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Tuesday, 6th of January 2009

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Kia Rio 1.5 CRDi Road Test Report

1.5 CRDi

The current Rio was launched in 2005 and it signified a major advancement over the old model for the Korean manufacturer. In terms of size it’s a hard car to pigeonhole as it’s bigger than, say, a B-segment Fiesta, and smaller than a C-segment Focus. But does size really matter?

Thanks to Kia Motors UK who provided the Kia Rio for the Road Test Report.
Contact Customer Services at Kia Motors UK on 0845 601 7521

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Performance

The Rio is available with a 96bhp 1.4-litre petrol engine, a 110bhp 1.6 or a 109bhp 1.5 diesel. I tested the 1.5CRDi and can report that it has a terrific engine with dollops of punchy torque – 173lb/ft from just 1,900 to 2,750rpm – and eager acceleration. Its claimed top speed of 110mph is the same as the 1.4 version’s, but 8mph down on the 1.6 Sport. The CRDi’s 0-62 time of 11.2secs is no match for the 1.6 Sport’s 10.2 secs, but it beats the 1.4’s 12.3. The CRDi has a reasonably slick gearchange, decent brakes, it doesn’t sound remotely offensive and it has all the get-up-and-go that anyone other than a hot-hatch-toting boy racer could wish for.

Ride & Handling

The Rio’s power steering is light and neutral, though not particularly sharp or communicative. Its ride is comfortable, but I can’t say I was too impressed with its soft suspension as heavy braking pitched the car into a nosedive, enthusiastic cornering provoked substantial body-roll and the combination of a poor surface and a modicum of speed had the whole body bouncing about uncomfortably. Even for a hatch without any ‘hot’ pretensions the Rio is lacking in these respects.

Build Quality & Reliability

Although the Rio isn’t the most adventurous or progressively styled small car, it’s light years ahead of the old Rio it replaced. Fortunately the current model’s vastly improved looks extend to the interior where drab and uninspired cheapness was replaced by brighter, higher quality materials, clean functionality and some nice detailing. Overall the Rio feels solidly built and well made, but although Rio owners don’t currently benefit from the 7-year/100,000mile warranty afforded to c’eed and ’08 Sportage owners, a 3yr/unlimited mileage warranty with 1-year’s roadside assistance isn’t bad.

Safety & Security

Even the most basic specification Rio comes with ABS braking with EBD (Electronic Brakeforce Distribution), twin front airbags (with passenger-side on/off switch), child-proof rear door locks, front seatbelt pre-tensioners, Isofix child seat anchor points with additional Top Tether anchoring and an engine immobiliser. Further equipment such as twin side and curtain airbags, active front head restraints, remote central door locking and a perimeter alarm comes as standard on higher spec versions. All Rios have a 4-star EuroNCAP rating for occupant protection.

Space & Practicality

With the Rio’s retail prices being firmly in the B-segment supermini bracket, and with its dimensions being more akin to a C-segment car, the obvious conclusion to draw is that the Rio is indeed pretty spacious for the money. There’s adequate headroom, legroom, kneeroom and shoulder space for four, although three adults in the rear could prove a bit of a squeeze. The minimum boot capacity is a very reasonable 270litres, but with the 60/40 split/fold rear seats folded flat, that increases to a very accommodating 1,145 litres. So yes, size does matter!

Ownership & Value

During my test drive in the Rio 1.5CRDi, I couldn’t help but notice that its fuel gauge needle appeared to remain almost static. Although unlikely, at one point I even thought the gauge might have broken, but soon after I worked out the reason why. With an official combined mpg figure of 62.8, this car hardly uses fuel at all. This is almost on a par with the 65.7mpg of the Toyota Prius hybrid, and at 68.9mpg on the extra urban cycle, this Kia actually beats the Prius’ 67.3mpg. In addition, and as mentioned above, the Rio is very competitively priced for its size and specification and so represents very good value for money.

Submitted: 01/10/2008 10:03:44

Superminis

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