1.5 CRDi GS 5dr Hatchback

The Rio is a rather good car.

I've had my Rio (from new) for 6-years and 46k. Purchased because it has a big load space and because it was good value, and HJ had written a positive review as well. He was correct because the Rio is really rather good! Smooth diesel engine - good gearchange, positive controls and excellent supportive front seats. The steering is a bit lifeless but you soon get used to it. One of the first things I did was to change the yellow'ish headlight bulbs for better ones - a cheap modification. The car looks a bit like the last model Astra from the rear and a little like the last Fiesta from the front. The result is slightly bland and blends in with all the other common boxes out there. This is a good thing as I can park the Rio up anywhere and it attracts zero attention. The car is serviced by my local garage now (a good Independent). I abandoned my local Kia dealer as they left engine sensors unplugged on two occasions after servicing. Engine service items apart the car needed the front tyres replacing at 18k. I also had the car tracking adjusted slightly as the fronts had worn unevenly. Rear brake pads were changed and semi-seized calipers cleaned at 33k and the front pads changed at 38k. The Clutch Slave Master Cylinder started leaking at 38k (manifested by a reluctant gear change) and this was replaced. My garage is at the mercy of Kia who can be a bit slow with parts supply. Also Kia changed the design of the fuel filter fitment without telling anyone resulting in my car being off the road for 2 days waiting for a retro-fit kit in 2010. Good job I also have a motorbike to get around on! That apart the car at 6-years old is still good to drive with positive brakes and excellent power delivery from the diesel engine. Economy for me works out at between 50-55mpg which is a mix of urban/extra urban driving. I tend to keep to the speed limits. The interior is holding up well with no creaks or rattles nor any detached trim. The air-con stopped working 2-years ago which is partly my fault for not bothering to recharge it or indeed use it much. I don't care for air con as I find the dry air produced annoying. I recommend the Rio to all who want a dependable car for not a lot of money. My plan is to run this car into the ground which I suspect could be some time off yet..........


UPDATE 26/04/2019
I have now owned the Rio for 12 years / 91k. I really must like this car!
The Rio is still in good order and drives well. Economy constant at 52-55mpg. Given the car's age I service it myself and this is surprisingly straightforward. I will be applying wax to the underneath this summer as the car does have rusting /flaking issues on the metal chassis components. The steel battery support is rotten in places and I may have to sort out a weld repair for this as the battery earth lead also connects to this point. I tend to purchase service spares etc from GSF or Eurocarparts as they are much cheaper than the main dealers.

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