A new Kia Rio arrived this week in concert with the Kia-sponsored Australian Open – a rationalized range that sees the three door hatch dropped as well as the larger capacity 1.6- litre engine – the range consisting of four 1.4-litre powered five-door variants in six-speed manual or four-speed auto. A new 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo is planned plus a six-speed automatic but no date set for their introduction. There are no price rises in the new model – the entry Rio S listed at $16, 990, currently with free on-road costs while the flagship SLi model tops out at $22, 990 plus on-road costs. The new Rio is longer, wider and lower with increased boot space and while the drive-train is a little dated it now carries more technology and safety equipment. A rear-view camera, rear parking sensors and 7-inch colour touch screen are a real bonus – its most compelling argument being a 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty and road side assistance and capped price servicing. I’m David Berthon

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