With regard to economy cars, aren't we all looking for the same thing? More
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| What if there was a car on the market that offered some of the most popular bells and whistles, proven reliability and a low price tag? (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
bang for the buck? I know I am, and so are many consumers out there. But with all the options even entry-level cars offer, the rock-bottom price tag generally isn't so low when you're signing on the dotted line.But what if there was a car on the market that offered some of the most popular bells and whistles, proven reliability and a low price tag? Would you call that crazy? Maybe, but instead, call it the Kia Rio RS Anniversary Edition.
When I first met my Canyon Red Rio I saw the "Anniversary Edition" decal on the rear bumper along with the RS badge. Although the exterior bore no striking difference from that of the base models, I had to look to the interior, and the key, to see the upgrades.
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| The Rio has a modest 1.6-litre, I-4, 16-valve, DOHC engine that produces 104 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 104 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press) |
Included in the Anniversary package are keyless remote entry, air conditioning, fog lights and a tachometer, things that could cost an appendage or two in some cases, but not on this
Rio. With a base price of only $15,495, it's hard to go wrong.
Along with the fancy features listed, the Rio comes with pep and spunk at no extra charge. It has a modest 1.6-litre, I-4, 16-valve, DOHC engine that produces 104 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 104 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, but despite its low horsepower and torque, the Rio performed well with my favoured transmission, a five-speed manual. It was a great car to putt around the city in because the clutch was easy to push in and the shift ratios were comfortably spaced.
