The Rio’s cabin is conservatively stylish, with expensive looking crisply marked gauges and a dash centre dominated by a large free-standing screen which is flanked on each side by infotainment access buttons and a rotating knob in each lower corner for volume and tuning. Upscale features like heated seats and heated steering wheel are standard on all trims.
Buyers in other markets have a wide variety of engines available but the sole powerplant for Canada is a new 120 horsepower 1.6L four Kia calls Gamma II. Transmission choices include a six-speed manual or a CVT. Driven with the previous powertrain, the Rio was a quick and refined car with good road manners that was, for those who don’t need more space, good enough to be the sole vehicle for most drivers.

With heated front seats, cruise control, air-conditioning, wireless cellphone hookup, a tilt and telescope steering wheel and six speakers, the base LX+ variant is necely equipped for the price requested. A CVT transmission is a $1200 option. The LX Premium adds a blind spot monitors, alloy wheels, a sunroof and heated steering wheel, at a bargain price. The EX Premium range topper adds a forward collision warning, autonomous emergency braking, a lane keep assist system, a lane follow warning, 17 inch wheels, door mirror mounted turn signals. push button start, auto high beam and auto climate control, but looks a bit expensive.

Predicted reliability is average to above average during the warranty period.