2017 Kia Rio: Which spec is best?

Kia introduced an all-new model of its Rio light hatch earlier this year bringing improved handling, an upgraded infotainment with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone paring, and more interior room including a 325-litre boot.

The Kia Rio range comes with one engine choice, the 74kW/133Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine - carried over from the previous model - that’s coupled to a four-speed automatic transmission with a six-speed manual version available with the entry-level Rio S (below).

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VARIANTS

The Kia Rio comes with three model grades, the S, Si, and SLi.

The Rio S starts at a reasonable $16,990 for the manual version with the automatic transmission attracting a $2100 premium. Standard equipment is pretty good for a sub-$20,000 light car and includes a 7.0-inch colour touchscreen with the aforementioned phone connectivity, reversing camera, rear parking sensors, front and rear USB ports, auto headlights, cloth seats, and hill start assist.

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Kia Rio Si interior

Upgrade to the Rio Si and get cruise control, in-built satellite navigation, 15-inch alloy wheels, and LED daytime running lights.

The range-topping Rio SLi (below) brings rain-sensing windscreen wipers, climate control air-conditioning, powered sunroof, faux leather seats, softer door armrests, 16-inch alloy wheels with wider, grippier tyres, and a bit more exterior bling.

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All Rio variants come with Kia’s seven-year warranty.

• Rio S manual - $16,990
• Rio S auto - $19,090
• Rio Si auto - $21,490
• Rio SLi auto - $22,990

OUR PICK

The Rio Si’s extra features justifies its premium over the Rio S auto, though it’s a shame there’s no manual version as the four-speed auto really doesn’t do much for the smallish engine. That said it’s a good little city runabout.

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