With regard to economy cars, aren't we all looking for the same thing? More

What if there was a car on the market that offered some of the most popular bells and whistles, proven reliability and a low price tag? (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
bang for the buck? I know I am, and so are many consumers out there. But with all the options even entry-level cars offer, the rock-bottom price tag generally isn't so low when you're signing on the dotted line.

But what if there was a car on the market that offered some of the most popular bells and whistles, proven reliability and a low price tag? Would you call that crazy? Maybe, but instead, call it the Kia Rio RS Anniversary Edition.

When I first met my Canyon Red Rio I saw the "Anniversary Edition" decal on the rear bumper along with the RS badge. Although the exterior bore no striking difference from that of the base models, I had to look to the interior, and the key, to see the upgrades.

The Rio has a modest 1.6-litre, I-4, 16-valve, DOHC engine that produces 104 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 104 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

Included in the Anniversary package are keyless remote entry, air conditioning, fog lights and a tachometer, things that could cost an appendage or two in some cases, but not on this Rio. With a base price of only $15,495, it's hard to go wrong.

Along with the fancy features listed, the Rio comes with pep and spunk at no extra charge. It has a modest 1.6-litre, I-4, 16-valve, DOHC engine that produces 104 horsepower at 5,800 rpm and 104 lb-ft of torque at 4,700 rpm, but despite its low horsepower and torque, the Rio performed well with my favoured transmission, a five-speed manual. It was a great car to putt around the city in because the clutch was easy to push in and the shift ratios were comfortably spaced.



What also made the Rio a riot was its fuel economy. With estimated fuel consumption of 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.9

The Rio has 261 litres (9.2 cu ft) of trunk volume, ideal for all types of sports gear, backpacks, strollers, groceries and then some. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
L/100 km on the highway, I found that even with soaring gas prices, I didn't pay a fortune to fill it up.

Speaking of filling up, the Rio has 261 litres (9.2 cu ft) of trunk volume, ideal for all types of sports gear, backpacks, strollers, groceries and then some. The extra trunk space is particularly practical when three kids are strapped into the tight-fit rear seats; hence the term 'compact car!' Despite the Rio being a compact, the layout of the interior is anything but. The front seats are comfortably upholstered and there is generous head room, with 1,000 mm (39.4 in.) in the front and 955 mm (37.6 in.) in the rear.

Inside, the cabin has a tightly-organized setup. All buttons are easily readable and unlike its Toyota Echo competitor,

Inside, the cabin has a tightly-organized setup and all the buttons are easily readable. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
the instrument cluster is not centre-mounted but in front of the driver. The standard AM/FM/CD player was also something to boast about. Not only were the speakers of good quality, it had some pretty good bass to match. It's probably one of the best standard systems I've encountered in an economy car.

Returning to the Rio's pep and spunk, these characteristics, I found, were most noticeable in its handling. With a front independent and rear semi-independent suspension, plus power rack-and-pinion steering, handling was fun. Come again? Fun? Let me just say that the Rio took quite well to tight turns and sharp corners.



I let out the occasional "weeeee" as the Rio responded to some of the sinuous streets it was taken down. I was quite

The Rio Anniversary Edition further emphasizes the Kia philosophy - more bang for the buck. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)
impressed at how well the Rio hung on in dry and wet road conditions. The partnership of a sturdy suspension and a sizeable set of P175/65R14 all- season tires with full wheel covers was, again, a fun combination. Perhaps this is one of the reasons for the Rio's popularity (price tag aside).

To add to the already valuable assets of the Kia Rio, the front disc and rear drum brakes equipped with ABS are a nice touch, too. It's reassuring to know that safety isn't sacrificed by low price. Other safety features include dual front airbags, front seatbelt pretensioners, childproof rear door locks, three child seat safety anchors and three passenger assist grips, to name a few.

The Korean car manufacturer Kia is renowned for its generous standard features and modest price tags. The Rio Anniversary Edition further emphasizes the Kia philosophy - more bang for the buck.

Specifications

  • Price Range (MSRP): $15,495 - $16,490
  • Body Type: 4-door sedan
  • Layout: Front engine, FWD
  • Engine: 104 hp, 104 lb-ft, 1.6L, DOHC, I-4
  • Transmission: 5-spd man (opt 4-spd auto)
  • Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum
  • Curb Weight: 1,090 kg (2,403 lbs)
  • Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 9.3 / 6.9 L/100km
  • Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive
  • Direct Competitors: Hyundai Accent, Toyota Echo, Chevrolet Aveo
  • Web Site: www.kia.ca

Note: Additional larger photos are available in the photo album.