Kia Rio S 2017 Review

What's it all about?
Kia introduced its newest Rio light hatch in January this year (2017).

The arrival of the new model saw the end of the zippy direct-injected 1.6-litre engine and polished six-speed automatic transmission, with the Rio now powered solely by a detuned version of the previous base model’s carry-over multipoint-injected 1.4-litre Gamma unit; and married to a dated four-speed auto optionally.

The now five-door-only hatch range does, however, offer a little more in terms of space and technology, pricing is unchanged and its localised suspension tune and 7.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system are highlights.

That said, the Rio is dearer than nearly its entire competitor set.

How much will it cost?
Pricing for the Rio line-up begins at $16,990 for the manual ‘S’ variant. An automatic transmission attracts a $2100 premium. The mid-grade auto-only Si starts at $21,490 while high-grade auto-only SLi variants begin at $22,990. Metallic paint is a $520 option.

Equipment includes 15-inch steel wheels (space-saver spare), a reversing camera and six airbags. Remote locking, power windows and mirrors, and capable manual air-conditioning are also standard. The base-grade Rio S does not, however, offer cruise control or proprietary sat-nav.

On the infotainment front there are fore and aft USB ports, an AM/FM audio system with Bluetooth connectivity, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. It works pretty well, though we did find the system failed to boot on one occasion, switching the ignition on and off seeming to remedy the problem.

Kia’s industry-leading seven-year/unlimited-km warranty, roadside assistance and capped-price service deal remains in play. Service intervals are set at 12 months/15,000km (whichever comes first).

Servicing ranges in price from $226 (one year/15,000km) to $561 (four years/60,000km) depending on interval.

Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
The Rio might be spacious and well-supported in terms of its after-sales provisions, but it’s taken a sideways step when it comes to driveability. The chassis remains well balanced with predictable handling and accurate steering. However, the engine and transmission make for a derisory pairing, especially when viewed against the outgoing 1.6-litre/six-speed auto combination.

Performance is lacklustre, even by light car standards. The engine is strangled by the poorly-spaced ratios of the four-speed automatic, struggling to reach its ‘sweet spot’ of 4000rpm.

Detuning the multi-point unit to accommodate Euro 5 emissions standards sees it develop less power (down 5kW to 74kW at 6000rpm) and torque (down 2Nm to 133Nm at 4000rpm) than before, with real-world fuel consumption a mediocre 6.8L/100km (against a claim of 5.6L/100km). Overtaking at highway speeds is virtually impossible, the Rio best confined to inner-city shopping trips.

We found working the Rio’s transmission manually (via the shifter) achieved a marginal uptick in response, though the unit’s reluctance to kick-down more than one ratio of its own accord is borderline concerning – especially in the cut and thrust of peak-time arterial traffic.

When is it available in Australia?
The three-variant Rio five-door range has been on sale locally since January (2017).

For the time being the range will sell only with the 1.4-litre engine and optional four-speed automatic, with the smooth six-speed unit expected to return from the middle of the year.

The range will be further bolstered by the arrival of a turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine from 2018. It is expected to be offered optionally with a dual-clutch transmission.

Who will it appeal to?
Developed jointly between Kia’s German, Korean and US studios, the Rio is fresh-faced and non-divisive, certain to appeal to both male and female buyers alike.

From its slimmed-down ‘Tiger Nose’ to its stronger frame and more-spacious interior (cargo space is up 37 litres to 325), the Rio appears to tick most of the boxes light-car buyers expect.

The larger body (5mm higher, 15mm longer, +10mm wheelbase) means seating is suitable for four adults. The door apertures are large enough for full-size grown-ups to enter and exit swiftly. In spite of the increase in size, driver visibility remains better than most in this segment.

Seating and ergonomics are typically Kia, the pint-size model belying its size with outstanding adjustment at the tiller. Ride comfort levels are likewise impressive, as are road-noise levels; the Rio is upset only by a light vibration in the dashboard and moderate tyre rumble over coarse-chip asphalt.

Where does it fit?
The Kia Rio sells in the light hatch (under $25k) segment, a bustling souk of new and stalwart models covering no fewer than 19 different models.

Compared to the likes of the Ford Fiesta (from $15,825), Mazda2 (from $14,990) and Skoda Fabia (from $16,490), however, the Rio is a pricey alternative. It also fails to offer many of the up-to-the-minute driver safety aids found elsewhere, such as autonomous emergency braking (AEB); offered as standard in the Skoda Fabia, for example.

Not that it seems to dissuade light car buyers. Last year the Rio was second in its class for sales, pipping even the evergreen Toyota Yaris. By contrast, the safe-as-houses Fabia ranked second last.

The new Rio is yet to be ANCAP safety-tested. Kia Australia says it expects a five-star safety result.

So, what do we think?
In isolation the Rio looks pretty good. It’s spacious, well styled, solidly built and cleverly packaged. It also offers matchless warranty and servicing provisions – and an enviable ride/handling compromise.

Yet we can’t help feel the improvements offered over the outgoing model pale when viewed against the totally outdated engine and transmission pairing.

Perhaps the engine would feel freer with the six-speed manual… Or perhaps Kia should have stuck with the capable 1.6-litre/six-speed auto combination offered previously.

Until Kia offers a more modern driveline in the Rio our advice would be to shop around. There are plenty of competitors with sharper performance and comparable economy that are equally reliable – and more fun to drive.

2017 Kia Rio S pricing and specifications:
Price: $19,090 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 74kW/133Nm
Transmission: Four-speed automatic
Fuel: 5.6L/100km (ADR Combined), 6.8L/100km (as tested)
CO2: 129g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: TBA

Also consider:
>> Ford Fiesta (from $15,825 plus ORCs)
>> Mazda 2 (from $14,990 plus ORCs)
>> Skoda Fabia (from $16,490 plus ORCs)

Related reading:
>> Kia Rio -- Australian Launch Review
>> Kia Rio -- Video Review