Cheap Tamale

This car rocks! Flat out, it's a great little car and a great option for

If you're looking for a new car that's surprisingly good, check out the new Rio5. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

under $20K. Would I pick it over a Subaru Impreza WRX wagon or a BMW 325i Touring? No. But if I only had $18,000 to spend, I would choose it over a Civic, Yaris, Accent, Corolla, Cobalt/Pursuit, the piggish Caliber and probably even over the Fit. Granted those aren't all directly in the Rio5's line of fire, but they do all come in at under $20,000 and are on my random list of cars under $20K that I would think about buying. It's all got to do with priorities.

Top of the list: Looks

Yes,

Comfortable, inside and out. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

I'm a shallow "Generation Me" adherent (I don't know which generation that is technically, but I don't really care because I care more about me than whatever global or continental generational grouping I may be a part of), so if it doesn't look good, I probably won't even consider it. Of the previous options, the only vehicle I really wouldn't consider on the basis of styling is a Honda Civic sedan - the coupe is fine, albeit impractical - the rest are okay to appealing, in reverse order (yes, there was a method to that madness, and I'm not even sure if I would seriously consider the new Fit from Honda; despite its overwhelming cleverness, it's really too minivan-ish in its looks and also only so-so when it comes to dynamics).

The

14-inch wheels, and black mesh are a bit... well, tame. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

Rio5, from its sporty, black mesh grille to the white-chrome trim on its taillights, seems to have a unity of design that says sporty even if it's not--but it is, so that's also a big plus. It has great proportions and seems ready to take on a few ground effects, flashy yellow paint, massive chrome rims and some suspension work to get it back to looking like the fabulous Kia Sport Concept that previewed the Rio5 at the 2004 SEMA show in Las Vegas (See Concept archives: 2004 Kia Sport Concept). The interior, to get back to the concept's level, would take a little more work than is likely worthwhile.

It is decidedly tune-able, but what the Rio5 needs most are some performance upgrades, because the stock look is fine by me. A good planted stance, even on 14-inch alloys does justice to the arcing shape of the roofline, suggestive of coupe raciness, yet not in conflict at all with the hatchback shape and its rooftop spoiler, which draws out the length of car visually. The grey paint scheme is stealthy but stylish, and when I took the Rio5 up to visit my mom for Passover, she stood outside for a couple minutes after a ride around town telling me how much she liked the granite-grey exterior paint job, a colour she is now considering for the trim on her B&B. I wonder if she can get metallic paint for that. Anyhow, if the colour resonates that much with one person, it is bound to find other fans; I had a chance to share my appreciation, even if it was with someone who is not necessarily tapped into the trend-setting world of tuners and street-racer palettes.


A Close Second: Cred

If

Sport model isn't available on the four-door sedan. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

you can show up for an industrial-park version of the TV show Pinks with a car that looks ready to drop a halfshaft on its way out of the blocks and still beat the limited slip differential off the guy willing to ante up his ride, then power to you, but the world of tuning has become increasingly defined by groups like Darknights and events like SCR and Hot Import Daze and Nights, so don't expect to get much credit just for having a beater that can make a dyno light up like one of Blade's UV grenades (sorry, I got sucked into Blade II last night--chalk up one more reference not worth explaining). Then again, a paint job, some stickers and a catalogue skirt kit tacked on with crazy glue will also get you about as much attention as your impressive Snorks sticker collection, so you better have the looks to match the performance and vice versa.

Obviously the Rio5 isn't packing

It may be a bit timid in stock form, but the Rio has some pretty serious potential. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

any tuner-crushing horsepower à la SRT-4, but it's got a decent little modern engine that is ripe for some turbocharging. Only the message boards will eventually tell how many cracked blocks (iron block on these Rios) or rocketing pistons the high compression ratios will cause, but surely there are already people out there experimenting (Kia themselves brought several Rios with Borg Warner turbochargers to 2005 SEMA in their experimental Orange Blur and Blue Streak Rios, so it is definitely possible). When a car comes in as cheap as the Rio5, it leaves a nice budget for new headers and exhaust, maybe some stiffer, shorter springs and definitely some wider rubber. With the current horsepower, pretty much everything is suitable, and although the steering is good for basic around town maneuvers, it has something of an adverse reaction to intense autocross maneuvers, mostly because of the power steering's inability to keep up with inputs - I wonder how much a steering upgrade would cost--not something I'd reallywant to tinker with.
Considering that the horsepower comes in at a few ponies over a century (

Lose shifter and oddly spaced clutch are a bit... well, odd. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

see specs for details), the easy clutch and long, loose shifter combine to allow you to keep it easily over 5,000 rpm if you're actually trying to get anywhere. Granted, at high revs the engine is hardly symphonic, but it has a nice jigsaw buzz that could become appealing with a richer bass note from a performance exhaust. Okay, when you add up all the shortcomings in the performance department, you're looking at a very expensive list of catalogue parts to really round it into form, but I have no doubt that this car would be a blast to drive if kitted up with some properly installed aftermarket parts. Also, for those of you who don't plan on tuning it, consider that the Rio is the most powerful of all it's currently available subcompact rivals - Nissan's slightly larger Versa comes in at 125 stock, marking the end of Kia/Hyundai's reign.

As it is, the Rio5 is a blast to drive simply because it is such a light, tossable vehicle and the only thing on my need list is slightly sharper steering that displays quicker response to input - forget feedback, just give the steering heftier weight or go back to manual steering - I really miss manual steering (hey, if it's good enough for the Lotus Elise...). Then again, the power steering aids on this rack& pinion setup (not to mention small size and turning radius) do help it maneuver into parking spots and through lots with microcar efficiency, so look forward to easy parking.


Final priority: Good seats, Good equipment

With

It's surprising to find such good, supportive seats (and good looking seats) in such an affordable car. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

all the aftermarket modifications I've suggested up to now, you'd think I'd have mentioned some Sparco seats, but I thought the seats that come with the Rio5's EX Sport package were fabulous. Between the black mesh over red inserts and the perfectly positioned right armrest, everything suited me to a tee. The design was sporty, with a touch of bolstering, but they were easily up to the task of a two-hour road trip with no fatigue, thanks in part to eight-way adjustability, and every time I opened the door and saw the red stitching over the black bolster trim, which matches the door trim as well, I wanted to jump in and take off in a squeal of burning rubber. That's where a nice turbocharger sure would come in handy.

Thankfully, it didn't end with the sporty seats, although they were

As the top of the line model, EX Sport comes with plenty of equipment. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

easily my favourite aspect of the interior. My EX Sport tester added an extra pair of speakers, for a total of six, hooked up to a basic AM/FM CD head unit covered in a satin-metal effect plastic. Other added conveniences included power windows, remote keyless entry, leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, as well metal pedals with rubber inserts, fog lights and 14-inch alloy wheels. That may seem like a short list, but it's the icing on the cake that already serves up air conditioning, engine immobilizer, tilt steering wheel and seat heaters. Okay, it's not a Lexus, but you get all that for $16,295, absolutely embarrassing much of the competition that won't even give you power door locks or a/c at that price.

Of course, it's not all roses and

Plenty of airbags, but no ABS. Not even as an option. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press)

sunshine coming out the Rio5's hatchback, there is also a big sacrifice on the part of Kia to bring the Rio in at an appealing price point. While front and side airbags are standard, no curtains are available for second row passengers, and ABS brakes, traction control and stability control are nowhere to be found, not even on the options list. It's not entirely unsafe though, as the NHTSA awards it four stars for driver and five stars for front passenger plus three stars for rear passengers in their crash tests.

The lack of even such a basic technology such as ABS is a little disconcerting, although it's something I, personally, feel I could live without, which is why the Kia is probably the number one car on my under $20K list. It's not perfect, not by a longshot, but it's cheap enough to leave me an allowance to raise it to that next level of imperfection... at least until I can afford a Porsche. It's got the looks, it covers all the basic features I'm looking for and it's affordable enough that I would actually be able to invest in the modifications that I see as a priority, allowing me to get it as hot as I need it to be on my budget.


Specifications (Rio5):

• Price Range (MSRP): $13,995 - $17,295
• Price as Tested (MSRP): $16,295
• Body Type: 5-door, 5-seat hatchback
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 110 hp, 107 lb-ft of torque, 1.6L, 16-valve DOHC I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd manual (opt. 4-spd. Auto)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/drum
• Dimensions (L/W/H/WB): 3,990 / 1,695 / 1,470 / 2,500 mm (157.1 / 66.7 / 57.9 / 98.4 in)
• Curb Weight: 1,114.5 kg (2,457 lbs)
• Tires: 185/65R14
• Capacity (seats up/down): 447 / 1,405 L (15.8 / 49.6 cu ft)
• Fuel Economy (city/hwy): 7.4 / 6.2 L/100 km
• Warranty (mo/km): 60/100,000 comprehensive
• Competitors: Chevrolet Aveo, Dodge Caliber, Honda Fit, Hyundai Accent, Nissan Versa, Pontiac Wave, Suzuki Sprint+, Toyota Yaris
• Website: www.kia.ca

Now Much More than Merely A to B

When the Rio hit the market in model year 2001, Kia boasted it was the

After spending three days driving the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback in various levels of trim, I think that its under-priced by at least a thousand across its lineup. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

lowest priced car in Canada. Now, the 2006 Kia, just being introduced nationwide, is so good that it doesn't need to be marketed on price alone. Actually, after spending three days driving the four-door sedan and five-door hatchback in various levels of trim, from Quebec City to Charlevois, Quebec, home of the beautiful Fairmont Le Manoir Richelieu hotel, one of the grand dames of the CP hotel chain and a destination all its own, and through a torrential downpour the first night, which actual had police blocking off flooded sections of roadway, and blue skies the next day in which we drove about 400 km up the St. Lawrence and back down, I think that its under-priced by at least a thousand across its lineup.

Why? Well, first of all it's a high quality car. I first noticed this when scanning its exterior panels, that fit together with a precision normally associated with premium brands, and the best entry-level marques from

All panel gaps are tight and perfectly aligned, not something I can say about all manufacturers. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Japan. All panel gaps are tight and perfectly aligned, not something I can say about all manufacturers, no matter the price paid. The paint quality is also high-grade, at least on the ten or so cars available to journalists during the event.

That same attention to detail was apparent inside the Rio, with higher quality plastics that I'm used to seeing in this class permeating every surface, switchgear that appears to have trickled down from pricier models, rugged looking yet attractive cloth upholstery throughout, and that same impressive fit and finish I noticed on the outside, finishing off what was also a nicely laid out, attractive interior.

Actually, the entire car is good looking, no matter which angle it gets viewed by. I have  a few favourite aspects, mind you, the sculpted flanks

One of my favourite aspects, the sculpted flanks of the five-door's rear quarters taking the nod, especially how the taillight lenses wrap around and overtop the rearmost tips of the fenders. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

of the five-door's rear quarters taking the nod, especially how the taillight lenses wrap around and overtop the rearmost tips of the fenders, their smoked white turn signal lenses designed to flow upward and integrate seamlessly into the shoulder line. It's a superb design detail that has rarely been executed as well.

Of course, I like how the rest of the car looks too, and for that matter, the four-door as well. Its stylish front end, like its profile, appears larger and more substantial than it really is. Sure, it's grown in size somewhat from the original Rio that helped launch Kia throughout Canada in 1999, but there's more to it than that. It has not only grown dimensionally, but it seems to have matured as well. Yes, this little pup is all grown up.

After taking in the most obvious visual cues to this new reality, there's nowhere that its maturity is more apparent than when on the open road. I took to the wheel soon after the plane landed in Quebec City, a route

I took to the wheel soon after the plane landed in Quebec City, a route guide to my right, the adventure began. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

guide to my right, map, annoying teeny-bop CD (other than a few tracks from Coldplay and Joss Stone) already installed in the changer, the adventure began.

As I soon found out, that CD would help keep me awake during what shortly became an unnerving drive. Normally at press events, I get picked up from the airport in a shuttle and transferred to the hotel, often thinking along the way that the time spent in a limo or van is wasted... that I should be driving the car they sent me here to test. After a two legged flight, taking about eight hours including the stopover, and then getting into the little Rio sedan at my disposal, rain pouring down in sheets and pitch blackness surrounding, no navigator at my side and two hours of night driving through unknown highways and byways in front of me, I was questioning why I ever wanted anything but the warm comfort of a back seat and a knowledgeable driver at the helm.

My grumbling turned into dour bitterness when a police roadblock interfered with our preset route assignment within the first two miles, throwing our mileage markers off right from the onset. To the front of me

Forced left, into a residential area we knew nothing about, we increased our pace despite being, well, somewhat lost. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

was renowned auto journalist-TV personality Tony Whitney, also openly murmuring, and just to the rear was Chinese-language correspondent Regina Chan, forever accommodating and just generally nice. We coursed through a number of shopping store parking lots and somehow, thanks to Tony's leadership, ended up on the predestined route once again, bypassing the roadblock.

We soon found another such roadblock, and the floodwaters that covered the path ahead helped us to understand what all the commotion was about. Forced left, into a residential area we knew nothing about, we increased our pace despite being, well, somewhat lost. Again to our dismay, we passed under the highway we needed to be on with no entrance in sight. As we did, another Rio lined up behind us, which we soon learned carried to Korean executives that had

Most likely this wasn't the scenario Kia's PR staff had imagined when dreaming up the first stint of our journey, something they most likely planned out while driving the picturesque countryside during daylight hours. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

been tooling around the neighborhood, lost for quite some time. A few phone calls to Kia's helpful PR staff, some desperate guesswork and sheer luck now running in our favour, we ended up pointed in the right direction and on our way to Charlevois.

Once out of Quebec City, one of my favourite habitations within this great land of ours, the highway narrowed and started to wind, while the late night air grew deeper in pitch as the rain pelted down with a newfound ferocity, the likes of which I hadn't seen since caught up in a downpour just outside of Hilo on the big island of Hawaii. The road to Charlevois was slick, its pock marked surface filled with deep puddles, and Tony was driving with a mission, no doubt thoughts of a delectable meal followed by a comfortable hotel room dancing in his head. Despite my sagging eyes, there was little else I could do but follow as closely to him as safely possible. Most likely this wasn't the scenario Kia's PR staff had imagined when dreaming up the first stint of our journey, something they most likely planned out while driving the picturesque countryside during daylight hours.

But while I was muttering my contempt silently into the night, I was also mighty impressed with the little car that dealt so easily with the harsh elements Mother Nature was throwing at it. Even at high speed on unknown roads, and therefore coaxed into last second maneuvers that without doubt would have unsettled its predecessor, as well as many other cars that cost thousands more, the Rio was a steadfast traveling

The Rio was a steadfast traveling companion, maintaining its grip on the water soaked tarmac at all costs. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

companion, maintaining its grip on the water soaked tarmac at all costs, wipers dancing back and forth silently clearing the windshield in a constant rapid rhythm, seat warmers cranked to maximum while cool air vented onto my face, the former to keep me warm and the latter to keep me awake. It was a harrowing drive, but one in which my admiration for Kia's little subcompact quickly grew.

The next day was warm and sunny, blue sky peaking through a smattering of low cloud cover, an ideal setting for putting the Rio through a different set of tests. I started out, this time with a navigator, Brian Kim, Kia Canada's new product planning manager who I previously got to know while he worked for Hyundai. Brian was not only

Seat warmers cranked to maximum while cool air vented onto my face, the former to keep me warm and the latter to keep me awake. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

helpful with the route book, but also knew more about the Rio than most others at the event. I therefore took the liberty to pick his brain.

My first question was, "Why no ABS brakes?" As it turns out Kia Canada chose not to include them in order to keep the price down, but they did have the choice being that the U.S. division of the South Korean manufacturer is offering antilock brakes as an option. Was it the right decision? Hard to say, but Toyota and Hyundai are offering ABS on their respective Yaris (which replaces the Echo Hatchback) and Accent subcompacts. Hmmm... well, Kia has nevertheless added a larger brake booster for better performance when compared to the old Rio, with 100 km/h to zero reduced from 41.4 to 40.0 metres (135.8 to 131.2 feet).

I drove through some of the worst weather conditions that I can remember the night previous and never needed anything more than the rather basic front disc, rear drum setup that comes standard across the Rio lineup. Still, I never needed to slam on the binders in order to avoid an oncoming car or deer in the headlights, so I can't really comment on how effective the brakes would be in a panic situation. Sure an experienced

Anyway, the roads were dry and the Rio's 16-valve, DOHC 1.6-litre engine, with its 110-horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, beckoned me. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

driver can often stop within a shorter distance if using non-ABS brakes by modulating the brake pedal, but most of us don't act in such a fashion even if taught how to do so, but rather react instinctively by hammering the brakes while turning the steering wheel in the opposite direction that it needs to go. What can I say? Most of us simply come packaged with a predisposition to screw up when it comes to driving.

Anyway, the roads were dry and the Rio's 16-valve, DOHC 1.6-litre engine, with its continuously variable valve timing (CVVT) enhanced 110-horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque, beckoned me. OK, that doesn't sound like a lot of power compared to some of the cars I get to drive and resultantly review in this publication, but factoring in the Rio's nominal 1,104 kilo (2,434 lb) curb weight and the engine is a powerhouse. I remember back in the late '80s when I worked for Toyota, my pocket-rocket MR2 company car had 112-horsepower under its mid-mounted hood, and all my friends looked on in utter amazement. Also putting the Rio's vital statistics into perspective, along with the new Hyundai Accent that shares most under-the-metal components, it's the

Careful application of the throttle will make sure tire squeal is kept to a minimum, after which a firm foot on the pedal results in relatively quick acceleration. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

most powerful in the subcompact class, eclipsing the 106-horsepower Yaris by a nose and decimating the yawn inducing Chevy Aveo, Pontiac Wave, Suzuki Sprint+ triplets - also made in South Korea by the way, but without the benefit of Kia's five-year, 100,000 km, no fuss bumper-to-bumper warranty.

Careful application of the throttle will make sure tire squeal is kept to a minimum, after which a firm foot on the pedal results in relatively quick acceleration. The charge forward is complimented by the car's on-road stability, spoken about previously. Of course, water dissipated with a forecast of clear roads ahead, the Rio's MacPherson strut front suspension and a space-saving torsion beam in rear setup comes across as even more capable than during the previous evening. It manages corners with real competence, much more agile than its predecessor and also more confidence inspiring than the previously mentioned GMDAT (GM Daewoo Auto& Technology) clones.

Also a boon to Kia, the Rio's clutch pedal is nicely weighted, while its five-speed manual gearbox slots into each cog with a precise feel thanks to a multi-cone synchronizer. It also suffers from less transmission noise,

Its five-speed manual gearbox slots into each cog with a precise feel thanks to a multi-cone synchronizer. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

as does the four-speed automatic which also runs through the gears well. This one is much smoother than the previous autobox, due to adaptive shift point control, delivering shifts that could almost be called refined - a word I normally leave to describe premium vehicles, not subcompacts.

But the Rio isn't just any subcompact, evidenced by its long list of standard and optional features. Starting with the former, the base model four-door, dubbed EX, gets body-coloured mirrors and door handles, tilt steering, that is also powered, a tachometer, height adjustable front seatbelts, a driver's seat height adjuster, 60/40 split rear seatbacks, tinted glass, variable intermittent wipers, front seatbelt pretensioners, an anti-theft engine immobilizer, and a four-speaker audio system with a AM/FM/CD/MP3 compatible head unit (but no iPod plug in), that incidentally sounds pretty good. It also gets 14-inch steel wheels and

A four-speaker audio system with a AM/FM/CD/MP3 compatible head unit (but no iPod plug in), that incidentally sounds pretty good. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

full covers, by the way, up from the 13-inch base wheel and tire package offered in the previous Rio sedan.

Step up to the EX Convenience package and you'll add air conditioning, remote keyless entry with a panic alarm, power heated mirrors, power windows and locks, plus those front seat warmers I spoke lovingly of earlier - and incidentally 70 percent of the Rios coming to Canada will be shipped with front seat warmers.

Next on the upwardly mobile list is the Rio5, a hatchback cum wagon version of Kia's entry-level car that replaces the outgoing, and somewhat ungainly RX-V. It comes with the same list of base and Convenience package features, plus offers the ability to move the car up a notch or two into a more upscale environment, via the Sport package.

Gone are the steel wheels, replaced by 14-inch alloy rims, while a rooftop spoiler gets attached to the rear and fog lamps to the lower front fascia

The Rio is attractive to say the least, and feels much more expensive than its fully loaded price lets on. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

for a racy touch. Two additional speakers are added to the upgraded audio system, now sounding extremely good, while an enhanced interior boasts "sport" cloth seats, a leather wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, metal and rubber foot pedals, and finishing off the look, metal accents throughout the cabin. It's attractive to say the least, and feels much more expensive than its fully loaded price lets on.

What's also impressive is just how large it feels inside. Given that this Rio falls into the subcompact class, and therefore shouldn't deliver the roominess associated with a compact car, like the Spectra, I was dumbfounded with the hip and shoulder space it offered,

The back, made to feel comfortable for many reasons, plus an abundance of legroom. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

more than satisfied with its headroom, and when in back, made to feel comfortable for all the same reasons, plus an abundance of legroom.

This roominess is the direct result of car that sees its width increase by 15 mm (0.6 inches) to 1,695 mm (66.7 inches), height grow by a substantial 30 mm (1.2 inches) to 1,470 mm (57.9 inches), and wheelbase extend some 90 mm (3.5 inches) to 2,500 mm (98.4 inches), while the length, of the Rio5 at least, shrinks by 250 mm (9.8 inches) when put beside the outgoing RX-V (Cinco in the U.S.), to just under four metres at 3,990 mm (158.1 inches), reducing front and rear overhangs in the process and therefore gaining styling points - the new sedan, incidentally, sits at 4,240 mm (166.9 inches) in overall length.

All these numbers add up to the longest wheelbase in its class, longest overall length and widest girth in the class, resulting in best-in-class passenger volume of 2,949 litres (104.1 cubic feet) in the sedan and 3,060

The five-door offers 448 litres of storage behind the rear seats and a maximum luggage capacity of 1,405 litres when the rear seats are folded flat.(Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

litres (108.1 cubic feet) in the five-door, the former of which just happens to be more than Toyota's Corolla and Honda's outgoing 2005 Civic. What's more, trunk space is up 30 percent in four-door guise, to 337 litres (11.9 cubic feet) - the five-door offers 448 litres (15.8 cubic feet) of storage behind the rear seats and a maximum luggage capacity of 1,405 litres (49.6 cubic feet) when the rear seats are folded flat.

But there's more to the Kia than just size combined with quality materials, there's also an air of solidity, uncanny really. Its partly derived from the upscale "whump" that its doors make when closing, as well as its isolation from road and other exterior noises when at speed or just crawling along an inner city street. Kia credits efforts spent "tuning" the new car with triple sealed door frames, new insulator pads nestled between the floorboard and carpeting, the six-layer sound

The new Rio is an impressive piece of work. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

dampening behind the dash panel, and such details as a magnesium steering wheel core to reduces vibration. Its low coefficient of drag doesn't hamper NVH levels either. It's an impressive piece of work.

So, while I'm still a bit miffed that ABS brakes aren't even offered, even for those silly nits like me that would be willing to pay an extra $600 plus in order to make up for any poorly executed knee-jerk reactions to would-be problems that are bound to occur at any given time during what would at least be a three year sojourn with any new car I'd purchase (say that three times quickly), Kia protects its Rio owners with a decent level of standard safety features. Its rigid body structure, which has been designed to absorb impact more effectively than the outgoing car, is complimented by three-point seatbelts at all five seating positions, and two front airbags. Unlike the Spectra, however, side and curtain-type airbags are not available.

I should also mention that the Rio's fuel economy figures have improved

The only thing wrong with the Rio, is that is might cause some buyers to question the necessity to step up to the Spectra. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

when compared to the exiting model, despite its increase in power. Expect to save about 20 percent in the 2006 car, with an estimated use of 7.4 L/100 km in the city and 6.2 on the highway when manually equipped.

The only thing wrong with the Rio, is that is might cause some buyers to question the necessity to step up to the Spectra, also an impressive car. Of course, this would only be a problem for Kia Canada and its dealers, not Joe and Jane public, who I believe will flock to those same dealerships in hoards and buy as many Rios as can be imported.

This last prognostication is not only claimed because the subcompact segment is growing at an alarming rate, partially spurred on by high fuel prices, but also because the cars that define this category are becoming

They're so good that potential buyers, will find the latest Kia Rios of the world more suitable to their tastes. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

as good as they are thrifty. In fact, they're so good that potential buyers, who would have previously passed subcompacts over for something a little larger and more substantial, will find the latest Kia Rios of the world more suitable to their tastes. I'm confident of that.

So what do all these improvements cost? As would be expected, the Rio's base price has increased, but only by $300 to $13,295 - the old one started at $12,995. Kia found that there weren't too many buyers opting for last year's bargain basement S model as it is, with most choosing the better equipped RS at $13,995, so the new ES that replaces it includes a fair bit more content in a much better car, giving buyers a $700 bonus from the onset. And then when comparing last year's top-line LS four-door with an automatic transmission, that drove the price up to $17,195, the new model doesn't get anywhere near that at $16,120. Kim admitted that last year's LS was "probably a bit overpriced compared to others in this class."

The 5-door has actually dropped from a $16,695 starting point to $13,695,

Whether in four- or five-door guise, it's now much more than merely an A to B commuter. (Photo: TrevorHofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

a savings of $3,000! Of course, this just means it can be had with fewer options in base form, a good thing as it opens up what is a more functional model to many more potential buyers. Where the previous RX-V topped out $18,095 when fully optioned out, the new model's sticker never gets higher than $16,995 - $1,100 in savings!

These prices are hard to beat, so even if you're considering a compact model, take a ride in the reasonably large Rio first. Whether in four- or five-door guise, it's a satisfying little car that's now much more than merely an A to B commuter.

Specifications:

• Price (EX 4-door - Rio5 EX Sport base MSRP): $13,295 - $16,995
• Body Type: 4-door sedan, 5-door hatchback
  
• Layout: front engine, FWD Engine: 110 hp, 107 lb-ft, 1.6L, 16-valve, DOHC, I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd manual Opt. Trans: 4-spd automatic
• Brakes (front/rear): disc / drum
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Cargo Volume (4-door trunk): 337 L (11.9 cu ft)
  
• Cargo Volume (5-door hatch seats up/folded): 448 /  1,405 L (15.8 / 49.6 cu ft) 
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Pontiac Wave, Suzuki Swift+, Toyota Echo Hatchback
  
• Website:www.kia.ca

Safe and Reliable Motoring

First, at this year's Geneva International Motor Show, and then in New York, Kia introduced its all-new never before seen

First at this year's Geneva International Motor Show and then in New York, Kia introduced its all-new sporty Rio5. (Photo: Kia Canada)

subcompact, the Rio. Hold on a second. Didn't the South Korean brand already do that at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit? While this is indeed true, the vehicle introduced in Europe and then in the Big Apple was a practical and sporty five-door liftback, a body style that appeals to European buyers and trendy North Americans. The Detroit debut was of the notchback four-door sedan, which is favoured by the less trendy on this side of the globe.

The whole notion of separate release dates and international debuts is just a not-so-subtle hint as to how Kia is planning to play its future cards in a big way. The South Korean firm, owned and controlled by that country's other automotive giant Hyundai, wants to project itself into the top five automobile manufacturers in the world by 2010. There's no better way to get the attention of the public than by releasing its cars to the right audience at the right time.

As with the Sportage SUV, the Spectra compact and the pocket-sized Picanto (not sold in North America), the Rio has been revamped

The 5-door Rio has been revamped under Kia's new corporate strategy. (Photo: Kia Canada)

under Kia's new corporate strategy. Bearing the weight of a reputation for building low-quality, bottom-rung vehicles (the worst offender being the original Rio), Kia hopes that the new liftback and sedan will improve the company's and model's images in customers' minds.

"The new Rio offers customers more space, more power, higher performance, better handling, a smoother ride and enhanced fuel economy," says Mr. Yong Hwan Kim, VP of Kia Motors. I'd say that's as good a start as any.

From the technical specifications list, the Rio5 doesn't appear to offer anything special. It rides on a

Compared to the current 5-door RX-V, the new Rio5 is already shaping up to be a much better vehicle in terms of its design. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

small, compact chassis that has MacPherson struts in front and a space-saving torsion beam in rear. Of course, power steering will be standard, but really, this means little as the previous car utilized these readily-available technologies. What will count, however, is the way the car rides, steers and corners. Kia's press release beams that the car will deliver "responsive handling and a supple, comfortable ride," but we'll reserve our comments until we drive it.

Regardless of how well it drives, the new Rio5 is already shaping up to be a much better vehicle in terms of its design. Space has been used more efficiently by reducing overhangs and creating a 'cab forward' body. At less than four metres (less than 157.8 inches) long, the new Rio5 is both shorter than the RX-V model it replaces, but also the 4.2 metre (165.4 inch)-long new-generation sedan. The more compact length sees a slight increase of width by 15 mm (0.6 inches) and a whopping growth in height and wheelbase length - an incredible 50 mm (2.0 inches) taller, and 90 mm

The Rio5 is the production version of the Sport Concept that Kia debuted last September at the 2004 Paris auto show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

(3.5 inches) longer, respectively. These increases will, without a doubt, project the Rio from cramped to reasonably spacious.

If the Rio5's styling may be familiar to you, this is because the production variant was previewed last September at the 2004 Paris show with the Sport concept. In the transformation to a production model, the concept's sleek, Lexus-like lines and toned figure may have been lost, but the general shape and profile have been maintained. Definitely taller, the Rio's facial details including the headlamps and grille have been stretched upwards, while the fascia is finished with black plastic rub strips instead of sleek, wrap-around LED appliqué.

Much the same can be said about the car's tail, which has also been toned down. The scalloped tailgate, deemed too bold for

The radical backend of the concept car has been seriously toned down for the production model. (Photo: Kia Canada)

production, was replaced with a flatter panel, while the waterfall LED tail lamps were ousted for red-and-white tinted tail lamps. Also changed is the rear portion of the upper window line, which has been filled in with black plastic to form a complete arch. A thin lip spoiler on the upper ledge of the liftback replaces the concept's wild wing, rounding out the cheerful looking compact.

Where the Sport Concept featured a high-performance 200-horsepower turbocharged engine, we regret to inform you that the mass-produced version will be offered with dramatically less-powerful motors. Kia will offer three engines - two gasoline powerplants, and a new common-rail turbodiesel motor. The diesel, developed by Hyundai, is a first for the Rio, and will be a vital component to its success in European markets. As usual, it's unlikely that we'll get this economical inline-four due to poor quality fuels and a general lack of demand.

As for petrol-power, Kia will serve up the Rio5 with a choice between a

The Rio5 will be available with two gasonline engines in North America, and a third diesel version for Europe. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

1.4-litre and a 1.6-litre inline four. The former is a new, high-efficiency 16-valve design which develops around 97 horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque, impressive figures for its pint-sized (OK, three pint) displacement. The other motor is also an all-new design, featuring variable valve timing to improve performance and fuel economy. Peak performance for the larger motor is 110 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. While it's uncertain whether the smaller engine will make it to North America, the larger one has already been confirmed, making it the most powerful car in its class.

As in the Spectra compact and Sportage SUV, Kia is taking passenger safety seriously. Aside from a more rigid structure, the

The Rio will replace the Spectra as the cheapest car on the market to feature curtain airbags as standard. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

Rio will offer a whole host of features including standard three-point seatbelts for all five passengers, four- wheel disc brakes with optional ABS, and, like its sedan counterpart, a full count of airbags including front, side and full-length curtain airbags as standard. Effectively, this replaces the Spectra as the cheapest car on the market to feature curtain airbags as standard.

While the final specifications have yet to be confirmed, Kia will undoubtedly lead the pack of subcompacts with class-leading value, as it has been doing for quite some time now. While power amenities like windows, mirrors and keyless entry will probably be limited to the upscale models, the basic Rio5 will come with a decent array of standard features and one of the best comprehensive warranties in the business: 60 months / 100,000 km.

As of right now, Kia has not released any information as to when the Rio5 will

In order to be competitive, the Rio5 will probably begin at under $15,500. (Photo: Kia Canada)

arrive, or how much it will cost. However, in order to maintain its position as a value-leader, it will have to be competitive. My guess is that the liftback model will begin at under $15,500 - far less than the $16,695 MSRP of the base RX-V - in order to get the upper hand on competitors.

The new Rio5 may not be advanced and may not have badge prestige, but it will bring safe and reliable motoring to the masses, which should help it to be the most successful compact Korean car to date.

Specifications:

• Price (estimated base MSRP): $15,500
• Body Type: 5-door liftback
• Layout: front engine, FWD
• Engine: 110 hp, 107 lb-ft of torque, 1.6L, 16-valve, DOHC, I-4
• Transmission: 5-spd manual (optional 4-spd auto)
• Brakes (front/rear): disc/disc (optional ABS)
• Seating Capacity: 5
• Direct Competitors: Chevrolet Aveo, Hyundai Accent, Pontiac Wave, Suzuki Swift+, Toyota Echo Hatchback
• Website: www.kia.ca