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Had a good poke round a pre-production 2006 model Rio.
Vast improvemment over the old models, lots of kit, fit and finish a huge step forward, should be a winner.
I've driven the new Rio. No Rio5s available; only sedans.
Driving impression- compared to others in its class, I thought it was the best. It feels bigger than it is in terms of handling. The xA has a very firm, even harsh, ride. The Aveo's ride is too soft and leans heavily in turns. the Rio is the perfect comromise between the two. Very much in control, but you don't feel any harshness. The AT shifts crisply but does not jerk you around; the engine whines on heavy acceleration but is much quieter than the xA on moderate acceleration (like the dreaded freeway onramp downshift). The interior is definitely on a budget, but is a **** lot nicer than the 95 Aspire (Kia Avella in other parts of the world) I just sold. Better than the Aveo, too. Different from the xA, so I guess that's a matter of taste.
Price-wise, though, it's no bargain. There are lots of incentives and rebates on the 05 models but nothing buy owner loyalty on the 06 Rio. As a result, I can get a Spectra5 for less than a similarly equipped Rio5. If that changes soon, though, I might buy the Rio5 over the Spec5; I honeslty liked it better.
The biggest drawback to me was the rear seat. There is enough room for short trips, but not long ones for my six-foot sons. But seeing as it's mostly a commuter for me, I could live with that.
i sign for a 05 Toyota Echo (Yaris), but after a cheap services, i get my depot back, and on the road back home i saw the Rio5 at my local dealer... Stop by, look at the car, really nice looking, etc... After a test drive with a Rio5 Ex Commodity standard, i just can say that the car is more powerful and larger than the Toyota, the interior finishing is really solid and well done, a lot of space in front as in the rear, my impression is clear, the Kia Rio HB is 110% better then the Toyota...
So i sign in for a Rio5 Ex Sport model, graphite color. I expect to receive it in a month, cause no Sports models where available in Quebec-Canada
I also looked at the Toyota Yaris, but I think the front of the car is too round. It reminds me of an egg shape.
I Leased my rio5 5 door and I'm still waiting for it to arrive.
Should be here in about a week and a half. I've been waiting since Oct 1.
Got it in Sapphire, Auto, Convenience package.
I did test drive it and it is very fun to drive.
One problem I did notice is when you turn off the car, there's some odor coming from the engine which you can smell inside the car...
The dealer said it was only for the first 2000 km....
I hope so..
I currently drive a 2002 elantra VE and it has so many electrical problems inside the car... passenger lock doesn't engage/disengage anymore... radio/lcd clock turn off randomly... driver's side window rolls down by itself... lol
I hope KIA doesn't produce this kind of product, even if they're owned by Hyundai...
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