Tested: Kia Rio 1.4

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Although available in both hatch and sedan versions, it is definitely the hatch that raises the first impression level for the Korean design. Wheels at all four corners hidden under subtlety flared wheel arches, wide mouthed air intake and slanted headlights raise the aggression stakes and remove the Noddy car image associated with its predecessor.

Well supported seats, a three-spoked steering wheel and tasteful use of aluminium-look dash plastic enhance the sportiness with perhaps the only downfall in the sport department being the lack of alloy wheels.

Featherweight power steering makes manoeuvring the Rio in an urban environment almost effortless, while motorway cruising is comfortable and not too twitchy. Maintaining the national speed limit is no problem with the 1.4i DOHC motor delivering 70kW at 6000rpm and 127Nm at 4700rpm, however loaded up with four passengers and luggage a bit of gearbox work is required to keep the motor on the boil when climbing any sort of gradient.

The five-speed manual does the job, in terms of ratios, but the gear change, although functional, does not exude the same athletic image that the car portrays. Handling is competent, the MacPherson strut and stabiliser front end work in conjunction with a coupled torsion beam rear axle to soak up the contours and bumps without creating a sloppy ride.

ABS comes as standard on the High Spec model, and safety is further bolstered by dual air bags Internally, the new Rio is a head turner, not because of any groundbreaking design feature but rather the high level of finish and the lack of cheap looking details which we have become accustomed to seeing in so many of the oriental vehicles. Somewhat surprising and the most notable aspect of the car, is the lack of any rattles and peculiarities that might have developed over the extended period we had the car.

A radio/CD sit firmly in the dash surrounded by the mock aluminium plastic, alongside the reachable and simple to operate air conditioning and heating controls. Practicality is carried through the package by the 60/40 split rear folding seats, which in true hatch fashion allow the carrying capacity of the car to dramatically increase to fit in bulkier items. With the seats in the upright position, the boot space is not massive but will carry the grocery shopping and the odd kit bag.

Kia has raised their standard with the new Rio, no longer offering a bottom of the pile vehicle but rather a well designed and extremely competent package.

Selling for R119 995 the high specification model offers all the creature comforts and performance of some more locally established manufacturers.