Kia Rio Hatchback full 9 point review

  • Performance

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad There’s a choice of two diesels, a 1.1-litre and a 1.4, and two petrols, a 1.25 and a 1.4. All models have long gearing which blunts flexibility and means only adequate performance is on offer up to cruising speed. The diesels require too many revs to really get going, making them hesitant around town. The petrol versions are easier to live with. Once up to speed though, even the 1.1-litre diesel will pull sixth gear with reasonable conviction.

  • Ride & Handling

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Rio’s real treat is its ride. It’s quiet and supple at almost every speed and just about every road surface, although the suspension does have a firm edge and struggles with bigger bumps and potholes. The Rio is far from being as sporty or agile as a Ford Fiesta, but it’s assured at speed: body control, grip and the feelings of safety and stability are better than in most superminis. The pitfall is its steering, which is curiously weighted and numb

  • Refinement

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad The Kia pushes the VW Polo hard to be the most refined supermini. It’s an extremely hushed car in every respect, especially for the way it locks out a lot of exterior noise. Wind noise and engine harshness are generally well isolated, although the 1.4 petrol engine does become raucous when revved hard, and the 1.1 diesel is clattery at low speeds.

  • Buying & Owning

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership This is one of the cheaper cars in its class, but the gap between it and its rivals isn’t as big as you might anticipate. Still, there’s also the persuasive argument of the company’s standard seven-year, transferable warranty. Go for the 1.1 diesel model, and you'll get jaw-dropping fuel economy, but the rest are only average.

  • Quality & Reliability

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Ownership Kia is targeting VW quality and it shows. The Rio’s fit and finish are very good, although the materials aren’t quite up to Volkswagen standards yet. There is a slight question mark over the car’s reliability, given that the previous model fared very poorly in the 2011 JD Power survey. However, Kia finished above Ford and VW in our 2011 Reliability Survey, so for now we’ll give this car the benefit of the doubt.

  • Safety & Security

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-OnRoad Kia is bullish enough to predict a five-star NCAP crash-test rating for the Rio when it gets tested. Aside from that, it comes with six airbags and stability control as standard across the range. It should also be as thief-proof as the rest of its contemporary Kias.

  • Behind The Wheel

    3 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin This is an easy car to get comfortable in because the driving position is adjustable and should suit everyone. The seats are flat and firm – although some testers found the seats short of lower-back support – and controls are of the simple, well-placed variety. The big problem is that the small rear window and thick pillars restrict rear visibility.

  • Space & Practicality

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin This is one of the more spacious ’minis. Up front, there’s plenty of shoulder- and headroom, and the long wheelbase creates plenty of legroom for adults. The high boot sill is annoying, but at 288 litres, the boot itself is on a par with anything else in the class, and the 60/40 split seat back allows you to extend luggage space into the cabin if required.

  • Equipment

    4 out of 5 stars

    Review-Cabin The Kia isn't much cheaper than its rivals, but it certainly has better equipment. Standard kit includes USB/Aux In sockets and electric front windows, while only 1 trim does without air-conditioning. If you want alloys, front foglights, electrically operated door mirrors and chrome trim on the grille, you’ll need to stretch to 2 or 3 trim. Unique to top-spec 3 are daytime running lights, climate control, reversing sensors and cruise control.

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