Kia Rio

Kia Rio Models

The Kia Rio is the low price anchor of a rapidly growing Kia lineup that includes the Sephia compact sedan, the Sportage mini-ute, the new Spectra 5-door hatchback and a V6-powered sedan called the Optima. As such, the Kia Rio will be offered as one model only but with an upgrade package and several standalone options.

The Rio's upgrade package includes power steering, tilt wheel, full wheel covers, dual covered vanity mirrors and body-color side moldings. Options include an electronically controlled four-speed automatic transmission, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, a rear spoiler, air conditioning, and a choice of an AM/FM/cassette or AM/FM/CD audio systems. Options are limited, as Kia wants to keep the Rio as strictly an entry-level car and keep it priced that way.

A uniquely styled hatchback, with a roofline that somewhat resembles a mini Saab wagon, is available in other markets, but not immediately in the North America. Kia Motors America may and, in our opinion, should import it, as it's the better looking of the two models and has its own funky charm.

Driving the Kia Rio

We thought, with the generous power-to-weight ratio of the Kia Rio, that it should be a performer and at least by economy car standards it is. On Kia's Hwasung test track we were able to hit 100 mph with four aboard, and by jettisoning a couple we were even able to get there surprisingly quickly. Even at that speed engine and wind noise didn't prevent conversation and the Rio felt stable and secure, despite its shortish wheelbase. Naturally, most drivers won't go that fast, but it shows what the 1.5-liter four can do and that it's more than capable of handling your around town and Interstate driving. At 75, there's a steady muted thrum from the four-cylinder engine, but no more wind noise than cars costing much more. The engine only gets loud when pushed to higher revs and even then it's more earnest than strained. It's apparent that Kia has put effort into reducing the vibration that even a small four can make and send to the passenger compartment.

We drove both manual and automatic transmission-equipped cars. The manual was somewhat notchy but sufficiently precise in operation, the clutch light. The automatic's shifts were smooth enough and it doesn't seem to sap much power. There is a slight fuel economy penalty, with the manual transmission model EPA rated at 31/40 mpg city/highway versus 28/39 for the automatic; it's not enough to fret about.

As light and tall as it is, the Kia Rio might seem susceptible to side winds. Unfortunately, it was calm when we drove the Rio, so we weren't able to test that hypothesis. Response to steering input was quick, but lane change maneuvers didn't upset the Rio and cornering, as one would expect for this class of car, was a safe and predictable understeer. The Rio listed to the outside but not severely. The suspension seemed tuned more for comfort than sport but that's what buyers in this class want. It's not a Miata or even a Hyundai Tiburon and isn't trying to be. The power assisted rack-and-pinion steering wasn't overboosted, however, providing plenty of feedback so the driver knows how hard the front tires are working.