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Christopher Jackson | 9/6/2007 | Kia
Although it's still one of the least expensive cars sold in the United States, Kia's Rio has visions of competing with products other than used cars. All-new for 2006, the 2006 Kia Rio5 gains more upscale looks, standard side-curtain airbags, and additional refinement that should finally put it in the game against Toyota and the Big Three.
Then again, it's also looking at new entry-level competition from the big boys: Honda, Toyota and Nissan are fielding all-new subcompacts this year.
The Rio is sticking to its inexpensive-to-buy, inexpensive-to-run MO, but the '06 updates mean that shoppers shouldn't have to use its low price as an excuse. Basic transportation doesn't have to be faceless either, as the new, stub-tailed Rio5 aims to prove. The 2006 Kia Rio5 is a somewhat sportier five-door model that adds versatility and cheeky good looks to the Rio's low-cost repertoire.
The design looks good, combining wide black moldings, blacked-out grille trim and stubby proportions for a look reminiscent of early 1990s Audis. This is no Audi, though. Kia's family grille takes its proportions from matching hood contours, and the Rio5 shows off a rakish tail. The 2006 Kia Rio5 looks fresh, and those big door moldings are functional, protecting against all manner of parking lot dings. Aggressive wheel arches give the Rio a bit of family resemblance to big brother Spectra. A wider stance and longer wheelbase provide a cavernous interior that trumps Honda's Civic and Toyota's Corolla on space.
That interior is both safer and more refined, as well. Six standard airbags, including full-length side curtains, mean that small-car buyers don't have to feel unprotected in the event of a crash. Gray plastic is still the general motif, but new dash sculpting offers improved control placement and a more modern look. Low-cost telltales are non-power door locks, manual windows and an oh-so-90s visible passenger airbag cover. Inexpensive and not afraid to show it though the 2006 Kia Rio5 may be, it's comfortable enough to carry four passengers around all day, and that's what counts. It's got 15.8 cubic feet of cargo space as well.
A new 1.6 liter four-cylinder provides 110 horsepower, which may only be one-fourth the power of the new Cadillac CTS-V, but it's also more than you get in a base Hyundai Accent, Toyota Yaris, Chevy Aveo or Scion xA. Continuously variable valve timing and dual overhead cam construction offer modern, high-tech construction and improve efficiency as well as off-the-line response. Curiously, the 2006 Kia Rio5 was also one of the quietest cars at idle that we've ever driven. The engine is almost inaudible from the driver's seat, and barely makes noise if you're standing behind the car. The standard gearbox is a five-speed manual, of course. It's an economy-car box, with long throws and occasionally vague gear engagement. A four-speed automatic is also available.
The chassis underneath the 2006 Kia Rio5's sheetmetal is fairly standard stuff. The MacPherson struts up front and a semi-independent torsion-beam axle in the rear are well-tuned enough that the Rio5 doesn't feel like an outdated buckboard on the road. The wider track and longer wheelbase also improve the ride significantly over past Rios. The Honda Fit and Toyota Yaris are significantly more athletic, for what it's worth. The 2006 Kia Rio5 makes do with an economical front-disc, rear drum braking setup. The front discs are bigger than last year, to improve stopping distances. Anti-lock brakes and four-wheel discs are optional.
As the sportiest of the Rios, the Rio5's base price of $13,500 includes small-car amenities like a rear defroster and intermittent wipers. That's a low bottom line, but the Rio5's manual-crank windows and door locks are much better suited to the $10,570 base Rio, not this top of the lineup model. Want to accessorize? Power windows and locks, keyless entry and a cool orange-painted Sport package can all be had for less than $20,000. Don't forget Kia's 10 year, 100,000 mile powertrain warranty, either. On the other hand, the Fit and Versa offer a much less bargain-basement ride for a similar price.
Specifications:
All specs are for the 2006 Kia Rio5.
Length: 166.9 in.
Width: 66.7 in.
Height: 57.9 in.
Wheelbase: 98.4 in.
Curb weight: 2365 lb.
Cargo space: 11.9 cu.ft.
Base price: $13,500
Engine: 1.6 liter DOHC inline four-cylinder
Drivetrain: five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, front-wheel drive
Horsepower: 110 @ 6000
Torque: 107 @ 4500
Fuel capacity: 11.9 gal.
Est. mileage: 32/35
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