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By
EWAN KENNEDY
2 May 2005
Kia Rio is a small-medium
Korean car that’s been built down to a price. It’s been very
successful on the Australian since its July 2000 introduction,
particularly in the last couple of years when it has really carved out a
solid niche for itself in the affordable end of the car market.
Rio's styling was on the adventurous side when first launched, but was
toned down with the late-2002 facelift. The current five-door hatchback
is still a bit left-field at the rear, but the four-door sedan is nicely
proportioned overall.
Interestingly the ‘Rio’ has been on the market here for a lot longer
than most people realise being sold here, in its previous format, as the
Ford Festiva from 1991 until late 2000.
Like the Festiva, the Rio is nothing special to drive in the way of
handling and road feel. It’s safe enough, with understeer scrubbing
off speed if you hassle it at corners too hard, but will frustrate keen
drivers who want a bit more precision in their machine. Good tyres can
improve the Rio if you really find that it’s all too little, but
enthusiasts should probably start off with another car in the first
place.
Those sensible souls who are more interested in a spacious car at a very
low price, will find a lot to like about the Rio.
These cars are built down to a price, and it shows. Interior noise
levels are relatively high, especially if the engine is worked hard. The
plastics have a low-cost look or feel and in-cabin quality can be
variable at times. However, build quality is improving all the time and
the later the car the better it’s cabin is put together. The bodies
are generally assembled to a higher standard than the interiors, though
you do come across the occasional rough one.
Rios in Australia are powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder engine. If
used no more than moderately it will sound and feel fine, drive it hard
and it gets thrashy. Performance is generally OK in this relatively
light car, but if you load it up then try a trip in hilly territory it
may start to protest.
Transmission options are five-speed manual and four-speed automatic. The
automatic takes the edge of what performance the engine does deliver but
works pretty well for what it is. It’s smooth enough and obviously
makes life simpler in the suburbs, the natural habitat of a vehicle like
this.
The experienced home mechanic can do a fair bit on this car. Underbonnet
access is good and the Rio doesn’t attempt to break any new ground in
technology.
Insurance is normally towards the lower area of mid-range, but seems to
vary more than usual from company to company. So it pays to shop around,
with the usual proviso that you should be very sure what you get, and
don’t, get for your premium dollar.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
Check the interior and boot for a below average finish, or signs of
mistreatment. If knocked around the cabin can deteriorate very rapidly.
The engine should fire up within a second or so of the key being turned,
even when it’s cold. As soon as it starts it should settle into a
steady idle.
Acceleration should occur almost at the moment the pedal is pushed, and
any hesitation should be treated with suspicion.
There should be no smoke from the exhaust pipe even if the engine is
worked hard. Letting it idle for about a minute, then flooring the
throttle in a quick takeoff will quickly let you spot it.
A manual gearbox should be moderately light in its action and not crunch
on any of the downchanges, no matter how fast they are made. The
oft-used third-to-second gearchange is usually the first to play up.
If the automatic transmission is slow at picking up a drive gear from
Park or Neutral it may be because it’s due for a major overhaul.
Poorly repaired crash damage will show as paint which doesn’t match
from panel to panel; and/or a ripply finish in a panel. Check for tiny
specks of paint on non-painted parts such as glass and badges. Bad
repairs on a major crash can leave the body twisted. If you are in the
slightest doubt, have a professional carry out a full alignment check.
CAR BUYING TIP
Cars built down to a low price benefit even more than usual from
being correctly driven and maintained. Take your time to find a good
one.
© Copyright
Marque Publishing Company
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