Why do most people buy a subcompact car? It’s because they want something inexpensive to purchase and inexpensive to operate. Space is usually not a concern, as a single person or a couple who live in an urban area need something that will easily fit into their lives.
In the past, a little inexpensive car like that meant that you got what you paid for. As more and more North Americans are choosing to downsize, the smaller cars need to offer more to consumers.
The Rio5 from Kia is getting a much-needed total body makeover. This 5-passenger, 5-door hatchback is ready to go head-to-head with the current top cars in this segment. Peter Schreyer was in charge of the main design identity of this new Rio; he was head designer for both Volkswagen and Audi and has brought a much-needed insight into this new car.
The profile of the Rio is now much more athletic-looking. It has high-sculpted shoulder lines and a wedge-shape design. The front grille now looks similar to the rest of the Kia family and has a very balanced appearance.
The rear quarter panel reminds me of the Sportage with similar-looking, aggressive lines. A spoiler is standard on all models and not only enhances aerodynamics, but also adds a finishing touch to the sporty appearance.
“The all-new Rio was engineered to offer unparalleled blend of world-class design, safety, quality and technology in a fuel and practical package,” said Robert Staffieri, Director of Marketing Kia Canada Inc. “Customers will be delighted to discover and experience all of Rio’s attributes which rise above the typical subcompact fare.”
This new Rio is available in ten exterior colours and three options for the interior. Black cloth is the only choice for the base LX, but the black-on-black dash looks fantastic. I still am not a huge fan of Kia interiors. I can’t put my finger on anything specific, but they are just not my favourite, despite having nothing bad to say about it. The dash is covered in soft-touch fabrics, the layout is uncluttered, everything is easy to read and with in reach of both driver and passenger.
For a starting price of $14,095, standard features include a height-adjustable driver’s seat, power windows, a trip computer and a sliding centre console. If you want to get all the bells and whistles, you’ll choose 17-inch alloys, push-button ignition, leather, rain-sensing windshield wipers, a power sunroof, a rear-view camera, Bluetooth connectivity, satellite radio, a cooling glove box, a heated steering wheel and more! You can get into the EX Luxury trim for under $21,000.
he signature three-dial cluster behind the steering wheel is illuminated, with a soft white glow at night that’s easy on the eyes. Kia has put a lot of effort into the design and that counts a great deal. There will be a plenty of people out there who will really love the Rio’s cockpit.
Most consumers looking to purchase this little car will be using it to commute around the city and in urban areas and won’t spend long hours behind the wheel. Our test drive for the day had us sitting in the Kia for just over five hours. I was shocked at how good I felt when we were finished driving for the day.
The seats are supportive and wide enough to accommodate all sizes, so no need to worry that this little car feels little. The sliding armrest on the centre console provides greater comfort. And what really stood out for me with this petite car was how quiet the cockpit was on the highway.
The all-new engine and transmissions have been designed to deliver impressive fuel economy. A gasoline direct injection (GDI), 1.6-litre 4-cylinder can be matched to either a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed automatic. All five trim levels (LX, LX+, LX ECO, EX and EX Luxury) benefit from 138 hp and 123 lb.-ft of torque.
The automatic is enjoyable, smooth and manages engine power adequately. My choice, though, would be the 6-speed manual (standard in LX, LX+ and EX models); as with most row-it-yourself gearboxes, you can maintain more control over the engine.
The Rio5 LX ECO is equipped with Idle Stop and Go (ISG), which automatically switches off the engine when the car comes to a full stop and restarts when accelerating. This system was very smooth and I was completely unaware of it while driving. In addition, all trims include what Kia calls an Alternator Management System (AMS) that saves energy by disconnecting the alternator when unneeded.
Fuel economy is rated at 6.6 L/100km in the city and 4.9 on the highway with manual transmission, while the automatic’s figures are 6.8/4.9 - this puts the Rio5 at par or better than its competition.
The new 2012 Kia Rio5 offers incredible value in this class. Kia may not have the brand appeal that some of the competition has, but when you feel comfortable with low car payments, the small bill at the gas pump, the available premium features and the good looks, you will enjoy driving your new car that much more.
