Three-door Kia Rio joins the range

The Kia Rio supermini is now available in three-door guise for the first time.

Kia's three-door version of its Ford Fiesta rival is the same size as the five-door Rio, but comes with a more sporty look and a saving of 600 over its sibling.

The new version is available with the choice of four engines two petrol and two diesel units. The most efficient is the 74bhp 1.1 CRDi 1 Air Eco Dynamics model, with average economy of 78.5mpg and CO2 emissions of 94g/km. Kia's Eco Dynamics technology, which includes a stop-start system, is standard on all the range's 1.1 and 1.4 diesel engines.

The entry-level petrol engine is the 83bhp 1.25, which averages 56.5mpg and has CO2 emissions of 114g/km. There's also a 107bhp 1.4-litre petrol, which averages 51.4mpg and has emissions of 128g/km, or 44.1mpg and 150g/km with the optional auto gearbox.

Kia's new three-door Rio mirrors the five-door, with a choice of four trims: 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3.

Entry-level models come with daytime running lights, electric front windows, 15-inch steel wheels, split-folding rear seats and a CD player with USB port. Only the entry-level diesel version misses out on Bluetooth. 1 Air adds air-conditioning for an 800 premium.

Mid-spec 2 comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, electrically adjustable door mirrors, four electric windows and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearknob.

Top-spec 3 gets 17-inch alloys, low-profile tyres, privacy glass, LED daytime running lights, climate control, automatic wipers and headlights, cruise control and heated front seats.

The Rio comes with twin front, side and curtain airbags, and seatbelt pre-tensioners as standard across the range.

The Rio 3dr is on sale now, with prices starting from 9995.

Pete Barden