White Kia Rio

Used Kia Rio

The Rio is a solid all-round supermini that blends affordable running costs with a large boot

Search Used Kia Rio

Used Kia Rio For Sale

The Kia Rio is a capable all-round supermini that makes a great choice for younger drivers or those who value low running costs.

With its grown-up driving manners and refined ride, the Rio shares a lot of characteristics with larger family hatchbacks. Kia did a great job of building on the success of the previous-generation Rio, with this particular model offering better efficiency and respectable levels of comfort.

There's plenty of quality examples available on the used car market, but why consider a Kia Rio in the first place?

  • Low running costs
  • Refined and easy to drive
  • Well-equipped
  • Big boot
  • Benefit from Kia's 7-year warranty

Engines and Driving Experience

Grey Kia Rio, driving

It's evident that Kia have geared the Rio to offer comfort and a refined ride, which will suit those who aren't fussed about driving thrills. The light steering is well-suited to use around town, and is aided by the excellent visibility.

Thanks to the addition of a turbocharger, the 1.0-litre petrol engine offers plenty of flexibility on the move without compromising on the all-important fuel economy. The 99bhp unit offers decent performance, with 0 to 62mph taking 10 seconds flat, while the more potent 118bhp takes 9.8 seconds. Either way, you can expect up to 52.3mpg from these engines.

A smaller, naturally-aspirated (there's no turbo), 1.25-litre engine with 83bhp can be had and will typically cost less to buy than the 1.0-litre options. It isn't quite as efficient (up to 49.6mpg) nor is it as punchy on the move as its siblings, but it makes a lot of sense for frequent town drivers.

Practicality and Running Costs

Grey Kia Rio, boot

Earlier models were available with 3-doors, but you're probably better off with a 5-door Rio because of the convenient access they grant to the rear seats. ISOFIX anchor points can be found on the rear outer seats, making the Rio ideal if you have a young family.

Boot space is very good for this class of car, with 325 litres readily available. A bigger boot can be found in the Skoda Fabia (330 litres), but the Rio beats off stiff competition from the Ford Fiesta (292 litres) and Volkswagen Polo (351 litres). As you'd expect, the rear seats fold forward, revealing a useful 980-litre space.

Annual premiums are unlikely to cost too much, with the Rio occupying insurance groups between 4 and 9 (50 being the highest). General consumables and servicing costs follow a similar trend of being low cost, and can be sorted through your nearest Evans Halshaw Kia retailer.

Interior, Technology and Safety

Kia Rio, interior

This generation Rio is a very welcoming place to spend time, with plenty of space for the driver and passengers featuring alongside an attractive design. There's plenty of adjustment in the driver's seat, making it easy to get comfortable.

All models are well-equipped across the range; entry-level '1' cars get air-conditioning, Bluetooth and a 3.8-inch infotainment display as standard. Seeking out a Rio '2' should prove well-worth it because they come with a larger 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, a reversing camera, rear parking sensors and electric windows all-round.

If you're feeling a bit plush, then the '3' features faux-leather upholstery, rain-sensing wipers and heated front seats. The sporty GT-Line S cars gets 17-inch alloy wheels, front parking sensors and various changes to the exterior appearance such as black trim. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay feature on all cars bar the entry-level '1'.

Kia Rio is available with the following safety features:

  • Electronic stability control (ESC)
  • Hill-start assist
  • Autonomous emergency braking
  • Lane departure warning system
  • Traction control system (TCS)

Is the Kia Rio right for me?

As an accomplished supermini, it's hard to go wrong with the Kia Rio. Not only is it affordable to buy and run, but it also offers refined driving experience and plenty of space inside. Take into account that the majority of younger models still benefit from Kia's 7-year warranty, and the Rio becomes ever more appetising.

The market for superminis is pretty saturated, so be sure to consider some alternatives before committing. The Ford Fiesta is the leader in this class for good reason, while the Volkswagen Polo is a good choice if you want something with a premium edge. We'd recommend a SEAT Ibiza if you want something similar to the Rio but with more flair.

Why purchase a used Kia Rio through Evans Halshaw?

Find your ideal used car with Evans Halshaw

At Evans Halshaw, we have a variety of used cars for you to choose from. Each car is carefully selected by our teams before making its way through the rigorous preparation process, where it's inspected by a qualified technician and then fully valeted.

All our vehicles are fully HPI checked, giving you peace of mind when making a decision. In addition, we're able to offer Home Delivery to UK mainland addresses, giving you flexibility when searching for your next car.

We're also able to offer you a tailored Service Plan for your selected car, which allows you to spread the cost of maintenance over an agreed period of time, whilst saving you money in the process.

If you'd like some advice on picking the right car for you, or you've spotted a vehicle and want more information, please contact your nearest Evans Halshaw dealership, where one of our friendly associates will be more than happy to help.