Used Kia Rio Hatchback 2001 - 2005 review

What's the used Kia Rio like?

The Rio is not particularly nice to look at, it's not particularly nice to drive and it isn't particularly well finished. In fact, it's pretty bland.

However, although it does nothing particularly well, it does nothing particularly poorly either. It's a decent all-rounder and, most importantly, it's really, really cheap.

Overview

Spacious and cheap, but bland in too many ways

Pros

• It's roomy, has a big boot
• and is cheap to buy

Cons

• It won't excite you, and - even at these prices - the cabin feels cheap

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Kia Rio

1.4 CRDi EcoDynamics 2 Euro 5 (s/s) 5dr

£450

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1.3 L 5dr

£495

Kia Rio

1.4 5dr

£790

Kia Rio

1.5 CRDi 2 5dr

£899

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1.4 Strike 5dr

£990

Kia Rio

1.25 1 Euro 5 5dr

£1,095

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1.4 1 5dr

£1,150

Kia RIO

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£1,233

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£1,250

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The drive is limited by stodgy handling, with too much body roll in corners and vague steering. Noisy engines lead to problems with refinement, but other mechanical noises are kept well at bay, and the car does ride comfortably at any speed, though.

There's not much adjustment for the seats or steering wheel, but at least there's plenty of space for the car's other occupants, thanks to one of the biggest cabins in the supermini class.

Where the Rio really struggles, however, is cabin quality. The materials are cheap and unappealing, and way off the standards set by European rivals.

Our recommendations

Which used Kia Rio should I buy?

There are two engines, but neither is particularly capable. Both need to be worked hard to make half-decent progress and are coarse at speed. The 1.3 has 74bhp and is a bit short on flexibility and pace, but it does have the advantage of being cheaper to buy and run. And, although the 1.5 has 97bhp, doesn't perform that much better on the road.

The 1.3 comes in three trims - standard, L and LX. Don't bother with the standard - equipment is so basic that even power steering is omitted. L is slightly more generous, with power steering and height adjustment on the wheel. LX trim adds anti-lock brakes, central locking and electric mirrors. It doesn't cost much more than the L, and the ABS alone is worth the extra cash.

The 1.5 is only available in SE trim, which gives you everything on the LX plus air-con, alloy wheels, electric front windows and seat height adjustment.