2008 Kia Rio5 SX Review

In an automotive context, don't practicality and economy exclude a pleasant driving experience? After all, the best fuel economy means the smallest, lightest car, unless you want to pay a premium for a hybrid. And not only are small cars small, and cramped, they're slow, noisy, and uncomfortable. Right?

The second-generation 2008 Kia Rio5 SX debuted for model year 2006, in both sedan and Rio5 hatchback form. The sedan section covers basic, inexpensive transportation with the $11,515 base model. The LX adds popular amenities including air conditioning and a good audio system, with the SX getting sportier interior and exterior trim to top out at just over $15,000 with a four-speed automatic transmission, or a little over $14,000 with a five-speed stick. The Rio5 version debuted as the premium model in the line, available only in SX trim. For 2008, an LX model has been added. It drops the fancier interior trim, exterior foglamps and spoiler, and replaces the SX-spec 15-inch alloy wheels with 14-inch steel rims at a savings of almost $1,000 - $13,500 or so with the stick, $14.4 with the automatic.

PERFORMANCE: With 110 horsepower out of 1.6 liters (at 6000 rpm) and 107 lb-ft of torque (at 4500) the Rio5 isn't going to race any supercars. But that's competitive with the other cars in its class, and with less than 2500 pounds to pull around, it's enough for an entertaining and reasonably economical driving experience, especially with the standard five-speed manual transmission. For optimum performance, just keep it over 4000 rpm, and keep working the gearshift - small-displacement driving 101, really. It's more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow, as the old saying goes. And the Rio5 has no problem keeping up with traffic, and responds well to being driven enthusiastically. EPA mileage is 27/32, and I got 28 in a mix of city and highway driving. 30 should be easy with a little less weight on the right foot.

© Source: theautochannel
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