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The Rio is one of the nicest looking small cars on the road.
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2003 Kia Rio RX-V Road Test
![]() Cute with capacity
By Bill Roebuck
If there were marks for cuteness, the Kia Rio RX-V would probably get the most points in economy car category. For 2003, the four-door hatchback got some revamped bodywork on the nose and tail, and the back treatment is particularly handsome.
![]() A significant asset of the Rio's design is its huge cargo capacity for a small car -- 702 L with the rear seats down, almost 300 L with them up -- plus a large hatch opening and a low liftover height for easy loading.
The front seats, which feature a height adjustment, are quite comfortable. There is plenty of headroom up front, but rear seat space is quite cramped, with tight legroom and width for only two adults.
![]() The ride and handling are firm and competent, better than I expected in a subcompact. A bonus is the Kia's comprehensive warranty, which runs for five years and 100,000 km.
* Price as tested: $17,150
© Copyright Bill Roebuck, CarTest.ca 2002.
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