DRIVEN: The 2020 Kia Rio Hatchback – Always ready for any adventure
June 14, 2021
It’s spacious, reliable and ready for any adventure.
The 4th-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.
Overall, the drive is so smooth on the road and you can’t even feel the gears changing. It’s pure bliss, even more so with a motor so silent.
Here are the details
Model tested: 1.4 TEC Automatic
Price: R361 995 (model range from R280 995)
Warranty: 5-year unlimited-kilometre warranty and roadside assistance.
Service: 4-year/60 000 km service plan
Picture/s: Leigh-Ann Londt
