Talking about the Kia Rio hatchback– a car that was always popular here mainly on price but which now has a lot more competition. Light cars today are dominated by Hyundai’s Accent which has 24 per cent of the segments sales. A new fourth-generation Kia Rio arrived earlier this year – Kia dropping the three door model and the larger 1.6-litre engine. The new five-door Rio consists of four models, all with 1.4-litre 74kW four-cylinder engines and a choice of six-speed manual or four-speed automatic. No price rises – the entry S manual listed at $16,990 plus on road costs but currently offered with free on-road costs. I drove the top spec SLI auto but found it lacked low down torque while the dated four-speed automatic wide ratios means it really struggles with four passengers in hilly country. Nevertheless its highly equipped – all models getting a rear-view camera, 7-inch colour touch screen and rear parking sensors. I’m David Berthon

 

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