- Doors and Seats
3 doors, 5 seats
- Engine
1.4i, 4 cyl.
- Engine Power
79kW, 135Nm
- Fuel
Petrol (91) 5.7L/100KM
- Manufacturer
FWD
- Transmission
Manual
- Warranty
5 Yr, Unltd KMs
- Ancap Safety
NA
2012 Kia Rio S Review
I drive to work every day through traffic so fuel economy is important to me. I average about 6 litres per 100 kilometres and I am very satisfied with that. The 1.4 litre engine is no powerhouse but, it is a working class engine and makes for a good around town car. The 6-speed gearbox is a delight. It is a little notchy but, I prefer it that way. The gearing is slightly lower so that does help around town and I'm only pulling 2600 rpm at 100kph. It's a good workable spread of gears.
- The look!, The fuel ecomony!, The 7 year warranty!, Value for money!, 6 speed manual gearbox and USB.
- The steering wheel!!!, Could use some more power!, Hard plastics., Bluetooth streaming for riadio and not only phone., Alloy wheels not standard.
I bought the base model but it had a few extras. 16inch alloy wheels and cruise control. It came standard with ABS, traction and stability control, 6 airbags, Bluetooth, steering controls and a reasonable stereo for the price. USB at this price is good as well. My only real grip is the horrible plastic steering wheel that feels awful and, even though I have become accustomed to it, it still feel bad. It has enough interior room for a little car and even when my 19 year old daughter sits in the back, she has no complaints.
I like my Rio but, more power would not go a stray. The 1.6 litre engine should be standard in all Rio's, as well as cruise control and alloy wheels. I would recommend a Rio to anyone wanting a good city car and for someone who does a few longer journeys. Some of the interior plastics are a bit hard, but you expect that in a car at this price point. If you can spend a bit extra for the 1.6 - do it! - but only it you like an auto as they no longer come in a manual. Another great shame as this would be a ripper little car!
Thanks for reading and if you are in the market for a nice small car, don't overlook the Kia Rio. It would be a great 2nd hand buy!