USED Kia Rio Hatchback (01 - 05)

My car

I had been looking for a second-hand car but, when I saw this one advertised with £2000 off list price, it became my first brand new motor.

Fair enough, it's no Focus or Astra but then at £7000 it's only half the price. The cabin layout is pleasant and there is plenty of room for four, although it is a bit tight when there's five of us in it.

The boot space is excellent and not far off the size of the Mondeo estate that I used to have.

Its equipment is superb, with a CD player, air-con and I wonder how far up the Astra range you have to go before you get electric windows in the back as well as the front.

The handling is reasonable and the 1350cc engine pulls well enough most of the time, although having the air-con on does make a difference to the power going up hills.

Like I said before, it isn't a Focus but when you get a gleaming new car with three years' warranty and three years of RAC cover for the price of a three-year-old Focus, I am happy and would definitely do the same again.

My car

Very good in terms of space and practicality, very good value for money with rest of package/ warranty and features. Engine refinement only downfall rather coarse.

Do not understand Whatcar's grading of this car compared to Skoda Fabia estate, which sees the Fabia estate outscore in every department, when this is clearly not the case. eg boot size and performance equipment and ride. The Rio is more clearly laid out and its internal appearance was one of the reasons I chose this car over the Fabia which I test drove at the same time.