KIA Rio 1.4 LS (2021) review - More punch for the mid-range

In the hustle and bustle that was the year 2020, manufacturers had to rethink their initial plans. New vehicle launches were cancelled or postponed and many a new offering slid in under the radar. We were in survival mode (and for the most part, we still are) but that didn't stop us from looking forward to our next vehicle purchase.

KIA made our decisions that little bit harder by releasing an updated Rio, a model that has been a stable performance for the brand for many years. The current model entered the market in 2017 and for the 2021 model year, receives a number of updates across the range, including a new variant in the lineup, the 1.4 LS.

Related: Top 3 KIA Rio trims head to head: here’s our winner.

Available in both manual and automatic guises, the 1.4 LS offers money-savvy customers a little more poke for their Rand, complementing the existing 1.2-litre engine offering in the LS trim. It's the sensible, value proposition that isn't short of features and still offers the practicality that the Rio is known for.

 

Styling

While the changes are subtle, they're no less significant. You're not going to find a full remodel of the Rio but rather a fresh face with a more slimline 'Tiger Nose' grille that flows into the headlights creating the impression of width. The lower air dam is wider and larger and flanked on either side by aggressively styled vents that house fog lamps on higher-spec models. The 1.4 LS does without these fog lamps.

Where the previous LS grade was shod with steel wheel and plastic trims, the updated LS is treated to a set of 15-inch alloy wheels with a traditional, multi-spoke design. It's a classic look that still presents as attractive and elegant.

 

In addition to these changes, customers can also no choose from two new colours. Sporty Blue metallic and Perennial Grey metallic, as pictured here on our test model. This particular shade reminds us of the popular Nardo Grey from Audi, only with a little bluer in the mix. It's an upmarket colour that elevates the perceived value of the vehicle.

 

Interior & Space

One of the Rio's party pieces is the cabin space. One expects it to be somewhat cramped and tight but the cabin is rather roomy up front and designed in such a way to make it appear more spacious than it is. This little trick leaves you feeling like you're in a larger car than what you actually are.

You will get 325-litres of boot space for your luggage and groceries. This amount of space is comparable with its competitors, only slightly smaller than the VW Polo and Toyota Starlet, but larger than the Hyundai i20.

 

The LS variants do not get leather upholstery and feature attractive cloth seats with contrasting stitching. The lighter grey areas on the dashboard and surrounds help elevate the perceived quality but is let down by the overly plastic mouldings of the door cards.

 

Comfort & Convenience

Part of the 2021 update is the upgrade to the infotainment system. Where previous versions housed a 7-inch touchscreen unit, the 2021 model is fitted with an 8-inch touchscreen system. This upgrade spans the entire model range.

It features Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, allows for Bluetooth connectivity with hands-free telephony and will accept USB inputs for audio steaming. Sound is now plumbed to a series of 6-speakers, up by 2 from the earlier models.

This user-friendly system has crisp and clear display and is perched high up on the dashboard so that you don't have to divert your eyes too far from the road when in motion.

 

Performance

The 1.4 LS is a new model in the lineup, supplementing the 1.2-litre offering. It's available with both a 5-speed manual and a 6-speed automatic, such as in our test car. The introduction of this model in this grade offers additional performance for those that are still looking to be sensible with their money, the automatic gearbox making it better suited for the commuter who sits in traffic.

 

Sadly, the pairing of the 1.4-litre MPI engine and the 6-speed automatic is less than ideal with ill-matched shift points and a less than desirable throttle response. Tested up at altitude, the 1.4 LS Auto took some time to get used to. The first 50% of the accelerator pedal travel yields little response, resulting in one ramming it down into the pile to get a reaction. At which point the gearbox protests, selects too low a gear and you rocket towards the bumper ahead of you.

Nevertheless, you will get 73 kW and 135 Nm from the 1.4-litre inline 4-cylinder that will give it a 0-100 km/h sprint time of 12.9-seconds. The top speed is 175 km/h.

 

Fuel Economy

KIA claims a fuel consumption figure on the combined cycle of 6.2 l/100km but our time with the car saw us returning mid-7s, 7.6 to be exact. Much of this can be put down to the excessive use of the throttle when trying to keep up with traffic.

Based on the claim of 6.2l/100km, the 45-litre fuel tank is calculated to yield a 726 km range from full.

 

Safety

Where TEC and LX models receive no fewer than 6 airbags, the lower-spec LS model has to make do with only two, one for the driver and one for the front passenger. The doors are reinforced with side impact bars and ABS is standard across the range. Sadly, the LS models also have to go without ESC and Hill Start Assist.

The architecture of the Rio sees 51% of the structure formed from Advanced High Strength Steel to create a more solid structure that holds up to impacts better. This helps in the overall safety standard of the Rio.

The LS model does still have pre-tensioner seatbelts and ISOFIX mounting points in the rear.

 

Price

At R308 995 for the 1.4 LS Auto, the KIA Rio can be forgiven some of its shortcomings. Over the standard formula used to give instalment examples of 72-months, 10% deposit, no balloon payment and an interest rate of 13%, the Rio 1.4 LS Auto will run you to the tune of R5575.75 per month.

The Rio is sold with an Unlimited Km/5-year warranty and a 4-year/60 000 km service plan.

 

Competitors

The Nissan Micra, Honda Jazz and new Opel Corsa all play in this field, it's a hotly contested battleground for manufacturers. You're also going to find stranger opposition from the likes of the Volkswagen Polo and Mazda2. This makes the Rio a tougher sell and consumers will undoubtedly test various models before deciding on which one they would rather spend their money on.

 

Verdict

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. If you absolutely must have the automatic, I would recommend looking elsewhere as this combination of engine and gearbox did nothing but could the taste of what should be a great little car.