The little Kia is a fairly decent handling car too but don't expect supercar performance. There's no fully independent suspension. Instead, independent struts are up front and a torsion beam is in the rear. Handling is further hampered due to skinny, low-friction tires, specified to increase fuel economy. Just the same it winds through tight corners with only moderate body lean and delivers a reasonable highway ride.
Despite having ventilated front discs, braking is only adequate due to its rear drums and no antilock system available. Effective for normal stopping on dry pavement, the Rio's stopping prowess in panic situations, especially during inclement weather, is less than optimal. Keep in mind, however, that none of its competitors offer ABS in their sub-compact cars.
The Rio is now available in two trim configurations. The base "S" comes 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. Add $1,000 ($13,095) and the "RS" offers power steering, tilt steering wheel, driver's seat armrest, driver's seat height adjuster, AM/FM cassette, body-colour mirrors, side mouldings and exterior door handles, rear deck spoiler, black and chrome grille, remote trunk release and full wheel covers. The "LS" is gone for 2002. Therefore full-load features such as power windows, central door locks, power mirrors, tachometer and an AM/FM in-dash CD audio system are no longer available. And since Kia is targeting the Rio at the young adult crowd, it's surprising that no CD player is available. New factory air conditioning adds $1,200 and an auto transmission another $1,000 to the price.
Despite having ventilated front discs, braking is only adequate due to its rear drums and no antilock system available. Effective for normal stopping on dry pavement, the Rio's stopping prowess in panic situations, especially during inclement weather, is less than optimal. Keep in mind, however, that none of its competitors offer ABS in their sub-compact cars.
The Rio is now available in two trim configurations. The base "S" comes 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. Add $1,000 ($13,095) and the "RS" offers power steering, tilt steering wheel, driver's seat armrest, driver's seat height adjuster, AM/FM cassette, body-colour mirrors, side mouldings and exterior door handles, rear deck spoiler, black and chrome grille, remote trunk release and full wheel covers. The "LS" is gone for 2002. Therefore full-load features such as power windows, central door locks, power mirrors, tachometer and an AM/FM in-dash CD audio system are no longer available. And since Kia is targeting the Rio at the young adult crowd, it's surprising that no CD player is available. New factory air conditioning adds $1,200 and an auto transmission another $1,000 to the price.