The light hatch used to be the car you bought because you had to. The Kia Rio SLi is here to argue that small can feel grown up. This is the city car for the first new car buyer, the downsizer, and anyone who wants something tidy to thread through tight streets. In SLi trim it adds the gear that used to live two segments up.
Charli spends the week in traffic, where this car belongs, and the Rio shrugs off the kerb mounting and the multi storey ramps. Forward visibility is good, the touchscreen does what you ask without a fuss, and the ride stays settled over scarred city tarmac. She would like a touch more poke when a gap opens, but around town it rarely matters.
This is a smart buy for the urban driver who wants a fixed price servicing plan and a long warranty. Country buyers chasing overtaking muscle should look further up the range. The Rio does the basics so well that the basics stop feeling basic.
The full review is on the CarTell.tv YouTube channel above.
