rear, and you’ll have no problem keep the place neat and tidy. Storage spaces are everywhere, and include a large glove box, and well-shaped door bins.
The boot measures 355-litres, which makes it one of the biggest in this class. It’s bigger than the Rio, and way bigger than the likes of the Corsa. It’s even bigger than the Ford Focus.
Price:
Kia – £17,700 – £21,100
SEAT – £13,000 – £17,300
Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback vs Hyundai IX20 Diesel Hatchback
[vc_single_image image=”58469″ img_size=”article-image”]The new Hyundai IX20 Diesel Hatchback might look small, but it’s so well-packaged that it combines the practicality of an MPV with compact car proportions.
On the road, the IX20 is easy to drive – and that’s about it. It’s not fun, it’s not agile, and it feels overwhelmed a lot of the time. Moreover, the diesel engine just doesn’t provide much power.
However, once you start cruising, the car comes into its own and even feels confident.There is only one diesel engine available. It’s a 1.6-litre power plant that hardly sparkles with oomph. It delivers a plodding 115bhp, which is enough to get you from rest to 62mph in 11.5 seconds.
Oddly, it has a somewhat muscular feel to it once you get going, and even proves a useful companion on hills. It is, though, noisy.
In terms of its economy, returns of 64.2mpg are promising in isolation. Compared to the Rio’s returns of 80mpg at best, they’re less appealing. It also emits 115g/km of CO2, which means there will be tax to pay. The Rio Diesel is exempt from road tax.
Inside, the Hyundai is comfortable enough, thanks to a soft suspension setup. Attack corners with too much pace and discomfort might set in. Apart from that, you should be fine.
As said, the diesel engine is noisy, but good insulation means the cabin is fairly quiet on the whole.
The dashboard is designed to be straightforward and user-friendly. To this end, the controls are easy to find, easy to reach, and easy to use. The plastics are on the whole a bit hard, but they feel built to last.
It’s a spacious interior, despite its modest size. Head and legroom are very good, both up front and in the back. Access is easy, thanks to wide opening doors. And the rear seats can be slid back and forth with ease for more luggage space. They also recline.
The boot is impressive, and measures 440-litres. That’s bigger than both the Kia and the SEAT, and positively huge for this class. Fold the rear seats, and you can extend it to 1,486-litres.
Price:
Hyundai – £14,900 – £18,450
Verdict Of Our 2017 Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback Review
If ordinary, sensible and competent are words that excite you when looking for new family cars, the Rio will impress. Chuck in good economy, a seven-year warranty, and practicality, and it seems Heaven sent.
If that sounds like we’re being sarcastic, I can assure you we’re not. The new Kia Rio Diesel Hatchback might have no-frills, but it’s actually a smart and genuinely solid, dependable and highly capable family car for 2017.[vc_row content_placement=”middle” css=”.vc_custom_1464089844166{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 10px !important;}”][vc_column css=”.vc_custom_1494257310211{margin-right: 10px !important;margin-bottom: 20px !important;border-bottom-width: 10px !important;padding-bottom: 10px !important;}”]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
Request a call back from one of our Vehicle Experts
JTNDY2VudGVyJTNFJTNDJTIxLS0lNUJpZiUyMGx0ZSUyMElFJTIwOCU1RCUzRSUwQSUzQ3NjcmlwdCUyMGNoYXJzZXQlM0QlMjJ1dGYtOCUyMiUyMHR5cGUlM0QlMjJ0ZXh0JTJGamF2YXNjcmlwdCUyMiUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMiUyRiUyRmpzLmhzZm9ybXMubmV0JTJGZm9ybXMlMkZ2Mi1sZWdhY3kuanMlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlMEElM0MlMjElNUJlbmRpZiU1RC0tJTNFJTBBJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwY2hhcnNldCUzRCUyMnV0Zi04JTIyJTIwdHlwZSUzRCUyMnRleHQlMkZqYXZhc2NyaXB0JTIyJTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyJTJGJTJGanMuaHNmb3Jtcy5uZXQlMkZmb3JtcyUyRnYyLmpzJTIyJTNFJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBJTNDc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBJTIwJTIwaGJzcHQuZm9ybXMuY3JlYXRlJTI4JTdCJTIwJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwcG9ydGFsSWQlM0ElMjAlMjcyMzgxNDkyJTI3JTJDJTBBJTIwJTIwJTIwJTIwZm9ybUlkJTNBJTIwJTI3MzFiMGMzNGItOTk5NC00ZDAyLTg3MTUtYTVhYzgzN2QwZmI3JTI3JTBBJTIwJTIwJTdEJTI5JTNCJTBBJTNDJTJGc2NyaXB0JTNFJTBBJTNDJTJGY2VudGVyJTNF