Yup, another hot hatch, but this time we're getting back to basics. Kia's new Rio Sport doesn't offer crazy kilowatts, fancy turbochargers or a hi-tech all-wheel drive system, but that's good news because those things always go hand-in-hand with huge price tags.
Remember the first ever Golf GTi? It was a winning formula that combined decent performance with relative affordability. The man-on-pthe-street could pester blokes with far more pricey machines by exploiting his hatch's nimbleness and keep the wife happy by picking up the kids and groceries on his way home.
Ditto for the Rio Sport. It's a simple formula, really. Just pep up an existing, mild-mannered model with some extra oomph, wider wheels and some bolt-on pizazz. In this case, we're talking about 200 extra cubes making a 1.6-litre four with continuously variable valve timing, fat 205/45 takkies on 16" rims, and a bunch of red accessories splattered around the place.
Yes, there are hot hatches the potency to rival napalm, and no, this is not one of them. Kia's Rio Sport is just a fun-loving version of a placid sibling with a bit more bee in its bonnet. It'll pull strongly through its five gears (in manual guise), and reward enthusiastic driving.
Back to basics, remember. Instead of modern electronics doing the throttle blips on downshifts, doit yourself. No stability system? No problem. You've still got the seat of your pants to feel self-induced under and oversteer, and a simple suspension like the Rio's loves that. This car deserves its Sport badge.
I've been astounded by Korean attention to detail lately, and the interior of the Rio reflects the leaps and bounds made recently in build quality. There's hardly a difference today between a Japanese dashboard and one from Seoul. However, it's clear that this particular model's targeted at a younger crowd because the red steering wheel accents and plasticky gearknob look like they're straight out of a Durban speed shop.
It's unfortunate that these red bits are a must in Sport models but luckily this car's only available in black, white or red so no gaudy Christmas colour combinations are possible.
Obtrusive seats
There is room for improvement, though, as a couple of annoyances rubbed me the wrong way during my test session. Although the power windows are a welcome standard feature, they somehow "pop" irritatingly into place every time they're slid fully closed. Also, the on/off switch for the aircon always seemed to default to the "on" setting on start-up.
Lastly, and possibly the worst part of an otherwise decent package, are the seats. The predominantly red colouring is a tad obtrusive but I got over it. However, despite having kidney-hugging bolsters, the backing is way too hard. Like one of those hard plastic garden chairs but covered with thin material.
Fine for sipping a G-'n-T on the patio but not ideal for attacking traffic circles and speed humps.
Features include aircon, front and side crash bags, anti-lock brakes, power windows, power steering, radio/CD, central locking, anti-theft and a five-year or 100 000km warranty, sevice plan.
Price: R149 995 (Watch the TV ad.)
VERDICT
It's basically a Korean GTi, which is not a bad thing. Reasonable performance at a reasonable price has been a winning formula for decades and if the hatch is a little too juvenile for your blood, the Sport's also offered as a sedan but the garish red trimmings are unfortunately unavoidable.
Nice performance package.