Review details supplied by Parkers guides

Kia Rio 1.4 GS

Overall rating:
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Value rating:
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Rio is a family car for supermini money; all but the most basic models are well equipped; three-year warranty and breakdown cover is confidence inspiring. Best bought used after initial depreciation.
Reliability rating:
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Kia generally build reliable cars, the long 3- year warranty bears this out (5-year optional); variable build quality is dissapointing
Driving rating:
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Competent but dull; the steering lacks feel, though weighting and assistance seem fine; handling is also prone to understeer; gearchange feels old-fashioned and notchy.
Performance rating:
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Rio is a family car for supermini money; all but the most basic models are well equipped; three-year warranty and breakdown cover is confidence inspiring. Best bought used after initial depreciation.
Comfort rating:
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The front seats are flat and unsupportive; plenty of legroom in the front, but rear legroom and boot space is only average.
Safety rating:
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Drivers airbag and seatbelt pre-tensioners on all, ABS fitted to LX/SE; feels flimsy no Euro NCAP test yet.
Security rating:
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Immobiliser but little else; not likely to appeal to thieves anyway.
London House, Little London Road, Sheffield S8 0UH
Tel: 0114 255 4040, 0114 281 4444, Fax: 0114 255 4949, E-mail: helpline@autosave.co.uk