Kia Rio Sport 2019 Review

It feels like the brief for the light car is ever-expanding (more please) and vehicles like the 2019 Kia Rio give the segment a good name.

The updated 2019 Kia Rio Sport replaces the now defunct mid-range Si and SLi, with the Rio Sport now the middle ground offering in between the Rio S and top-spec Rio GT-Line.
We’d suggest you get your pen and spec sheet out to accurately determine what you do and don’t get in the middle slot.

This mid-spec Sport model shares a 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (74kW/144Nm) with the entry-level S. A six-speed manual is common, but the Sport adds two gears to its six-speed automatic.

It’s a similar offering to what you’ll find in the Mazda2 automatic where power and transmissions are concerned and it’s a proper step up from the popular Toyota Yaris.

On the go around the suburbs, the Kia Rio’s performance was perfectly fit for purpose and its nimble handling with light steering makes it such a breeze to handle. I felt a good connection through the pedals, with a brisk response when you put your foot down. Don’t get me wrong, it’s no powerhouse, but it uses the power it has to the best it can.

On the freeway it was less ideal, simply because it lacks the oomph you ideally want for overtaking. But in terms of ease of driving and overall ride comfort, the Kia Rio does not disappoint.

Our test vehicle was riding on good looking 17-inch alloys (standard for Sport) with Continental tyres that delivered a quiet ride on unforgiving suburban tarmac.

The Rio’s 45-litre fuel tank takes regular unleaded fuel and at the end of my week’s predominantly urban road test, I recorded an average fuel consumption of 10.1L/100km… compared to the manufacturer’s urban claim of 7.8L/100km (6.0L combined).

This is again where the Kia Rio exceeded my expectations. Front of cabin is a fairly plain affair with much plastic and minimal flair – but despite this (and my penchant for bling), I liked it!

The Kia Rio tackles in cabin storage and ergonomics very well. Kia takes a very practical approach to cabin design, where things place naturally – like the charge points being right above a good-sized oddment hole and dual coffee cup holders that can actually accommodate two cups at once.

It’s also got a deep lidded armrest that’s great for stashing things away from prying eyes (I mean kids, mostly).

The seats offer good adjustability (six-way) and the steering wheel is tilt and reach, giving drivers of all shapes and sizes the best chance at a good seating position.

The Kia Rio does not have satellite navigation. But with the addition of Apple CarPlay/Android Auto compatibility, few will begrudge the Korean manufacturer for this decision.

It’s also ditched climate control for budget heating/cooling that performed below par given the absence of second row air vents.

You do, however, get cruise control, reversing camera, 7.0-inch infotainment screen and a six-speaker sound system incorporating Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming.

Few inclusions differentiate the mid-spec Rio: 17-inch wheels, electric heated folding mirrors, cruise control and a premium shift and steering wheel to be precise.

The active safety and cool styling kit you’ll crave belongs with the Rio GT-Line (think AEB, Lane keep assist, LED lights, gloss exterior finishes, premium seats, and a punchy 1.0-litre engine and seven-speed dual clutch transmission).

Yep, the Kia Rio can accommodate five passengers, but the second row will be mighty tight for adults (fine for kids).

Amenity is pretty good back here, with one USB charge point, a back seat pocket and room for drink bottles in the door pockets. The seats are comfy and visibility is good. There’s not much to complain about (but doesn’t mean kids won’t).

The 325-litre boot (growing to 980 litres with the 60:40 split-fold rear seats flipped flat) is good for the segment and a perfect fit for the family needs. It features four fairly flimsy anchor points, two bag hooks, and a light. You’ll find a temporary spare wheel under the boot floor.

The Kia Rio was awarded a five-star ANCAP safety rating in 2017, and it’s worth noting that the Kia Rio S and Sport miss out on autonomous emergency braking (AEB) which comes standard on the top spec GT-Line only.

A seven-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty and capped price servicing deal remain a strong selling point for Kia.

I think you’d be hard pressed not to like the matured Kia Rio, and the Sport model represents a solid entry-level offering.

The Kia Rio Sport passed the suburban family test and even avoided the scorn of my discerning eye. If you’re after budget buying without being bland, the Kia Rio has got to be on your shopping list.