DRIVEN: The 2020 Kia Rio Hatchback - Always ready for any adventure

It’s spacious, reliable and ready for any adventure.

The 4^th-generation Kia Rio Hatchback boasts a sporty exterior and the Korean model has an improved interior too.

First things first, let’s talk about the outside

As a young woman, the Kia Rio Hatchback is quite appealing to the eye. I appreciate the influential and sporty detail that Kia has put into the Rio Hatchback regarding the front-end, with its lower and wider ‘tiger-nose’ grille that features on the bumper. The rear remains simple with a boot that may look small on the outside, but the inside has a fair amount of space and it’s been proven! But we will get back to the boot space a bit later.

Overall, this cute model is more than a city car, but an all-around car for any occasion from road tripping with your friends or a simple stop at the grocery store.

Two new colours are available for the Rio including, Perennial Grey and a Sporty Blue Metallic.

What about the interior

I was impressed with the interior of this Korean Hatchback. It limits any possible visual and manual distractions while driving. The 8-inch infotainment system had a range of entertainment along with controls that were easy to access without taking your eyes off the road.

There is a standard USB port, auxiliary-in ports, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto compatibility, a 12V power socket and centre-console armrest. The multifunctional steering wheel comes with audio control and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free urgent phone calls. It has rain-sensing windscreen wipers too.

Let’s get back to how spacious the boot is. We needed a few tiles, cement and any other thing you can think of for much-needed home renovations and the Hatchback did not disappoint.

Safety

It is a fairly safe vehicle featuring ABS (Anti-lock Braking System), ISOfiX anchors feature ensuring the safety of young kids while in their car seat, child lock, rear parking camera and six airbags.

How was the drive?

For a 1.4-litre petrol engine, delivering 73 kW, I found the Rio Hatchback to be nippy. Even while having those necessary household things in the boot, the motor did not moan and the six-speed automatic transmission did not struggle from the weight nor did you feel a lag. The model drove as if the boot was empty.