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Kia Rio Hatchback (2011-2017) interior, tech and comfort

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Comfort rating: 4 out of 54.0

Written by Simon McBride Published: 6 June 2019

Inside the Rio has a clean, simple and logical layout. The third generation is a major leap forward and it is now on a par with the latest Kia cars such as the c’eed, Picanto and Sportage. The plastics are still not as good as you’d find in a Ford Fiesta or VW Polo, but the Rio is now challenging to be on the podium, rather than a backmarker, when it comes to quality interiors.

The wheelbase has been increased by 70mm over the previous generation and this has helped the handling and, more importantly, increased space for passengers. The cabin feels quite roomy and there are decent amounts of leg- and head-room in the front and rear. The back seats will easily accommodate two adults while you could squeeze three teenagers or children in, although only for short journeys.

Kia Rio Comfort is good and up front the seats give a decent amount of support for long trips. Road, tyre and wind noise is relatively well suppressed for a car of this size thanks to a well-insulated cabin, although the engine is quite vocal when at high revs.