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★★★★★

“An excellent car at an affordable price”

written by on 22/07/2011

I bought my Kia Rio in 2008, as the cost of fuel was sky high and I was travelling almost 1,000 miles a month. I had been driving a 1800 petrol Mondeo so not only was I downsizing, I was also changing to a diesel for the very first time. I had looked at other diesel cars as fuel economy was my main reason for changing. Having driven a VW Bora TDI, which seemed extremely slow I was suprised at how the Kia Rio's diesel engine picks up and drives much more like a petrol engined car. I have been very impressed at the fuel economy too and for a small car its suprisingly spacious. A few months after having it I took it on holiday and it held 2 adults and 3 children, plus a weeks worth of luggage remarkably well. The handling of the car is good, the gearbox whilst not quite up to Ford's standard is good. I've noticed a few minor things such as the interior plastics scratch more easily and the aftermarket radio doesn't look as good as the Kia version fitted in the later models. Also the rear doors need more of a push to close them than the likes of the Ford, but for the value for money these are all small complaints. The only thing I have found annoying is the tracking is easy to knock out if you hit a pot hole or touch the kerb. For some reason this seems to need doing more often than any other car I've owned. Whilst my car was at the garage being serviced I was lent a Fiesta and wasn't as keen on it as the Kia that I own. Considering the Fiesta was brand new I was suprised by the fact I was keen to give it back and have my Kia back.
Since I bought this car I have had no nasty bills to date. Servicing costs are similar to other manufactuers and must say I do enjoy driving it. I would certainly consider buying another and would recommend it as an excellent all round package. The only other thing I forgot to mention is the slightly odd indicator/wiper stalk arrangement. Like a lot of older cars the indicator stalk is on the right and the wiper stalk is on the left of the steering wheel. When you get used to it there is no problem, but is a little confusing if you swap from a car that is the other way around. Kia are a manufactuer that have come along way from there early days of the Kia Pride. The Rio is much more like the previous generation Fiesta in terms of quality than the budget image that they were known for. If your thinking of buying a Kia Rio, then they are worth a serious look and the diesel engine is superb.

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