Kia Rio review

Look back at the history of the Kia Rio and you’ll find a car that always offered plenty of room at a very keen price. What you wouldn’t find is a car with any real sparkle or desirability, even after a severe shot of style back in 2011 when the third-generation car was introduced.

Now on to its fourth generation, Kia has used an all-new platform and turbocharged engines in an attempt to improve the driving experience and give even more space inside. There’s plenty of new technology, too, including automatic emergency city braking, improved connectivity and a 7.0in touchscreen infotainment system.

Running costs look competitive, with all but one model dipping below 110g/km of carbon emissions, and a pair of diesels that duck below 100g/km. The question is, has Kia done enough to beat big hitters such as the sharp-driving Ford Fiesta, plush VW Polo and our favourite supermini, the Skoda Fabia?

Read on over the next four pages to see how it drives, what it’s like inside and what it’ll cost you.