Should you buy one?

There are few reasons why you wouldn’t buy a Rio, but when the competition is so strong elsewhere it’s hard to recommend it over the rivals. For example, a Ford Fiesta is more fun to drive, a SEAT Ibiza is more distinctive and cheaper to finance, while the Peugeot 208 and Renault Clio both have far nicer interiors.

The Rio claws back with a good amount of interior space and a big boot, while the standard equipment list is generous if you go for a mid- to high-spec model. But then things start to get a little pricey, although at least everything inside the car is very easy to operate and get used to.

As with all Kias, the Rio benefits from a seven-year, 100,000-mile (whichever comes first) warranty, which is transferable between owners. This is the only area where the Rio really stands out from its rivals, especially in combination with the fact it has a stellar reputation for reliability.

If you do like the look of the Rio, we’d usher you towards one of the 1.0-litre turbo models – the 97hp should suit most with a manual gearbox. It’s slick and very easy to drive, and is one of the more efficient options in the range.