Kia Rio first drive

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Kia Rio first drive

Friday, 20 January 2012 10:30

I have noticed over the years that our driving habits have become more erratic and less forgiving.

For instance I watched a couple of guys the other day almost have a fight, just because the guy forgot to indicate to the driver behind that he was about to move into his lane. These are worrying times, but for some reason some of us can’t even be bothered to be courteous to other road users either.

I am a very courteous driver, I let people in and out at junctions and I always give way even when I really don’t have to. But some drivers never do this, and if you do happen to give way to them, you can be guaranteed that they won’t even thank you for it. Because of this, I have decided to conduct a little experiment of my very own.

I started by leaving my house in rush hour traffic to see how many people would thank me for my courteous driving manner. For instance - I am talking about letting people in and out at junctions or into a lane of queuing traffic. The results if I am honest were startling. Between the hours of 8am and 10am - I was courteous to fifty eight drivers, of which only twenty had the courtesy to thank me. I find this a shocking figure. I then tried to see how many people would actually let me in or out at a junction or into a lane of queuing traffic and to be honest - the figures weren’t much better there either.

I really do think we all need to take a long hard look at how we react to other road users. If we were all a little more courteous, we would all get where we want to be a lot faster. This brings me onto this month’s road test of the new Kia Rio.

I have a lot of respect for Kia Motors because they have come a long way over the last few years, and they are now producing a quality product at an affordable price. Take the Kia Sportage as a perfect example. I love it. It is well built and at a price most of us can afford.

So, when I was given the chance to test the new Rio, I was delighted. The new Rio comes with modern, European-influenced design and a range of engines that includes a diesel with industry-leading fuel economy and CO2 figures of 88.3mpg and 85g/km.

The new Rio appears to be a small car with big ideas.

The Rio I had on test was sporting the full gamut of Kia’s EcoDynamics fuel-saving technologies – including Intelligent Stop & Go engine technology, low rolling resistance tyres and drag-reducing front grille.

Engine: The little 1.1 engine pulls well, and with 74bhp and 170Nm of torque on tap, it delivers power really well. I was really surprised by how it preformed for such a small engine. Economy is also great, as all 1.1-litre diesel versions of the new Rio five-door have CO2 emissions below 100g/km and fuel economy of at least 74.3mpg.

Inside: Is no disappointment either, as the interior is clean and sophisticated, the choice of materials and the fit and finish inside are outstanding. I like the three-cylinder instrument cluster and wide horizontal dashboard that blends with new ideas such as the funky toggle switches on the centre console that controls some secondary functions. I also found the seats to be as comfortable if not better than it’s rivals.

Safety: All Rio models enjoy exactly the same standard safety specification, including; electronic stability control (ESC), which detects when road conditions or driving style might cause the car to go out of control. This system is also linked into the anti-lock brakes with electronic brake force distribution (EBD) Also included is Hill-start Assist Control to prevent the car momentarily rolling backwards when pulling away up steep gradients.

There are twin front, side and curtain airbags, plus seat belt pre-tensioners and load limiters for the front. There is side impact protection, plus ISOFIX top tethers and anchors allowing a child seat to be carried in the front passenger’s seat (rearward-facing) or any of the rear seats.

Standard features on the Rio include daytime running lights, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors, speed-variable front wipers, headlamp levelling, front electric windows, trip computer, split folding rear seats, a 12-volt power socket and an MP3-compatible RDS radio and CD player with USB and AUX ports. Bluetooth is also standard on the petrol entry model, and on all versions with other trim grades.

The Level ‘2’ model I had on test is distinguished by 16 inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a chrome radiator grille surround. Inside, there is premium black cloth upholstery, rear electric windows, a cooling glovebox, electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors with side repeaters, leather trim on the steering wheel and gearshift and a centre console armrest.

On the road: It feels really nice to drive for a small car, and to be honest, I could not really find many faults for the little Rio. Road noise was a little on the loud side, but I will forgive it this, due to its Eco credentials. It really is a pleasure to drive, I am not just saying that either. There are many cars out there today that cost a great deal more, but would never feel as good as this little Rio.

To sum up: The new Rio is a breath of fresh air, and I know two close friends who have already purchased one, and are very happy indeed. This car does exactly that, it makes you happy you bought it.

Kia Rio 1.1 CRDI ‘2’ EcoDynamics

Price: £13,795 OTR
Top speed: 98mph
0-62mph: 15.5sec
Economy: 74.3mpg (combined) emissions g/km (99)
Engine: 1.1 Diesel
Power: 74bhp at 4,000rpm
Torque: 170Nm @ 1,500 – 2,750rpm
Gearbox: 6-speed
Gross Vehicle Weight: 1293(kg) By Anthony Yates

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