Minute Reviews: Kia Rio

Good:- ride, layout, space, fuel econ

Bad:- 4sp auto old hat, slightly cheap interior

Exterior:

Classy and sharp. Rear reminds me of a 20 year old SAAB 900, LED running lights and rear lights

Interior:

Many inclusions with an equipment level expected in more expensive cars (auto lights etc). Very plasticy but everything is there. Leather seating is comfy but feels a little cheap. Slightly retro feel to instruments which has a nice feel to it. Well laid out. The plastic cover for the auto-wiper sensor fell into my lap from behind the rearview mirror. The boot feel roomy and hatch has interior handle so no dirty hands grabbing the outside edge to close. Very easy to pair phone.

Drive:

Steering feels a little dead. Decent engine but lacks grunt. Fairly economical and feels nice to drive. The experience is perfectly acceptable with the brakes feeling solid and the suite of electronic safety aids present, the Rio feels safe and secure. I like the smoothness of the auto shifts too. Hill Start Control stops your car from rolling back on steep hills and should be on all cars.

Would I buy?

It is a great package with decent handling It looks good but there is something about the rump that is not quite me. I would recommend the car to others but the looks aren’t quite for me.