Quality and value standard on Kia Rio

2:20pm Wednesday 4th January 2006

ONCE upon a time, Korean manufacturer KIA was seen as a low-ranking car-maker knocking out cheaply made wagons that struggled to make an impact in Europe.

But now, thanks to huge investment, that is all changing. Kia is the success story in a new-car world that finds some brands struggling. It is successful because it produces cars that are appealing, well made and very well priced.

You will find Kias on almost every street, as the car-maker storms up the UK sales charts, stealing customers from the likes of VW and Mercedes-Benz. No longer the budget underdog, Kia is now firmly established and is joining the mainstream supplying models from the mini league, through the family hatchback markets and right on up to the multipurpose segment.

I'm always keen to try out something a little different, so I was looking forward to driving the Kia Rio, a five-door super-mini that has done time in the UK before. Now, however, it is an all-new model that is appealing to look at and has bang-up-to-date features.

The Rio has some very tasteful body styling that wouldn't look out of place on any of the competing models. I really like the shape of the car and would not be ashamed to have it sitting on my driveway. Standard 15-inch alloy wheels looked great on the 1.5 CRDi test car, which was in high LX trim.

(The only other trim level is basic GS, which is highly specified to include twin front airbags, air-conditioning, front electric windows, central locking, power steering, ABS with EBD, JVC CD audio with MP3 player and split folding rear seats.) LX trim adds the alloys, front fog lights rear electric windows, twin side and curtain airbags, active head restraints and remote central locking with perimeter alarm.

Kia is offering the Euro IV-compliant 109 bhp 1.5-litre CRDi turbodiesel engine at no extra cost against the 1.4-litre petrol version. Mated to a five-speed manual gearbox, the punchy diesel engine delivers loads of torque (it is the same engine used in the Kia Cerato that was voted small tow car of the year).

I really enjoyed driving this hatchback-cum-pocket rocket with its occasional torque-steer in the wet. Driven hard, this car never seemed to run out of power. The acceleration was remarkable, given the fact that this is an insurance group 5 car, with economy figures that mean you can run it on a shoe-string (potentially 600 miles per 45-litre tank full).

I was more than impressed with the Rio as a package. The noise, vibration and harshness were minimal, thanks to Rio's strong body structure, and you could barely hear the diesel engine burbling away just in front of you. Rio is just as well made as any French or German car. In fact, it will give the latest Clio a run for its money more like a sprint. From the inside out, the Rio feels like a quality product.

Inside the cabin quality trim and switches make all the occupants feel really comfortable. Seats are well supporting and there is plenty of room for five. Even the boot is fairly spacious.

Being the main driver, I had the seat positioned well up and the steering wheel set down. My only real gripe was that the pedals were quite a long way away, causing me to bang my knees, occasionally, on the steering column. The console controls and switches are well-designed and easy to use and the sound system is a high-standard set-up.

Young drivers will feel right at home, with the Rio producing all the right noises. Likewise, older drivers will enjoy the comfort inside the Rio. The car is very easy to get in and out of.

On the freezing mornings, the air conditioning was a real luxury. The windows cleared really quickly and the heated mirrors meant I could get on the road in no time at all.

If you are worried that Kias don't have good resale values, fear not. As the new-customer base grows, so does the used. Depreciation won't bite quite so hard because the Rio is priced to sell. And, for £8,995 it has all the equipment you need in a car and the economy will save you £££s, too.

FACTS AT A GLANCE: Kia Rio 1.5 CRDi LX.

Does it fit your ego...? 0-62 mph: 11.5 secs. Top speed: 110 mph. Bhp: 108 @ 4,000 rpm. Torque: 173lb ft @ 2,700 rpm.

...and your wallet...? Price: £8,995. Urban: 49.6 mpg. Extra urban: 68.9 mpg. Combined: 60.1 mpg. CO2 emissions: 121 g/km. Insurance Group: 5.

Best bits: stylish five-door body, punchy diesel engine, high standard equipment, good quality finish.