Auto Trader Ten Point Test rating: 75 %

Kia is a brand on the up, and nowhere is this illustrated better than in the Rio. Traditionally the bread and butter model in Kia's range, the Rio has come on leaps and bounds.

It might have a bargain basement price tag, but its dynamic qualities should make the establishment sit up and take notice.

Read on for our full test, or click below to skip to a section.

Looks | Looks Inside | Practicality | Ride and Handling | Performance
Running Costs | Reliability | Safety | Equipment | X-Factor

1. Looks

The Rio isn't the best looking car on the market, but it's a world away from its downright ugly predecessor. Asian car makers are increasingly incorporating European flair into their designs, and the Rio is no exception. The front bears more than a passing resemblance to the new Ford Focus, while there's a whiff of Megane about the roofline. The Rio is well-proportioned, and hides its girth well, considering it's bigger than most of its competitors. It's only available in a five-door guise at the moment, and the lack of a three-door or an estate could limit its appeal.

Verdict 7/10

2. Looks inside

Kia boasts its Rio has class-leading interior space, which has been emphasised by a light and airy feel. Less impressive is the quality of materials used. Like a lot of Korean vehicles, there's an abundance of hard plastics which don't do much to make the Rio feel like the quality product it is. The controls are clearly marked and well laid out, although the dash does feel sparse. Unusually there's a standard-sized CD player installed rather than a moulded unit, but it works well despite looking out of place. The seats are comfy, and the red stitching gives a racy feel. However, the gearstick gaiter is cheap and nasty and is held together - by a press-stud.

Verdict 6/10

3. Practicality

Despite being smaller than the old model, the Rio has bags of room inside and we found it easy to locate a comfortable driving position. The cabin offered plenty of storage space and the boot was big enough to carry luggage for a weekend away, with plenty of space to spare. The rear seats split and fold, and once the cushions are flipped out of the way, the backs fold down into the space, creating a flat load area.

Verdict 8/10

4. Ride and Handling

On the road, the Rio performed admirably. In most driving situations it feels sure-footed, and only loses its cool on dodgy road surfaces. Steering feel isn't among the class leaders, although it provides enough feedback so you've a fairly good idea what the front wheels are up to. Similarly, the brakes did all that was asked of them, and brought the Rio to a halt from high speed without fuss. The ride is good, and we arrived feeling fresh after several long runs.

Verdict 7/10

5. Performance

Our 1.5-litre diesel test car is the quickest in the range. It can make the 0-60mph dash in 11.5 seconds and on to a top speed of 100mph. It has impressive midrange punch, and has great overtaking potential as long as you're between 1,900-2750rpm where torque hits a thumping 173lb/ft. Power is rated at 108bhp but as with all diesels torque - or pulling power - is the more important figure.

Verdict 8/10

6. Running Costs

The Rio is a competent car, but the reality is many will find homes with cost-conscious motorists, so running costs is the key to its success. It's certainly cheap to buy, and Kia has made the unusual decision to price the 1.4 petrol and 1.5 diesel identically; the price banding depend on whether you go for the £7,995 LX or stump up another £1,000 for the GS. The diesel we tested can clock around 60 to the gallon, while the petrol will do 44; not class leading, but impressive nonetheless. Service intervals alternate between an intermediate service every 12 months or 10,000 miles and a major one every 24 months or 20,000 miles. Depreciation is the biggest factor here, with the 1.5 GS losing 55 per cent of its value in the first year, making it a cracking used buy.

Verdict 8/10

7. Reliability

Kias are generally pretty reliable. They're not listed in the Reliability Index, but their sister company Hyundai performs admirably. The Rio we tested felt like it was bolted together properly, and although some of the trim was on the flimsy side, nothing felt as though it was about to drop off.

Verdict 8/10 

8. Safety

According to Kia, the Rio is one of the safest cars in its class. It scored four stars for adult occupant protection in the EuroNCAP crash test programme. Child passengers are less protected, with a three star rating, while it clocked up two stars for pedestrian protection. ABS with electronic brake force distribution comes as standard, while electronic stability program is available as an option. Driver and passenger airbags are fitted as standard, and the passenger side 'bag can be deactivated if a child seat is installed in the front. Fork out for the GS model, and you'll also get curtain and side airbags.

Verdict 8/10

9. Equipment

For a sub-£10,000 supermini, the Rio is very well specced. In our GS test car, the front and rear windows and heated mirrors all moved about electrically and the air-con was very effective on cold mornings. The exterior is beefed up with a set of 15 inch alloys and it featured a full-sized spare wheel. From a security angle, there's an alarm and immobiliser which is all linked with the remote central locking. A JVC CD player sits up front with a removable front to deter tea leaves.

Verdict 8/10

10. X-Factor

Kia's marketing people say the Rio will appeal to people with a "passion for life" who are looking for something that's "dynamic, youthful and sporty" - and they may be on to something. It's not a car you'd be embarrassed to drive and its ability reflects the stylish looks. Considering the original Rio failed to ignite the fires of passion, Kia have taken a very big step in the right direction.

Verdict 7/10

Auto Trader Ten Point Test Rating - 75%

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