I can remember not being too impressed with the brakes. Only those in front are ventilated discs, with merely adequate rear drums and no antilock system in charge of holding back the rear mass. While the Rio was somewhat effective for normal stopping on dry pavement, its ability to stop quickly in panic situations, especially during inclement weather, was less than optimal. An important thing to keep in mind, however, was that none of its competitors offered ABS in their sub-compact cars from 2001 to 2002.
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| One area I felt the Rio was lacking in was braking power and performance, but understandable considering nobody at the time offered ABS in their sub-compact cars. (Photo: Kia Canada) |
The Rio was initially available in two trim configurations, including the base "S" that came standard with cloth seats, driver's side lumbar support, tinted windows, intermittent wipers, height-adjustable seatbelt anchors, rear child seat tether anchors, dual vanity mirrors and dual airbags, and the "RS" that added power steering, tilt steering wheel, driver's seat armrest, driver's seat height adjuster, AM/FM cassette, body-color mirrors, side moldings and exterior door handles, a rear deck spoiler, black and chrome grille, remote trunk release and full wheel covers. The "LS" which featured power windows, central door locks, power mirrors, tachometer and an AM/FM in-dash CD audio system was dropped from 2002 on. What floored me the most was the lack of a CD player; odd being that Kia was targeting the Rio at the young adult segment.
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| The quality of dash, console and door plastic was slightly better than average, while the interior's fit and finish was again very good. (Photo: Kia Canada) |
While missing the mark in the audio department, I was particularly impressed with the interior's overall good looks. Front and rear it featured adequate leg and elbowroom while the seating was comfortable and offered a good view of the road. Seat and door materials were attractive too, with a multi-color fleck splashed on gray cloth. The quality of dash, console and door plastic was slightly better than average as previously stated, while the interior's fit and finish was again very good. Large white on black gauges were easily visible through the tilt steering wheel and quality switchgear was, and should be still located logically throughout the driver's area.