Under the aegis of Chief Designer Peter Schreyer, Kia developed fairly consistently to the carmaker for striking vehicles. And it doesn’t hurt that you resonate more and more in Germany. The most recent example is the new Kia Rio. Draw significantly burly and zippier than its worthy predecessor, goes the 4.05 metres long small cars from September on touting. First of all four, the two-door and probably more athletic version is then in the spring of 2012. That look is not everything but has spread also in Seoul, and so KIA sets in addition to low prices. Slim 9,990 euros are for a Kia Rio with 85 HP to pay strong base gasoline. The predecessor was only starting 11.990 euro (97 HP). With on Board of the Rio “Attract” are already ESP, six airbags, brake assist, 16-inch wheels, as well as only serial painting: the color white. If you like it more colorful or a diesel, 1,500 euros more have to pay for the fünfsitzigen Polo rivals as Edition 7 version.

Four engines to the market launch of the KIA Rio the top version of “Spirit” is again 1500 euros more expensive, but also very richly equipped with LED daytime running lights, automatic climate control, power Windows, automatic start stop feature and heated steering wheel. For comparison, A Coventry Polo Comfortline with 85 HP is available only from 15.275 euro. The Koreans increased to two inches with four engines in the program will start to market. Are two four cylinder petrol engine with 85 and 109 HP and two variant with 75 and 90 HP in the KIA Rio to the election. A pricing of 1,000 euros is planned. Optionally, the KIA Rio can be also equip with a start-stop automatic (ISG). Future Spritsparstar in the KIA range should be the 75 HP diesel (11.490 EUR) with variable Turbo. In combination with ISG and other optional savings elements such as low-run tires, special alternator, optimized aerodynamics and Larding measures in the Interior (minus 36 kilograms), the 1.1 litre small cylinder to consume only 3.2 litres of diesel (85 grams of CO2) per 100 km.

Weak gasoline engine, comfortable chassis the small savers stood for a first exit through the hinterland of Seoul unavailable. Off it went rather in the top model, the 109 PS strong KIA Rio 1.4. Already after a few kilometres, it is clear: Bravo calls will not reap the teat. Flabby and without great ambition, he pulls the 1.1 tonnes light KIA Rio only chore ahead. If you would like to thrive quicker, must keep the cylinder at high speeds, to siphon off at least the meager torque of 137 NM at 4,200 rpm. The real consumption, Kia specifies optimistic 5.3 liters / 100 km, is likely to be higher in everyday life. Small consolation: the six-speed gearbox can be operated easily and accurately, resists so not fleet switching operations. Faster and without constant grip to the gear lever is in the 90-HORSEPOWER diesel ahead (from 12.490 euro). Thanks to turbocharger, keeps the large 1.4 L four cylinder from 1,750 tours ready 220 nm of torque, and enables to a faster drive. A soft suspension tuning provides sufficient comfort even on bad paths away from Korean motorways is common to both models. The KIA engineers to launch should teach only the Pasty and indirect management of somewhat more precision.

KIA Rio a serious small car rival in the Interior there are, however, has little to gripe. Space front is sufficient, for it goes to something more closely in the rear for one – the sporty roofline here take away head room and obstruct the view. Not without reason, therefore also reverse camera seems to have (including Navi 750 euros). The trunk of the KIA Rio is solid and with 288 liters class. In combination with the tight, but comfortable seats, a clear centre console and well readable instruments, the KIA Rio is the serious rivals for small cars from Europe – no less than at lower prices, and together with a seven year warranty. Bravo Rio.