How do you create a hatchback with true global appeal? The recipe is simple. Take some European finesse, add a dash of Korean spice and blend them to work up a flavour that communicates, er, Latin flair, and hey presto, you have the global hatch. As much as I'd love to lay claim to this brilliant formula, it's not mine. In fact, this is the blueprint that Kia's engineers and designers followed when conceptualising the new Rio. Now, let's not get into the nitty-gritty like the originality or effectiveness of it, but if this is the Korean carmaker's prescription for success, then I recommend everyone else follow it blindly, for the last few years have shown that whatever Kia touches turns into precious metal on wheels.
The previous generation Rio, for example, was hardly special. Still, Kia managed to sell close to 900,000 units worldwide. And when you consider the fact that this was a model which lacked finesse, spice or flair, you know shifting a million examples of the new Rio won't take Kia more than a couple of years.
It's no secret that a winning design is the most important step towards keeping the tills ringing, and it really doesn't matter whether it's European, Korean or Latin. And in this department, Kia has an ace up its sleeve in the form of Peter Schreyer. He's once again waved his magic wand to make this compact hatch an absolute step-up from its predecessor. With its signature grille, the Rio is distinctively Kia and the lower profile and increased body-to-glass ratio gives it a sportier, more aggressive stance. Although Kia says the rear has been influenced by the Sportage, we see more of a Seat influence there, especially the taillights, which is not a bad thing at all.At 4,045mm long, 1,720mm wide and 1,455mm high, the Rio has grown up in all dimensions. And complementing its stylish looks will be a range of 10 exterior colours, some of which, like the Electronic Blue and Caramel Yellow, will make sure you stand out in the crowded B segment.
The story's no different inside either. Just like its sister concern Hyundai, Kia seems to have taken giant strides when it comes to crafting good quality cabins. The Rio's interior is one of the best Kia has done yet, and is arguably one of the better ones in the segment. It's also got class-leading passenger and cargo space thanks to 70mm longer wheelbase and 25mm wider bodyshell combined with a few tweaks like moving the windscreen's base forward by 156mm and up by 18mm. This has freed up 45mm legroom in the front and 34mm at the back as well as 8mm more headroom in the front.
The hatchback's boot space has also gone up to 288 litres with the rear seats up and more than 900 litres with the seats down. And it's easy to find a comfortable seating position with great outward visibility.
Although the Rio is sold with a choice of two engines in other markets, we don't get the 87bhp 1.2-litre Kappa engine, but we shouldn't be complaining. Because what we do get is the 1.4-litre Gamma engine that's good for 107bhp peak at 6,300rpm and 135Nm at 4,200rpm. Mated to a four-speed automatic — a five-speed manual is standard — this lump proves a smooth and sprightly performer for a compact. A few suspension tweaks mean the ride is more pliant than before, but the electric power steering is a bit too vague to inspire confidence at higher speeds.
Verdict
One of our biggest gripes about most Asian carmakers has been that they skimp on essentials like ABS and the number of airbags in lesser models sold in the GCC, making these premium options available only in the top-spec variants. Sadly, Kia does the same with the new Rio, which has at least six airbags as standard in other markets, while here the base models have just one for the driver and no ABS.
So if you're concerned about the safety of your passengers, your only option is the Dh55,000 EX variant, which apart from having two airbags and ABS, is packed with many features like Bluetooth, USB, 17in alloys, sunroof etc. And for that kind of money, you can't find a better-looking, better endowed, and better performing car than the new Kia Rio.
Model Rio
Engine 1.4-litre four-cylinder
Transmission Four-speed auto, FWD
Max power 107bhp @ 6,300rpm
Max torque 135Nm @ 4,200rpm
Top speed NA
0-100kph NA
Price Dh55,000 as tested
