Kia Rio 2021 review: S auto

Did you know there are Kias which cost $65,000? But not the Kia Rio. Nope, see even though the brand has evolved into something that has luxurious SUVs like the Sorento and sportscars like the Stinger in its line-up, it’s also kept the cars which made it popular – like the little Rio hatch, which is still super affordable.

Richard Berry provides this revealing review covering engine specs, fuel economy, price and features and what it's like to drive.

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#Kia #Kiario #2021Kiario #carsguide #hatchback #carreview

[anthonyproctor]

I got one last year. Yes the fuel usage is suss at times. I've had it reading 51.2 L/100km. Other times 26. The usual is at 8.9. on the highway I can get 7.5 and as low as 5.4.
It's easy to drive and super easy to park in the most tighest places. The Android system is too notch and the sound system is very good. So many USB points it's ridiculously loaded with them.
A pleasure to drive on the toughest roads. The hard plastic on the side doors is fine. Never got sore elbow from it.
Power is OK yet at other times it takes off like a rocket. When going up a steep hill it can be sluggish until the gear kicks in. I have had to upshift manually once or twice.
I drove it regularly and find it costs me 50 to 70 to fill the tank depending on the current price at the time.
The seats are very comfortable and hold you in well. You notice many other drivers move side ways when turning corners. Not in the RIO. It holds you in tight. Can't say the halogen headlights have ever been an issue. Really like the fog lights are on in the daytime. It's a great safety feature as other drivers can see you better.
I found the rims are a nightmare though. My only pet hate. They crack around the edges just from turning tight corners. Got mine April 2020. Took only 4 weeks from the factory in S. Korea to delivery.
After some haggling and Cash/ Bank check I got it for $18, 640 Drive away. That was with the $540 extra for signal red paint job.
I love her. She is a little devil. Sometimes good and subdued yet then she surprised you and she is bad like a beast.
Super reliable.

[stefentango]

It's a shame that the under $20K AUD segment is shrinking so fast and pushing people on strict budgets to the USED car market.

[ComedicInc]

The fact that wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto is standard on all models is a game changer for in-car tech. Looking forward to other manufacturers rising to the competition to match Kia.

[DJ-stqk]

Always thankful for changing car reviews forever, Richard! 👏👏👏

[terenceting]

1:42
Unpopular Opinion: Without keyless entry there's no point for keyless start. You have to hold the key fob in your hand and press to open the door, why not just insert the key after that. It's not like you can leave the key in your pocket anyway.

[markchesterfield]

Another Berry good review! Liking the bad news, good news format and the ongoing tongue in cheek approach. I'd say definitely worth scraping together the extra $2k for the Sport and all that peace-of-mind safety gear. Keep up the great work Richard!

[hjblom]

You know exactly how to make a boring base car review interesting. Great work!

[KF]

"can I just point out all the hard plastics..."
No, sir. Please stop reviewing budget cars as having plastic on the dash.

[tonygersbach]

I have one, good little car, only thing that lets it down is engine and gearbox, a bit sluggish

[ninaj]

Also, the S has cruise control in the US. And nobody NEEDS lane keep or blind spot detection.

[jalapeno_salsa]

Kia will be wanting to TRIPLE sanitise that car real quick

[drivingschool]

I bought a Kia 10 years ago and stopping the warranty service schedule when it reached 65000 KMs.
The second service schedule shown something abnormal:
The official mechanic said: "gearbox empty with no oil".
They filled up the gear box and saying" very strange but we will check next service .
I didn't noticed the gearbox was empty. It was the official mechanic that noticed the abnormal issue.
At around 80000 KMs near South Melbourne, bang! It looked like the timing belt snapped. But it wasn't, it was..the gear box!
I bought a second hand gearbox from Wreckers specialised Kia parts in Scoresby and the official KMs usage was 62000 KMs.
Around 100 thousand KMs in the clock during the peak of summer time the Kia stopped on it's own in Warrugal and I could hear something boiling.
I waited for 2-3 minutes without opening the bonnet.
After that, driving good as gold from Warrugal to Berwick.
In the following morning, engine on disturbs a particular noise that looked like a machine gun.
Tic tic tic tic...
I called a mobile mechanic (no Lube mobile) and the engine had to be opened because the all engine was invaded with sludge, real dried engine oil everywhere.
3-4 days repair and perfect! But 2 days after in Kingston/South Road tic tic tic tic tic ..
The mechanic was very upset and not to know
I contacted a very friendly American Boston via YouTube.
His diagnosis:
The sucker pipe mesh is clogged!
!?!?
The mobile mechanic refused the diagnosis but he accepted my demand as a client.
I couldn't believe what I saw! The mesh connected to the pipe (oil pump) inside the crank case was 99.9% clogged.
To clear the mesh (tiny holes) it was very difficult. So sorry for the mechanic because water pressure not capable to unclog. The solution was the mesh submerged of a liquid.
Perfect!! But... in hot days the tic tic starts only in mornings.
The Boston friend answer (overseas call):
Don't blame the engine! Because Victoria has hot days during summer and you are using wrong oil he said. During Summer the oil must be 10w 40. 40 is for hot climates reaching 30- 40 Centigrades.
Kia Rio engines can't handle with climate high temperatures.
Problem fixed until today;
Autumn/Winter: 5w30
Spring/ Winter: 10w30.
The engine was opened and caused another issue: spends a lot of petrol, I mean..a lot.
140 thousand KMs:
radiator leaking wick means new radiator.
Today now at the present:
the clock marks 343000kms.
No issues with tic tic unless not changing the oil numbers.
Conclusion, I change the oil twice per year.
Too easy!
Kia Rio automatic 1.4
Now it's time to buy another car and I am confused between Impreza, Mazda3, I30 sedan, Corolla

[davidbernard]

2011 rio. It's still gone strong. Cannot fault it. And all my friends are on their second car.

[mvnorsel]

1 year ago rented 6 speed manual in Tasmania, it was a great little fun car, mostly because of its gearbox.

[malcolmscott]

Ha not everyone watching has a sense of humour - their loss - great review Richard and would you recommend this over the Picanto? At least a new Kia still can be had under 20k and great overall package - although I’d probably buy a Clio in this segment but can’t buy them now no longer sold here :(

[WAZZINUK]

Great review, you took a topic like the Rio and made it interesting, shockingly interesting 😂 😎

[CristianP]

Min 3:43 ... Warranty 7 Years UNLIMITED km 🏆💪

[swanblake]

How much would halo in projectors have cost them over the reflector style? Other than that its quite nice in my opinion

[mikeykeyes]

I bought the old Rio with 4 speed auto- the car really struggled but could not fault its quality and drive/handling. Traded in for a GT Rio and boy the little beast can roar! Would have been nice to see RTC/BSP/ACC and LED headlights on it given it is standard on all Kia GTline esp Cerato Sport has unparalleled safety features.That shortcoming aside- Rio is a very well designed and made car and drives really nice. Extremely sure footed with great handling and comfortable ride for a little light car.

[lukuscannon]

You have the best personality for reviewing cars some of the other people that work for the same company their car reviews are so freaking boring you are hilarious 🤣 and of the other hand I wish Kia would put a bigger motor in this car maybe something along the lines of a 1.6 possibly the one from the venue maybe just my opinion though