Everything that you need to know about the Kia Rio
First introduced at the turn of the century, the Kia Rio has evolved from a bland left-field option into a stylish and tech-packed contemporary hatchback on most buyers' test-drive lists. Here's everything that you need to know ow about it.
In this article:
Who is the Kia Rio a good car for?
What is the Kia Rio like to drive?
Is the Kia Rio a good car?
Who is the Kia Rio a good car for?
The Rio range has a broad appeal, with first time buyers, those looking to downsize from a bigger car, people looking to retire, young professionals and even those with a small family finding the Rio a good option for personal mobility.
Is the Kia Rio a good first car?
For those with the means to afford a Rio as a first car, it will be a great option as it is frugal, reliable, cheap to maintain and insure and most importantly, easy to drive for a newbie.
Is the Kia Rio economical?
There are two engine options and a pair of gearboxes on offer in the Rio range. The base model features a 1.2-litre naturally aspirated engine and a 5-speed manual gearbox, resulting in a claimed fuel consumption figure of 5.7 L/100km. The other engine is a 1.4-litre naturally aspirated engine paired with either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. The former consumes fuel at a rate of 5.8 L/100km while the latter has a figure of 6.2 L/100km. This makes the trio very economical.
Is the Kia Rio a good city car?
With the option of an automatic gearbox, light steering, an impressive 10.2-metre turning circle and relatively compact dimensions, the Rio is a fantastic city car that is also adept at freeway driving.
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What’s it like to drive?
Reviewers opinion
"The addition of the 1.4-litre engine does make the updated Rio easier to live with and if you can forgo the automatic gearbox, you'll be left with a rather enjoyable drive with your needs catered for."
- Chad Lückhoff, AutoTrader
Read the full Kia Rio review >
What does it look like?
Exterior
Interior
What is the Kia Rio like inside?
With well-thought-out ergonomics, solid material quality and colour touchscreen infotainment systems across the range, the interior of the latest Kia Rio is appealing, and one of the most user-friendly environments in its class.
Style
Throughout the years, the Rio has evolved format a somewhat bland product into something that is truly desirable for those shopping in this segment, offering a simple but elegant interior and an attractive exterior design.
Tech features
- Hill Start Assist
- 6 airbags
- 8.0-inch colour screen infotainment system
- Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Multifunction steering wheel
- Cruise control
- Front and rear USB ports
- Auto lights and windscreen wipers
- ISOFIX child seta anchor points
- Reverse camera
- Rear PDC
Price and specs
Which is the cheapest Kia Rio?
The cheapest Kia Rio is the entry-level 1.2 LS - prices usually start from R 280 995
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How much does it cost?
| Kia Rio hatch 1.2 LS | R 280 995 |
| Kia Rio hatch 1.4 LS | R 294 995 |
| Kia Rio hatch 1.4 LX | R 309 995 |
| Kia Rio hatch 1.4 LS auto | R 311 995 |
| Kia Rio hatch 1.4 EX | R 322 995 |
| Kia Rio hatch 1.4 LX auto | R 326 995 |
| Kia Rio hatch 1.4 EX auto | R 339 995 |
| Kia Rio hatch 1.4 Tec | R 347 995 |
| Kia Rio hatch 1.4 Tec auto | R364 995 |
*Pricing correct at time of publishing and subject to change without notice.
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