Kia Rio 1 1.1 CRDi Air EcoDynamics 5dr Car Review - February 2012

Kia Rio 1 1.1 CRDi Air EcoDynamics is propelled by an eager little 1.1-litre, 3-cylinder, 12-valve diesel engine, with a power output of 74bhp at 4000rpm. It produces 125 lb-ft of torque at a range of 1500-2750rpm. It is a characterful, revvy little engine, which performs well and pulls the car from 0-62mph in 15.5 seconds, only becoming notably noisier at higher speed cruising. Its top speed is an adequate 98mph and the manual, 6-speed gearbox makes for smooth and effective gear changes.

The ride in the Kia Rio 1 1.1 CRDi Air EcoDynamics is refined for a car in its class, although it has to be said it is quite firm. With light controls and handling, the Kia Rio is not at all taxing to drive, particularly for city driving. However, the steering can feel somewhat vague and woolly compared to, say a Ford Fiesta, when you take the Kia Rio on more entertaining journeys.

The Kia Rio 1 1.1 CRDi Air EcoDynamics is, for its price, a stylish 5-door hatchback, certainly with more character and appeal than rivals such as the oddly-styled Chrysler Ypsilon.

It features an ergonomically pleasing dash, which is well thought out and with well placed controls. The interior does have a cheap-and-cheerful feel to it, but with emphasis on the cheerful. The driving position is comfortable even taking into account the firm nature of the ride.

The Kia Rio 1 1.1 CRDi Air EcoDynamics has a solid if unspectacular list of standard features, as you should expect from a car of its class. It has power steering, central locking, stability control, air conditioning, electric front windows, driver airbag, passenger airbag, front side airbags, alarm & immobiliser, CD player, and MP3 connectivity all as standard.

The Kia Rio 1 1.1 CRDi Air EcoDynamics earned full marks in Euro NCAP safety testing, with an overall rating of 5. It comes with driver, passenger, and front side airbags.

The cabin is surprising roomy for a car of its size, and its seats five with comparative ease. The boot space of the Kia Rio is perfectly adequate for its class at 288 litres.

Kia are rapidly earning a reputation for producing affordable but well screwed-together cars, and the Rio 1 1.1 CRDi Air EcoDynamics looks like adding to that. The Korean car maker is certainly confident in its product, and it comes as standard with a 7-year, 100,000 mile warranty that is sure to give new owners excellent peace of mind.

For £12,695 the Kia Rio 1 1.1 CRDi Air EcoDynamics represents good value when held up against other 5-door, small family hatchbacks, but its trump card is its low running costs. The incredibly parsimonious 1.1 litre diesel engine has a claimed fuel economy of 78.5mpg. Furthermore, a C02 emissions reading of just 94g/km puts the car in the lowest Road Tax Band A, and also exempts it from the London Congestion Charge. Insurance costs will be low too, as the Kia Rio 1 1.1 CRDi Air EcoDynamics falls into Group 3.

Residual values for Kia models have been underwhelming in the past. However, the company must be hoping that, as the strength of their reputation grows, so will the performance of their products in the used car arena.