Car Statistics: Kia - Rio Series 01 (3 stars)

Styling (4 stars)

Not very original - 'where have I seen you before'? details abound. But well-proportioned and handsome.

Handling (2 stars)

Enthusiastic drivers should apply elsewhere - the Rio isn't interested in anything more than the most gentle progress.

Comfort (4 stars)

Good by supermini standards. The driving position is comfortable enough and ride quality is smooth over rougher surfaces.

Quality (4 stars)

Well built and tough feeling - and backed up by a mega-warranty.

Performance (3 stars)

The 1.5 litre CRDi diesel is quite punchy, certainly more than quick enough for the chassis. We can't see much point in the thrashy, barely-cheaper 1.4 litre petrol, though.

Roominess (4 stars)

Good in the front and reasonable in the back. The boot's okay for a supermini, but not up with class leaders in terms of capacity.

Costs (5 stars)

There's not much that costs less to run than a Rio. Depreciation is pronounced, but cheap servicing and insurance plus excellent fuel economy (for the diesel) make it a high value proposition.

Value (4 stars)

Undercuts mainstream rivals by an impressive margin when you figure in standard equipment. Even the most basic 1.4 GS comes with standard air conditioning.

Stereo (1 star)

The real weak spot in what's an otherwise impressive package. The fiddly aftermarket radio is hard to operate and sounds tinny and insubstantial. Satnav unavailable.