Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
While the compact Soul does well in its segment, Kia struggles to sell its three compact Forte models in similar numbers to more established players; ditto for the compact Rondo MPV, smallest Sportage crossover, midsize Optima sedan, larger Cadenza luxury sedan, excellent Sedona minivan, and shockingly good full-size K900 luxury sedan, and not because they’re somehow inferior, but more so due to Canadian buyers not having the brand as high on their collective radar. Subcompact
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
For $14,095 plus $1,485 for freight and pre-delivery prep you can get into a very nicely equipped Rio sedan, whereas the arguably sportier Rio 5-Door will set you back a mere $400 more with a base MSRP of $14,495. While this car is impressive with standard powered locks and windows, powered heatable mirrors, a multifunction steering wheel connecting through a standard audio system with satellite radio plus USB and aux inputs, plus a standard safety suite that includes segment-leading
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
With a starting price of $20,595 plus freight, the Rio 5-Door SX includes everything in the base model as well as larger 17-inch machine-finished five-spoke alloys with black painted pockets on 205/45R17 all-season tires underpinning a sport-tuned suspension, LED running lights, LED turn signals integrated into the side mirror housings, LED taillights, dual chrome-tipped tailpipes, proximity-sensing access with pushbutton ignition, rain-sensing wipers, a heatable leather-wrapped steering wheel with yet more multifunction controls, bright
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
I know it sounds like I’m rattling off features from a premium-badged model instead of a bargain-basement hatchback from a South Korean automaker that many still deem an upstart due to it only arriving here in 2001 for the 2002 model year, but there’s a reason so many loaded up Rio 5-Door SXs are zipping around town. You can even add on a larger infotainment system with navigation to the centre stack plus a nice glass sunroof overhead for another $2,200. Sweet!
I
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Yes,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
The engine pulls strongly right from standstill up to highway speeds and beyond, while the ability to get fully involved from the fingertips puts the Rio 5-Door SX in a separate class of near premium subcompacts. I’m not going to say it handles as well as a Mini Cooper, but then again comparatively equipped it’s not priced as dearly as that little rocket either. All in all it holds its own on a curving back road, especially thanks to those
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Most would probably be quite happy with the SX the way it is, but Kia went and added a driver selectable steering system that modulates the feel of the wheel from Comfort to Sport settings, with Normal in between. I personally prefer the Sport mode most of the time as it firms up feel while allowing for easy parking maneuverability,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Of course the Rio 5-Door is no regular economy car, I think I’ve made that point crystal clear. I haven’t mentioned styling yet, because you’ve got eyes of your own and will either love it or won’t care and nevertheless want to take advantage of its great pricing and full load of features, but at least you can go to bed knowing every car loving kid in the neighbourhood thinks your ride is as cool as mainstream subcompacts from volume producers get. Its lines were formed under supervision of ex-Audi designer Peter Schreyer as it is, so from the Rio’s signature “tiger nose”
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
It’s not slouch inside either, where a high-quality premium-like soft-touch synthetic material covers the instrument panel from the left side of the driver, over the primary instruments, along the top of the centre stack and ahead of the front passenger, and even squeezing between the infotainment screen and HVAC controls, impressive for the class. The door inserts and armrests are done out in a comfortable padded leatherette, while Kia spruced up key areas in the cabin with upscale satin-silver and chrome detailing.
All of the switchgear is top-tier too, with well-damped, tight-fitting buttons and knobs,
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
Other details pulled up from lesser trims include Bluetooth hands-free phone connectivity, illuminated vanity mirrors, map lights, a handy sunglasses holder, and get this, a glove box that’ll also cool your drinks. Even the audio system sounds good, although if it were my personal ride I’d opt for the larger screen with nav.
On a more practical note, the Rio 5-Door is roomy front and back, ideal for four adults yet capable of five, while 60/40 split-folding rear seatbacks expand the cargo
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
On top of all this goodness is Kia’s superb warranty that endures for five years or 100,000 kilometers, giving you two extra years of comprehensive coverage than most competitors. If you want to get an idea of how valuable this standard feature is, just ask how much it’ll cost to add two additional years of aftermarket bumper-to-bumper coverage to another brand’s warranty.
Yes, the Kia Rio makes a lot of sense no matter which trim you choose. I happen to like the very car I drove, although as noted I’d upgrade the infotainment system at which point it transforms into a veritable subcompact luxury car with sporting pretensions, and a damn good looking one too.
Added
Photo: Karen Tuggay, Canadian Auto Press |
From styling to performance, interior comfort and quality to its full load of features, I can’t recommend the Kia Rio 5-Door any higher. It’s the car I recommended to my dad and his wife a number of years ago, which they purchased and is still going strong, and the one that would most easily sway me if personal money were on the line.
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