Kia Rio (2011 - 2017) 1.1 CRDi 1 Air EcoDynamics 5d (2014/14) Owner Review

What does this car say about you?

I don't know.

What do your friends / family / neighbours think of the car?

Nice car.

Would you buy this car again and why?

I would buy the petrol 1.4 and accept the poorer economy over a better engine.

What are you likely to buy next?

Dealer unable to do a deal on a petrol. So buying a toyota and putting this 'experience' to memory. Life's too short to drive a car you don't like. Think with your heart not your head.

Type of dealer you bought from?

Franchised

Did you buy this car new?

Yes

What price did you pay?

£11,800

When did you buy the car?

March 2014

Did you get a good deal and why?

Paid £11800 with metallic paint with a lot of haggling.

Is there any special reason why you bought this car?

Warranty, economy, comfort and NO HASSLE!!

What was the dealer like?

Accommodating and courteous.

What's it like to drive?

I did test drive this car (I've had diesels before) and thought I would like it eventually, well I hate the driving dynamics of the car so much I'm getting rid of it after 5 weeks of ownership. Getting caught off boost, turbo lag, intermittently sounding like a tractor, overfuelling, jerky on/off partial throttle response. Constantly having to floor the throttle to get any performance out of it. It's good on the motorway at 70mph in sixth. Not giving as good economy as expected (I'm an eco driver). I've driven the petrol 1.4 version and it's a sports car in comparison. Dealer not recognising these 'problems'.

What's it like to park?

Ok, but rear visability is a bit poor.

Have you had any problems with the car?

YES..Scratches on body work on delivery but quickly and efficiently rectified. ISG didn't work from day 1. Overfilled with oil (1 inch overfill) which was rectified when vehicle in for scratches. Problems with suspect DPF regen problems and overfuelling causing crap economy and poor driving dynamics. Went in for this problem and ISG, new ECU program installed and forced DPF regen done, also oil change done as overfuelling had dirtied oil in only 500 miles. Picked up car and ISG didn't work, kept in for 2 days to trickle charged battery and a 4 hour lockdown to reset ISG, this has worked with the ISG and it's perfect(ish).

What's most practical about your car?

Easy handling, comfortable, good torque from engine from 1600rpm.

Favourite gadget, option or accessory?

Bluetooth music streaming, handfree. Car now 650 miles old and car going intermittently into overfuelling mode and ISG stops working and yes the car had been doing long runs. I have no confidence in the garage 'technicians'.