New Kia Rio 3dr

Do you reckon the Kio Rio five-door has to many entrances? If so, rejoice. For the first time ever this capable supermini is available as a 'three-door' hatchback. The latest cut- down version – much like its five-door sibling – is available in four trim levels, the: 1, 1 Air, 2 and 3. Even the entry level version is nicely equipped, so three-door lovers benefit from: headlamp levelling, spilt/fold rear seats, and an MP3 CD player. It has a USB port too. The top-spec variant, in contrast, also has: seventeen-inch low-profile tyres, rain-sensing wipers, cruise control, heated seats, and automatic air-con. These toys would only have been available on expensive cars a few years ago, but the Rio 3dr costs from only £9,995.

The Kia Rio 3dr – as well as missing a couple of rear entrance holes - also has rock- bottom running costs. The 'least' fuel efficient 1.4-litre versions average 51.4mpg, after all, whereas the 1.1 CRDi 1 Air EcoDynamics returns a staggering 78.5mpg. Carbon emissions for the latter are merely 94g/km, making it eligible for free road tax. Every version has confident handling, fairly precise steering, five or six-speed manual transmission, and a comfortable ride. The seven-year manufacturer warranty is the cherry on the cake. This is clearly a great car, so I can ignore the unfashionable badge if you can.

By Stephen Turvil, motoring.co.uk

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