Overall rating:

For the money, it's difficult to better the new Kia Rio in terms of quality, space and aftermarket support. The maturity and progression over the current model's predecessor can't be ignored, but it still has a way to go if it's to worry established rivals like the Fiesta and the Corsa. It's comfortable, but it isn't a particularly sparky car to drive, erring on the side of ease of use more than anything. The cabin is of good quality but it doesn't feel quite plush or special enough to totally shake off the budget car status. A great effort, but not quite a class leader.

Key Facts

Model tested: Kia Rio 2
Price: £13,095
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
Transmission: six-speed manual, front-wheel drive
Body style: five-door hatchback
Rivals: Skoda Fabia, Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai i20
CO₂ emissions: 128g/km
Combined economy: 51.4mpg
Power: 107bhp at 6,300rpm
Torque: 101lb.ft at 4,200rpm

Inside & Out:

The exterior is arguably the Rio's strongest suit. With its pert rear and wide, imposing front end, it's a genuinely handsome little hatch, especially compared to its anonymous predecessor. Kia's 'tiger grille' and LED daytime running lights are clear evidence of chief designer Peter Schreyer's input.

The cabin is less eye-catching than the exterior but it is of good quality and represents another step up from the innocuous old Rio. The materials are better than they used to be, but they aren't quite on a par with class leaders like the Vauxhall Corsa, so the Rio has yet to totally ditch its value image. A 288-litre boot and very spacious rear seats work in its favour, though.

Ride & Handling:

Comfort is the name of the game here and the Rio rides well over all but the most rutted of surfaces. As for the handling, that leans more on the side of user-friendliness than being sporty. The steering system is as light and easy as they come rendering the Rio simple to park and manoeuvre but not much fun.

Engine & Transmission:

We'd like to praise the Rio more here but, if anything, the 1.4-litre petrol engine is probably the one to avoid in the range. It lacks the economy benefits of the supremely frugal 1.1-litre CRDi diesel and it requires almost as much of a thrash as the 1.25 petrol, as well as being more expensive to buy and run. It's good at the low speed stuff - smooth and quiet around town - but it needs serious encouragement at higher speeds, especially on the motorway. The diesel engine's extra torque and cleanliness make it the sensible choice.

Equipment, Economy & Value for Money:

Were it not for the slightly inflated list prices, the Rio would score five stars here. It's still excellent value, especially next to mainstream B-segment hatchbacks, but there's no denying that it has become more expensive. The Rio 2 starts at £12,495 (our 1.4-litre version costs £13,095) and comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, electric windows all round, a leather steering wheel, front fog lights and plenty more. The Korean firm's 100,000-mile warranty is worth remembering, too.