When the Kia Rio first debuted, it was advertised as the least expensive new car available. In exchange for the minimal price tag consumers got bland, uninspired styling and laughable handling characteristics. It was the kind of car that cemented the notion, “You get what you pay for.”
(a Chevy-badged, Korean-built Daewoo) has replaced the Rio as the penny-pincher’s dream car. Plus, there’s renewed interest in the compact car segment, due in part to the emergence of the youth-oriented Scion brand but mainly because gas prices have crested $3 per gallon. The result is a more competitive market that’s home to better cars, so Kia engineers upped the Rio’s game for the 2006 model year with a significantly stiffened body structure, a completely new look, a more powerful engine, and six standard airbags. They’ve also replaced the Cinco wagon with the sporty, five-door Rio5, all while keeping the price competitive and the powertrain warranty unmatched.
LineupPoised as Kia’s least expensive, entry-level models are the totally redesigned 2006 Rio sedan and five-door Rio5. Both offer the budget-conscious new-car buyer a reinvigorated alternative to competitors like the Chevrolet Aveo and
Scion xA.
The 2006 lineup consists of the Rio Base sedan, Rio LX sedan, and five-door Rio5 SX.
PricingPrices for the
2006 Kia Rio Base sedan start at $11,110, whereas the better-equipped LX sedan starts at $12,985. Shoppers considering the Rio5 SX are looking at an opening bid of $14,040. All prices include a $540 destination charge.
Base FeaturesThe 2006 Kia Rio Base sedan comes with a 110-horsepower, 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine with 107 lb.-ft. of torque; a five-speed manual transmission; and 14-inch wheels with P175/70R14 tires. A rear window defroster; a tilt steering wheel; a height adjustable driver’s seat with a fold-down armrest; front airbags, front side airbags, and side curtain airbags; and an 8,000-rpm tachometer also come standard.
LX FeaturesAs the upper level sedan, the 2006 Kia Rio LX adds features like power steering, a four-speaker sound system with a CD player, a 60/40 rear split bench seat, and air conditioning. The LX also features P185/65R14 tires, a cigarette lighter, and a digital clock.
SX FeaturesBased on the LX sedan, the
2006 Kia Rio5 SX ups the ante with 15-inch alloy wheels, P195/55R15 tires, a rear window wiper, front foglights, a body-color rear roof spoiler, leather on the steering wheel and shift knob, and silver panels on the dash and foot pedals.
OptionsAll 2006 Kia Rio and Rio5 models can be equipped with carpeted floor mats, but the more substantial packages are reserved for LX and SX trims. These include a four-speed automatic transmission; an antilock brake package that adds ABS, rear disc brakes, and electronic brake force distribution; a rear decklid spoiler (LX); and a Power Package, which includes power windows, power door locks, keyless entry, power heated mirrors, and tweeters for the sound system.
MileageFor years, automakers have focused much of their attention on gargantuan SUVs, high-horsepower ratings, and, for lack of a better term, “bling.” Even hybrids, originally trumpeted as greenest of the green, are gradually leaning more towards performance than efficiency. However, with world demand stretching oil supplies and 2005’s Hurricane Katrina, the focus may return to more economical transportation, one area where the 2006 Kia Rio/Rio5 shines. Not only does Kia’s entry-level lineup offer roughly 30 mpg, but it does so with style, comfort, and even a touch of liveliness.
Model Mix Kia dealers started receiving shipments of the 2006 Rio and Rio5 in September. Company executives expect 75 percent of buyers will opt for the LX sedan, with five percent choosing the Base sedan and the remaining 20 percent driving off in a Rio5 SX. Yet, based on the Rio5’s styling and the success of models like the five-door Mazda 3, we’re betting that the SX will eat up more than it’s share of the Rio pie.
PerformanceIf you’re seriously concerned about top speeds and 0-60 times, the 2006 Kia Rio probably isn’t your type of ride. Company executives claim they haven’t yet conducted acceleration tests, but it’s safe to say this baby Kia won’t be keeping the Corvette Z06 up at night. Our top speed just crossed the triple digit threshold, though that was a result of moving with spirited traffic and not an intended top-speed test. So, while we can’t relay maximum velocity, we can assure you that it’s fast enough to get the attention of local law enforcement.
DesignUnlike the previous four-door Rio and Cinco wagon, the redesigned sedan and five-door Rio5 add a bit of styling flair to the compact car segment. The front end features a black mesh grille, black air dam insert, and more pronounced hood lines. The side flanks add sporty wheel flares, and the rear end has been reshaped for a cleaner appearance. The Rio5, in particular, has a short rear overhang. Inside, the Rio and Rio5 have a nicely contoured dash with a simple, user-friendly layout.
ValueOverall, the 2006 Kia Rio and Rio5 offer a great value to buyers on a budget. The design is attractive, the powertrain is responsive, gas mileage is respectable, the price is competitive, and six airbags are standard. And don’t forget about that 10-year/100,000-mile powertrain warranty, coverage that is among the best in the industry.
DrivingMore than one of our editors returned from driving the 2006 Kia Rio5 with this simple comment – “It’s a great little car.” Not very eloquent, but it’s high praise around these parts. And it’s deserved, given the Rio and Rio5’s decent power, comfortable ride, usable cargo room, and perceived quality.
SuspensionBoth the 2006 Kia Rio and Rio5 come with an independent front suspension that uses MacPherson struts and coil springs. A front stabilizer bar is standard. The semi-independent rear setup consists of a torsion beam axle and coil springs.
Brakes Each 2006 Kia Rio and Rio5 comes standard with 256-mm vented front disc brakes and 203-mm rear drums. Given that this mixed setup can be somewhat difficult to modulate, Rio buyers may want to opt for the optional antilock brake package, that adds not only ABS but also 262-mm solid rear disc brakes and electronic brake force distribution.
Photos courtesy of Kia Motors America
