2011 Kia Rio EX Convenience Review

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While some cars get our juices flowing, others are merely a means of transportation. We have to recognize that the Kia Rio sedan is one of the latter. In fact, both its profile and equipment, which are starting to seem out of place compared to some of the Rio’s recent competitors, like the Ford Fiesta, justify the upcoming arrival of a replacement, unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show this March. But that doesn’t mean the current model doesn’t efficiently carry out its mission: get four people from A to B for cheap.


The Rio, as we currently know it, dates back to 2006. Kia treated it to a light makeover last year, in a bid to keep up with the times. The Rio inherited the traits that are common to the entire lineup, namely the signature tabbed, chrome-trimmed grille set over a huge, asymmetrical, black mesh air intake. A few touch ups here and there designed to keep clients happy while they wait for the overhauled Rio.

Does that make the current model any less attractive? In my opinion, no. The upcoming arrival of the 2012 Rio highlights two aspects of the current iteration. First, at this time in its life, the boo-boos afflicting the Rio have undoubtedly been dealt with. Second, to make room for the new vintage, which will soon be appearing in Canadian dealerships, incentives will shortly be offered to try and sell off all those leftover 2011s. Which will give consumers more negotiating power.

Few direct rivals
This Rio is part of a small subcompact niche, those sedans I like to call “econominis”. Buyers considering a Rio sedan for their next purchase won’t have more than five other models on their shopping list: Toyota Yaris, Chevrolet Aveo (soon to make way for the Sonic), Ford Fiesta, Nissan Versa and Hyundai Accent.

People prefer hatchback econominis. Which makes sense, as the flexible cabin creates more versatile machines. But there are still some drivers out there who prefer the nice conservative lines of a sedan.

For them, Kia serves up two Rio flavours: the base EX and the swankier EX Convenience. Both are powered by a 1.6-litre, multivalve, 4-cylinder engine generating 110 hp. It’s mated to a slightly imprecise, 5-speed, manual transmission. For a premium, you can get a humble 4-speed autobox.


The DOHC engine, also nestled inside the 2011 Hyundai Accent, uses a variable valve timing system that helps increase torque at low and mid rpm. This is a real advantage when you opt for the manual transmission. However, because the automatic transmission’s gear ratio is well suited to the engine’s output, it makes for a nice drive too, especially in the city.

As for power, the Rio has no cause to be jealous of its rivals, even the most recent ones. All the econominis count on small displacement engines producing between 106 (Yaris) and 120 hp (Fiesta). Hardly breathtaking. On a standing start, figure about 10 seconds to get from 0 to 100 km/h.

The typical economini buyer won’t be put out by this. He or she is undoubtedly more concerned with fuel consumption that with the time it takes to get from one red light to another. However. The automatic Rio EX Convenience we tested returned an average consumption rating of 8 litres per 100 km. True, it was the dead of winter. In warmer weather and on clear roads, that number will definitely drop.

Technologically simple?
Evidently, this Rio features neither a push-button starting system nor a multimedia package that can connect you to the net. No navigation system either. That’s all coming in the next Rio.

Nevertheless, the current “high end” model delivers standard heated front bucket seats, something you don’t even find in the equivalent Yaris, Versa or Aveo sedans. What’s more, the air conditioning system that graces the other three’s options list comes standard in this Rio.

Both variants include a stereo system with USB and auxiliary ports that produces commendable sound. The car also inherits hands-free Bluetooth technology. The essentials for every techno-savvy driver, wouldn’t you say?

Charming cruiser
The best part of all this is that the economini is a nice drive. The power steering is precise, if a little light. The brakes are easy to measure out, the suspension isn’t too dry and, especially, doesn’t tolerate excessive rolling.

The front seats are comfortable, but not too formfitting. The rear seats are suitable for two children. Two being the magic word here, because three people in back would find it a bit of a squeeze and wouldn’t be too impressed on road trips. The relatively low belt line ensures decent visibility; parking is made easier and you don’t need a rear-view camera (and the premium it entails).


The Rio may be small, but its trunk is nonetheless as spacious (within 3 litres) as that of the longer Honda Civic DX (4.5 metres v. 4.2!). It presents a nice wide opening and a relatively low sill, lower than that of a Nissan Versa sedan. And if you fold down the 60/40 split rear seats, you can load up cumbersome objects. So although it’s not as versatile as a Rio5 hatchback, the Rio sedan handles bulky luggage fairly well.

Compact or Subcompact
When thinking of buying a Rio Convenience, there is one question that needs to be asked: are you better off with this relatively well-equipped subcompact car or a simpler, base version of a compact sedan such as the Civic DX? The cheaper sales price of the latter bears consideration.

However, the diminutive size of an economini like the Rio might be the deciding factor for some buyers, like city dwellers who have to hunt down an elusive parking space in a car-clogged downtown core every day. These drivers may also be attracted by the power of negotiation they’ll have over this model when the 2012 Rio joins the fray…