CD Article: 2006 Kia Rio5

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:

Redesigned for 2006, the Kia Rio5 hatchback has gone from rough-around-the-edges to a viable entry-level machine, says Assistant Editor, Jil McIntosh. Increased horsepower and an improved interior mean value for the dollar, but don't expect cruise control or ABS.    More...

[a4_tom]

As good as Rio and Accent, its a pity it doesn't come with ABS as an option.

[rovermark]

Considering what was available just a few years ago - the Chevrolet ?? and Pontiac Sunfire - this car is a wonderful replacement for those who would normally have bought that GM crap.

I like the idea of cheap, good motoring. That was the original mandate of the Honda Civic, Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Golf, but those cars are close to 20,000 today if not more, hence the need for cars like the Kia Rio

[Bullet Blue]

Not bad at all. I agree, ABS should at least be an option, but other than that, I like it. I saw two hatches and a sedan in the same intersection a while ago. The hatces were both dark blue and the sedan was red. The 5's look great in dark blue

[Howswedeitis]

You gotta hand it to Kia for what is a pretty nice little econo box.
It looks better than most too which is nice.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

I like the Rio Sedan and Rio5's looks - great fun playful Euro chic styling to me.

The article notes the "new Accent is available as a 4 door sedan, 5 door, and also a 3 door" but the Accent5 is the outgoing generation car and I don't think a redesigned one is planned for this market, unfortunately.

Must say I also really like the Sport seat fabric and interior pizazz it adds. Kudos on the heated seats.

I agree with the rest of you. ABS and SABs are a serious omission to me.

[kelli]

kia has come a long way in styling. i hated driving my rio .. it was ugly and i knew it and the inside was so basic it was kind of sad. And it was only a 2001.

These days you'd never know they were part of the same family.. so much nicer to look at.

I went into a dealership when i bought the rio and said i wanted an inexpensive car, that's not a sunfire or a cavalier.. that was my option.

[safristi]

The Yanglish guy wif da BALD MoHawk on motoring 2006 gave it 15 tyres or somesuch..pretty decent...
 OH Graham FELCHER !!! that IT........

[a4_tom]

Rio RX-V was a pretty decent econowagon. Too bad it was unrefined, 4-speed auto is lazy and way too plasticky inside.

[Rupert]

The growl noted in this article only occurs under hard acceleration and is not in any way to be understood as an objectional noise.

Since we should be heading in the direction of more ecolgical vehicles the use of the word econobox should be dropped in relation to a smaller vehicle for the broader public. It's only the word that is cheap not these clever little vehicles of whatever brand.

On the highway I have not experienced a drone. However I have the automatic version not the standard version in the article and my vehicle is a Hyundai. However it is pretty much the same car. I would say it's a good highway car and the suspension is a good compromise between comfort and handling and it stays on center. In fact it's a fairly quiet ride.

This is not our only car but the larger vehicle does not seem to be used much these days. Incidentally I have no connection with any vehicle manufacturer or dealership.
 

[Obiwan]

Does anyone have any info on when the '07 rio's are coming?  I've been searching and can't find a thing.
I was looking at the Rio5 with the 'sport' add-ons, but they are in very short supply... 0 in Calgary.  I can find one in Vancouver but the extra freight is kinda silly. 

Anyway I heard a rumor (saleswoman) the '07's will have ABS and 15 inch tires standard, upgrade to 16' for sport.

Anyone know anything about the '07 Kia's?

[slybry]

I wish these car reviews would provide 2 cargo capacities for hatchback and wagons. One with rear seats up and the other with rear seats down. When shopping for a wagon or hatch that is an important number.

There is always only one number.

[Mr. Meow]

I'm still a badge snob. I just can't drive one because of that Badge. Kia. Just sounds like a toy. But other than that it looks good, but not cheap.
.

[Obiwan]

Anyone know when the '07 Rio's are being released?

Any previews etc.?

[Shnak]

I'm still a badge snob. I just can't drive one because of that Badge. Kia. Just sounds like a toy. But other than that it looks good, but not cheap.
.

A badge snob doesn't drive a Honda or a Buick. A badge snob drives a BMW or Mercedes, something like that.

You might argue that Honda has a little bit more snob-appeal than Hyundai/Kia, but still... it's a matter of perception, and perception isn't what makes your car drive around.

[Bullet Blue]

I'm still a badge snob. I just can't drive one because of that Badge. Kia. Just sounds like a toy. But other than that it looks good, but not cheap.
.

A badge snob doesn't drive a Honda or a Buick. A badge snob drives a BMW or Mercedes, something like that.

Thanks for that, I needed a good laugh. 

[jww]

I'm still a badge snob. I just can't drive one because of that Badge. Kia. Just sounds like a toy. But other than that it looks good, but not cheap.
.

A badge snob doesn't drive a Honda or a Buick. A badge snob drives a BMW or Mercedes, something like that.

You might argue that Honda has a little bit more snob-appeal than Hyundai/Kia, but still... it's a matter of perception, and perception isn't what makes your car drive around.

[Shnak]

I'm still a badge snob. I just can't drive one because of that Badge. Kia. Just sounds like a toy. But other than that it looks good, but not cheap.
.

A badge snob doesn't drive a Honda or a Buick. A badge snob drives a BMW or Mercedes, something like that.

Thanks for that, I needed a good laugh. 

What you don't agree? How can you call yourself a badge snob and then drive something real badge snobs laugh at? Ask some rich guy that is in his Mercedes what he thinks of the new Civic or Accord...

[Bullet Blue]

Sure, I'll ask my friend's dad who traded in his Audi A4 for a Prius what he thinks of your comment...

[Shnak]

Sure, I'll ask my friend's dad who traded in his Audi A4 for a Prius what he thinks of your comment...

Well I suppose he's not much of a badge snob then! 

Oh, and badge snobs do not drive A4s... they drive much bigger, and especially more expensive vehicles.