Earlier this year, Kia launched the all-new Rio and unlike its predecessors, the hatchback comes with more power to offer. This is not surprising as the Rio is equipped with a 138hp, 1.6L inline-4 petrol engine, which is remarkable for its segment.
The powerful motor is paired to a 6-speed AMT transmission. This enables the Rio to sprint from 0-62mph in an amazing 7.89 seconds. On the other hand, the Rio returns fuel consumption rate of 27mpg on city roads and 37mpg on highway conditions.
The Rio is viewed as the world’s best all-rounder hatchback. The entry level model retails at $13,900 and the top-of-the-range Rio retails at $18,090. Regardless of the trim level, the Rio is offered with an Eco Package that includes start-stop technology.
The Rio is also a stylish vehicle. We actually liked the hatchback model due to its clean-cut tail section with narrow taillights creating a pair of dashes. The front portion however, things are not that pretty. The grille does not fit well with the Rio and the smiley-shaped lower bumper simply looks awkward.
Inside the vehicle, we are pleased with how Kia arranged the seat to maximize space for both the driver and passengers. Also, the interior does not feel cheap, even though there are a lot of plastics used for the dashboard and inner doors. The flaws can be forgiven since the Rio has a really neat button arrangement and a 7” screen that offers navigation.
On the downside of things, the Eco mode somehow restricts the Rio’s performance. Perhaps, this is due to the fact that the Eco mode is meant to save fuel but they made they car feel underpowered overall.
Regardless, the Rio is still a great hatchback and should be getting more attention on the global scale. Heck, we somehow feel that the Rio is better than the Peugeot 208 with its offering.
