2002 Kia Rio - It's a Good Little Car
You don't expect much when a car stickers at $12,095. The fully trimmed out version with power windows, locks and mirrors, air conditioning and automatic transmission lists for only $15,295. So, I was pleasantly surprised when Kia's fully optioned Rio pulled up in front of my house. The little Kia makes a stylish statement not lost on sidewalk admirers. From the attractive chrome grille flanked by edgy, angular headlamps to its equally unique taillights, few cars have attracted as much positive attention from onlookers.
I was also impressed with the interior's overall good looks. Front and rear you'll find adequate leg and elbowroom while the seating is comfortable and offers a good view of the road. Seat and door materials are attractive with a multi-colour fleck splashed on gray cloth. The quality of dash, console and door plastic is slightly better than average as well, while the interior's fit and finish was good. Large white on black gauges peer through the tilt steering wheel and quality switchgear is located logically throughout the drivers area.
The Rio's 96 horsepower 1.5-litre 4-cylinder surprises as well with peppy performance and a fairly smooth idle when the optional 4-speed automatic transmission is in park. When shifted into drive at a full stop, a slight vibration occurs - albeit a common trait among economy cars. The shifts are fairly smooth thanks to a variable force solenoid. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. The Rio's 970 kg (2,134 lb) curb weight helps it to perform fairly well overall, especially in fuel economy - 7.7 L/100KM city and 5.8 highway.
You don't expect much when a car stickers at $12,095. The fully trimmed out version with power windows, locks and mirrors, air conditioning and automatic transmission lists for only $15,295. So, I was pleasantly surprised when Kia's fully optioned Rio pulled up in front of my house. The little Kia makes a stylish statement not lost on sidewalk admirers. From the attractive chrome grille flanked by edgy, angular headlamps to its equally unique taillights, few cars have attracted as much positive attention from onlookers. I was also impressed with the interior's overall good looks. Front and rear you'll find adequate leg and elbowroom while the seating is comfortable and offers a good view of the road. Seat and door materials are attractive with a multi-colour fleck splashed on gray cloth. The quality of dash, console and door plastic is slightly better than average as well, while the interior's fit and finish was good. Large white on black gauges peer through the tilt steering wheel and quality switchgear is located logically throughout the drivers area.
The Rio's 96 horsepower 1.5-litre 4-cylinder surprises as well with peppy performance and a fairly smooth idle when the optional 4-speed automatic transmission is in park. When shifted into drive at a full stop, a slight vibration occurs - albeit a common trait among economy cars. The shifts are fairly smooth thanks to a variable force solenoid. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard. The Rio's 970 kg (2,134 lb) curb weight helps it to perform fairly well overall, especially in fuel economy - 7.7 L/100KM city and 5.8 highway.