Kia Rio (01-05) - Review

Review by Parkers on
Medium-sized car for supermini money and there are some great special offers around. Simple, basic transport with a good aftersales package and plenty of equipment. Re-sale values are low, but most owners keep them for long enough not to mind.
2 out of 5

Other Kia reviews

2 out of 5

Performance

There's a choice of two - a 1.3 and a 1.5. Neither compare particularly well to those offered by more mainstream rivals and are a bit rough at higher revs. The 1.3 produces 81 bhp, while the 1.5 outputs 97 bhp - not enough to haul the car around when it's fully laden. However, despite its lack of low-end punch, the 1.3 is the better car, it feels similar to the 1.5, but offers better fuel economy. Motorways speeds are easily achieved, but you'll find the need to downchange for inclines. An automatic version is available.

2 out of 5

Handling

Ride quality is good at sensible speeds, but gets a bit unsure on faster roads. Steering is light and slightly imprecise and there's a lot of bodyroll in corners. handling is prone to understeer; gear-change feels old-fashioned and notchy.