Kia Rio

Kia Rio

Recommended. Another big step forward for Kia - a supermini that can go head-to-head with the best of the Europeans.

The Rio completes the Kia revolution which started with the Ceed family hatchback. The Korean company now has a complete range of cars designed to compete on merit with European rivals, not simply on cost. Kia must be mightily relieved to have this Rio to sell - the previous car was the last reminder of 'old Kia'. The design of the new model was done by ex-Audi stylist Peter Schreyer, who has penned another high-quality piece of work. It is perhaps a little less distinctive than the Picanto, but it is highly professional. Most importantly, there is nothing about it that says 'Korea': it could have come from one of the more switched-on European manufacturers.

However, Kia has not forgotten its core customer base. It still offers strong value for money and considerable practicality. With one of the biggest bodyshells in the segment, the Rio feels little smaller inside than a car from the Vauxhall Astra's class, while being lower priced than a Corsa.

The interior is a good mix of straightforward design and a few flourishes to stop you thinking you're in the bargain basement. The instruments look quite stylish and the rocker switches for the heater controls give an upmarket touch. Equipment is strong and the model range is commendably logical: trim levels are 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3, with all models getting the full complement of modern connectivity: USB, Aux input and Bluetooth (except Bluetooth is not fitted on the 1 diesel, for some reason).Tapping the interior plastics generally gives satisfying results, although the dashboard materials are not quite up to the level of a Volkswagen, say.

To drive, the Rio is decent rather than exceptional. It is light, smooth and very refined, but for dynamic thrills, buyers should head to the Ford dealer to get a Fiesta. However, there are plenty of buyers out there who will reckon that more space and equipment at a lower cost is a fair exchange for losing the last five percent of dynamic polish. We'd find it hard to argue against them.