Kia Rio 2012 review

Riding on the back of self-proclaimed fame is a most dangerous journey that often ends in copious tears or global ridicule. 

Witness previously unknown Selena Gomez who remains newsworthy (apparently) only up to the minute she parts ways with boyfriend Justin Bieber (he's a singer) and then she may be confined to a social vacuum.

Kia's smartly-dressed and Australian-tuned Rio small car won Carsguide's Car of the Year for 2011 but the car you see here, today, isn't the same as that winner. It's important to recognise and acknowledge notoriety and cast caution to hangers-on, don't you think?

Value

This is probably the first time you'll hear me say that a Korean car is a bit overpriced. There's a lot of goodness in the Rio and it has a high level of appeal but it marks a turning point where the Koreans are demanding more cash for their cars.

The "S'' model has a 1.4-litre engine (compared with the 1.3-litre Yaris and 1.6-litre Fiesta - see below) and costs $18,990 including the $2000 auto gearbox option. That's $2700 less than the 1.6-litre COTY version which is a better drive. But I admit the 1.4 is well equipped with top-end safety, all the latest audio features and even a full-size spare wheel.

Design

Cute. It's subjectively the best looking in the light-car segment and that exterior neatness carries over to a German-influenced cabin. The dash screams Volkswagen Golf while the seats are broad and very comfortable.

There's a lot of black plastic but, like Golf, shows purpose. The boot is big, the rear seat room fits two adults and the seats fold down. I don't like the big gaps in the front seats' rake adjustment. But I like the fact it has a fold-up key and an ignition barrel on the steering column without any fussy push-button starter.

Technology

The test car is Kia's entry-level version of the 1.6-litre COTY winner. It has a smaller, technically-deprived version of the 1.6 engine. The 79kW/135Nm engine misses out on the direct-injection (read: responsive and fuel efficient) of the 1.6 but chugs along without much fuss or fire.

The four-speed auto spends most of its time throwing cold water over any whiff of performance from the engine. Pleasing is the more efficient and simpler four-wheel disc brakes. Most rivals have antique rear drum brakes. Australian engineers have worked hard on the steering and suspension and has made this one of the best handlers on the market.

Safety

The picture is pretty much the same across Australia's new car market - a five-star crash rating, six airbags and electronic stability control. Rio adds a hill-holder system. There are four disc brakes, a proper spare tyre and heated side mirrors. It's certainly on par, and sometimes betters, its rivals.

Driving

Unlike the peppy direct-injection 1.6-litre, the 1.4 is dull.  It's made for the city and suburbs. The four-speed auto chokes the little engine and diminishes its appeal to motorists who are confined to the suburbs.

There are times when, notably when exiting a corner, there is almost no communication between the accelerator pedal and the engine - and that's scary. Acceleration is reasonable but any sign of driver enthusiasm is met by a wall of noise.<

But the handling is its highlight - very predictable steering, a nice planted feel on the road and a suspension system that ties down the body while still allowing for ride comfort. The Fiesta is in the same league but both outstrip most other rivals.

Verdict

Give up fast food for a month or two and use the savings to buy the 1.6-litre "Si" version. You'll probably lose weight, too. Win-win. savings, buy the 1.6-litre version.