Its a good car offering great value with a ton of features and looks great .
Heres a short review from Car and Driver
http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/2012-kia-rio5-first-drive-reviews
i have read a ton of reviews (especially prior to buying it) to find out what i should look for when i test drove it...while i accept the rear visibility comments (which isn't a big deal to me since i do shoulder checks and the car has a back-up camera anyway), i simply don't agree with the steering and suspension comments...some articles slag the car for it, other articles praise it...so, perhaps it is a subjective thing, or perhaps reviewers either can't be perfectly unbiased or are trying to feel something that isn't there because surely a $20k car can't be as good as $30k car, can it?
example:
The standard 1.6 liter gas direct injection 4-cylinder engine with a 6-speed automatic transmission with active eco system was quick off the draw with 138 horses and
handling was a charm with a sport-tuned suspension and electric power steering.
What stands out the most in the ride and performance of the 2012 Kia Rio SX is the
smooth ride and ability to absorb bumps and holes in less than favorable road conditions.
http://www.bullz-eye.com/cars/reviews/2012/2012_kia_rio/As we said after our first drive of the 5-door in South Korea last fall, it's nothing like its predecessor. The chassis in our range-topping SX model feels planted on the 17-inch rubber and is comfortable shooting down the expressway at 70 mph. On center there is some play built into the wheel, but the electric steering system is tuned with a light feel and has reasonable response to be perfect for the majority of the audience. The brakes are a strong suit, with instant and strong grab with a firm pedal feel under foot.
Read more:
http://www.autoweek.com/article/20120302/CARREVIEWS/120309979#ixzz1qe4LUQbSRide and Handling
With its Volkswagen-esque wheels and stylish exterior, the 2012 Rio SX 5-Door might lead some to believe they’re looking at a genuine sport hatch. But, until Kia fits the vehicle with tighter, more responsive steering, that designation will remain just out of reach.
Fortunately, there’s a deeper story to be told here, one that paints this Honda Fit foe in a more positive light. It starts with easily modulated brakes that are reliably effective and free of fade and shudder after a good bit of heat-inducing abuse, and continues with a chassis capable of tackling gradual, sweeping corners with considerable speed and minimal body roll. Indeed, the SX 5-Door proved to be an entertaining ride along curvy backcountry roads, and was equally nimble when darting in and out of fast-moving traffic on Boston’s busy Interstate 93.
As is typical, especially for subcompact, the Rio 5-Door’s handling accolades come at the expense of ride quality. Bumps are absorbed, but not to the point of isolating them from the cabin, so drivers and passengers should plan on being jostled a bit when pounding over rough pavement.
http://www.vehix.com/blog/reviews/review-2012-kia-rio-sx-5-door-delivers-big-impressions-in-a-small-packagewhile the above does mention some lack of feel when compared to a VW, it still praises the rest of the car (you can read the whole article if you wish)...one needs to keep in mind, this car is fully loaded at $22k...while perhaps not "the best", it isn't too far off and is very well priced, especially considering everything included (most cars don't even offer many of the included features here as extras, regardless of price)...i suppose if i was going to take my car to a track, and race it around there, i would likely feel the difference between the cars a little more, but from regular driving, the Rio5 SX is no worse than anything else i have driven and better than most.
