Mini Test Road Test
The Kia Rio introduced at the '05 Detroit show in January isn't exactly exciting, but it will be one of the least expensive cars here when it goes on sale this fall. We drove the Rio, both four-door sedan and five-door wagon, on Kia's test track in Korea.
The sedan is the same length as its predecessor but rides on a 3.5-inch-longer wheelbase. As one might expect, the larger Rio5 has more interior space than the outgoing model. The new interior is also a nice place to spend time and looks as if it belongs in a more expensive car.
There's also more power from the 110-hp, 1.6-liter four-cylinder that now benefits from variable valve timing. Although it's quiet at idle, the engine becomes quite raucous when revved. At speed, there's excessive wind noise that, coupled with the loud engine, gives one the feeling that more development work is necessary.
Although the new Rio is larger than the old one, Kia claims it's lighter. The steering is accurate enough, and the car has fuss-free handling. As a new car for people who can't really afford a new car, the Rio is a brilliant effort-better equipped and nicer to behold and live with than a car for $11,000 has any right to be.
