2016 Kia Rio SLi REVIEW – Still Handsome, But Showing Some Age
KIA'S RIO HAS TRADITIONALLY BEEN AMONG THE CHEAPEST IN THE LIGHT HATCH CLASS, BUT THAT’S NO LONGER THE CASE.
The Rio starts at $15,990 for the entry-model three-door S (plus on-road costs) - or about the same as everyone else’s five-door models - while an automatic five-door Rio S is $19,090. Sitting further above that is this SLi auto five-door at $22,990.
And, though priced at the upper end, however, it is bettered by many of its closest competitors when it comes to features.
But, on the plus side, it has had, and retains, one of the better-performing engines in the segment. It also offers some significant extra value in the form of Kia’s benchmark seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
Vehicle Style: Light hatch
Price: $22,990 (plus on-roads)
Engine/trans: 103kW/167Nm 1.6-litre 4cyl petrol | six-speed automatic
Fuel Economy claimed: 6.1 l/100km | tested: 9.3 l/100km
OVERVIEW
The current-generation Rio is three years old, which seems an eternity in this rapidly evolving class.
A testament to its original design, however, is the fact it still looks fresh. Kia clearly hasn’t felt the need to alter its styling because this facelift only gets a mild front and rear bumper tuck.
Adding a long warranty is smart, but high-ish pricing for the class isn’t teamed with a high level of standard equipment (see below).