Kia Rio: should we still buy this rival of the Clio in 2023?

Yes, the Rio still seems to be in the game

It doesn’t have the aura of some of its rivals, but the Rio can do just about anything.

Like a Renault Clio or a Volkswagen Polo, the Korean belongs to the category of versatile city cars, those that are comfortable in town but are also able to rally Lille to Toulouse without torturing their occupants.

The soundproofing remains very adequate, rear-seat roominess is more than decent and the boot volume, at 325 litres, is larger than that of the Clio and Peugeot 208.

Add to that above-average comfort, a flattering equipment price ratio and an extended seven-year warranty; yes, the Rio looks perfectly up to date.

Behind its pleasing facies to the eye, slightly modified during September 2020 restylingthis Rio does not house any diesel engine, but we won’t blame it for that.

It leaves the choice between “good old” 84 hp naturally aspirated 4-cylinderwhich serves as an entry-level, and two more modern T-GDi engines, available with 100 and 120 hp.

With three cylinders, a turbo and chain distribution, the 100 hp engine is available in a “normal” version (without hybridization).

But, like the 120 hp version which is based on the same architecture, it can also, depending on the finish chosen, adopt a 48 V micro-hybridization systemconsisting of a starter-alternator connected to the crankshaft by means of a belt.

It switches from generator to engine depending on the operating phases, for example to “recover” energy during slowdowns and assist the 3-cylinder in the recovery phase.

This technology, now widespread, allows free-wheeling operation (in Eco mode) in sequences, leaving the Rio to evolve on its own.

Apart from these deceleration phases, the 48 V system is imperceptible at the wheel. And the whole, discreet, remains pleasant and supple.

The Kia city car is also available with a robotic seven-speed DCT double-clutch transmission (+ €1,300) on T-GDi engines.

The Rio took advantage of its restyling to adopt a new 8-inch touch screen (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto), for an easy-to-use and functional multimedia interface.

The driving position, natural, composes with a sober presentation and obvious ergonomics. This versatile city ​​car produced in Korea du Sud can also, depending on the finish and/or the options selected, take advantage of driving assistance such as active lane maintenance, autonomous emergency braking and adaptive cruise control.

No, the Rio is no longer at the party

The Kia brand is still showing good commercial results in 2022, with a range driven by the Sportage and Niro. But the Rio remains behind in the heart of a particularly hotly contested segment.

Besides, she didn’t sold only 10,573 units since its remodeling 2020 (volume at the end of August 2022); a relative anonymity which remains difficult to explain.

The Korean, which is coming to the end of its life, is not, however, free from flaws.

It suffers, for example, from the hard-to-the-touch materials that make up its passenger compartment, from a rear view tainted by the imposing rear quarter pillars, and from too long a staggering of the gearboxes, which affects driving pleasure and performance.

Note also that the access model, 84 hp, is the only one in the range to have only five reports. Steering is also lightlacking consistency.

Finally Yes the price remains attractive (from €17,240), the Rio range is still close to the prices charged by European competitors.

WE love

• Habitability and comfort
• Versatility and trunk
• Equipment offered

We love less

• Transmission staging
• Light steering
• Any materials

RANGE (to Rio)

• Petrol: from 84 to 120 hp, from €17,240 to €26,540

Technical sheet (Kia Rio)

• Weight (kg): from 970
• Lxlxh (m) : 4,07×1,73×1,45
• Wheelbase (m): 2.58
• Tank (l): 45
• Chest of 5 (l): 325

News from Kia, seen by auto-moto.com:

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