Rio last in a long list of Kia newbies | Bay of Plenty Cars | 4WD, Green Cars and Motorcycling in Bay of Plenty

Product planners in Kia's giant Korean development facility must have been working overtime in recent years.

Kia have just launched a series of new cars; those to arrive in New Zealand in the last 18 months have included Optima, Cerato, sedan and hatch, Sportage, Picanto and now Rio.

Each car has had an evaluation in these columns and I have come to the conclusion that the quality of product that is arriving from the Korean factories has reached an all-time high.

Each of the newcomers has impressed in its own way, they are well developed for New Zealand roads and driving conditions, while the mid-size Rio is a car that will tempt locals with its sharp styling (thanks to top designer Peter Schreyer), and driveability.

It had been my intention to take the Rio to Picton and return, but circumstances worked against that plan, however, I still clocked up 240km on a burst through the mid-Canterbury high country. It is a quiet and comfortable car on the highway, but it's my pick that most Rio buyers will travel at city speeds mostly, it's fine in that role as well, but it's reassuring to know that it will also cater for that long journey if required.

The Rio arrives here in New Zealand in LX and EX form with the choice of diesel (manual) or petrol power, idle stop/go is fitted to the petrol manual. Automatic transmission is available on both petrol LX and EX models. They list at $23,490 and $25,790 respectively, the diesel sits at $22,990, a guide to the value-for-money pricing Kia are keen to market at in New Zealand.

The small to mid-size Rio belies its compact proportions, sitting on a 2520mm wheelbase it makes good use of its proportions with satisfactory occupant space and a relatively useful area to store belongings under the hatch.

At the other end and sitting under the bonnet is a 1.4-litre, twin-camshaft, petrol engine which Kia rate at 80kW and 137Nm. It is a new engine from the Hyundai/Kia conglomerate and stands out for its sophistication.

It is a also an engine which promotes fabulous fuel usage. During my testing time it constantly listed an eight-litre per 100km (35mpg) average with a 100km/h instantaneous figure of 6l/100km (47mpg) on offer, the engine turning over at 2700rpm at the legal limit.

These figures are close to what Kia claim at 6.4l/100km (44mpg), good figures but not as pleasing at the pumps as the diesel which is rated at 4.3l/100km (65mpg). However, the Rio is a snappy, energetic car both at slow speed and on a cruise. Response to throttle request is instant, while power for overtaking is adequate.

On that subject, it will complete a 120km/h from 80km/h overtaking manoeuvre in 8sec and will launch to 100km/h from a standstill in 11.2sec.

Even though the engine is hooked to a four-speed automatic only, Kia (and Hyundai) have done a lot of development work in the driveline area and it shows, interaction between engine and gearbox is harmonic and fluid, while efficiency has obviously been a high engineering priority.

And none of that comes at a cost of stifling the Rio's performance, it is enthusiastic and invigorating to be part of.

In terms of handling, it can't be classed as a dynamic handler but it does fit well with the undulating nature of New Zealand roads. The suspension is firmed adequately, gravitational forces don't allow for significant body sway. The steering loads up with positive information of what the tyres (195/55 x 16in) are doing in relation to the road surface.

Aimed into a corner the Rio steers and turns well, the suspension isn't bothered by mid-corner ruts and body movement, while noticeable, doesn't arrive with a lurch.

Steerage isn't pin sharp but the Rio could well be described as accurate with a neutral handling balance. Any push towards understeer would be quickly negated by stability control.

The Rio is a quiet, purposeful car to travel in at city speeds, it has absorbent suspension over the worst of the city's earthquake-damaged roads and it is responsive to the throttle if a quick lane change is needed.

For its money the Rio, especially in high grade form, comes well equipped. Fitted as standard are digital climate control, cruise control with speed limiter, Bluetooth audio with MP3/iPod connectivity and automatic lights and wipers.

The Rio represents adequate all round performance, during the time the evaluation car was in my care it served to prove it is capable in varying driving situations.