Latest model
The fourth-generation Rio made its debut in 2017 and is by far the most sophisticated iteration yet, with handsome bodywork that takes several styling cues from the bigger Ceed model.
It also ushers in a new range of engines for the model, giving Rio buyers a wider choice of trim and power choices than ever before. These are by no means as comprehensive as rivals such as the Ford Fiesta or Vauxhall Corsa, though.
Available as a five-door hatch, where the Kia really scores is in terms of practicality. The Rio has always been a class leader in terms of passenger and luggage space, and the latest variant keeps up that tradition.
It now wears Kia’s trademark slim radiator grille and benefits from a raft of safety technology, allowing it to compete against rivals from Ford and VW, which both launched new versions of their popular superminis recently. Smart new LED daytime running lights give the front a new look, while the infotainment system has been redesigned, with the smart seven-inch touchscreen moving in line with class rivals.
The latest Rio also delivers more safety and tech kit than ever before, as well as Kia’s celebrated seven-year warranty. It’s a car that won’t set the world on fire, but will undoubtedly prove a satisfying, robust and ultimately rewarding ownership experience for those who like to keep their motoring costs under control.
Value for money
Offering more for the money is very much key to the Rio’s appeal, so it’s no surprise to see that the range kicks off at just £12,220. For that, you get a well-equipped car, with standard equipment including Bluetooth, air-con, electric windows, USB integration and steering wheel radio controls.
At each price point, Kia aims to deliver the best value for money on offer in each class, so the Rio has a comprehensive array of standard kit across the board.
In addition, it has a number of new safety features including advanced driver assistance systems—a first for a Kia in this class.
All Rio’s also get Kia’s quibble-free seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty, which remains one of the best back-up packages on the market and is responsible for bringing thousands of buyers into the Kia brand which has become a byword for peace-of-mind and hassle-free economical motoring.
Fuel economy is fairly good across the board, and, while not class-leading, it is certainly class-competitive, with up to 62.8mpg depending on model and engine variant.
That long warranty also helps residual values hold fairly firm. A Rio might not be as desirable as a more mainstream supermini such as a Fiesta, Polo or Clio on the used market, but it’s still regarded as a sensible choice of used car, which means values hold up pretty well.
Looks and image
The latest Rio is by far the best-looking small Kia yet, with a fresh face that adopts the narrow grille and squared-off headlights of the larger Ceed. The look is offset by square-edge daytime running lights, giving it a bold face.
That purposeful look doesn’t continue, though. From the rear, the Rio could be any small hatchback, with a rather anonymous style while in profile it’s a classic five-door hatchback which is nothing special yet utterly inoffensive.
Some of the wheel choices aren’t great. The standard steel wheels on the entry-level car look okay, but the 16-inch alloys on mid-rangers struggle to fill the arches and look cheap compared to the rest of the car.
While it won’t set the world on fire, the Rio is neat and inoffensive, and that’s exactly what most buyers want.
The cabin of the Rio is neatly executed, and all of the major controls are logically positioned. The new seven-inch touchscreen also makes the Rio’s interior look bang up-to-date, on a par with rivals such as the Ford Fiesta.
It’s spacious too, with plenty of head, leg and shoulder room in the front and room for two adults in the rear.
Some of the plastics feel a bit cheap though, especially on the dash, which has a number of hard, flat black plastic surfaces. By contrast, the seat fabrics and other areas of soft trim are all very pleasant indeed.