For Refined and economical, the 1.4-litre petrol makes the best of the car’s impressive refinement. Top-tier 3 trim comes with all the boxes ticked.

Against High gearing means that you’ll need to hang on to revs to get up to cruising speeds quickly. That said, the smaller 1.25-litre petrol engine might be the best bet if you rarely leave towns. 2 trim is better value.

Kia Rio Hatchback

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

A good car with with a decent engine, but we'd recommend the 1.25 version due to its lower price.

What Car? readers say

4.333333


Key facts

0–60mph
11.1 secs
Top speed
114 mph
Average mpg
51.4
Tank range
488 miles
See all running costs

View the whole Kia Rio Hatchback range

Read in full

The full Kia Rio review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

This Rio is worthy of comparison with the very best in the class. True, it’s not as fun to drive as a Fiesta, but instead it has more of the air of the VW Polo: refined, mature and spacious.

It’s worth going for one of the higher-spec cars because they come with a better-quality interior for not a great deal more money.

The Rio range has four engines to choose from, but our favourite of the ones we’ve driven so far is the 1.4-litre petrol.

Reader test team says:

Kia Rio Hatchback 1.4D ISG 3 5dr

I have recently purchased the new Kia Rio. I have had to wait almost 4 months for it all the way from korea, but it definately was worth the wait. I…

Robert Perrett

5 out of 5 stars

Kia Rio Hatchback 1.4 3 5dr

This is a great buy for the money. Loaded with kit, and in silver it looks great with those big machined alloys and dark rear tints. The LED running…

Paul Scott

4 out of 5 stars

Kia Rio Hatchback 1.4 3 5dr

Definitely worth considering. While handling and road-holding are reasonable rather than exceptional, the car is extremely good looking and is well…

John Foden

4 out of 5 stars
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