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windows, remote locking, USB and AUX ports, adjustable steering wheel with audio controls, and a trip computer. My test model was the mid-range 3 Eco, powered by
a 1.4 litre 89 hp diesel engine. Top speed is 108 mph, the 0-60 mph time modest by class standards at 11.6 seconds. But the bonus is 74.3 mpg combined and emissions of just 98 g/km. This version costs £17,365 and is laden with kit including alloy wheels, privacy glass, cornering headlights, 4 power win- dows, sat-nav with 7-inch touch screen, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reversing camera, autonomous emergency braking, lane departure warning and a gear-shift indicator. The dashboard is smartly-styled and
IT DRIVES AND BEHAVES LIKE MOST HATCHBACKS IN THE SECTOR,
EXTREMELY COMPETENT THOUGH NOT TOO EXCITING
its logical functional layout means it is easy to understand and use. Longer and wider than the previous model, the cabin of the new Rio is roomy even for rear occupants and
at 325 litres, the boot is 13 per cent bigger. Wide-opening doors give good access and the rear seats fold to allow bulky items, though like so many in the class, the load floor is not level. Out and about, the Rio has light-touch controls for easy driving, with precise steering and an accu- rate manual gearbox. Ride quality is fairly typical of class standards, so too the general handling, so nothing to complain about. It drives and behaves like most hatchbacks in the sector, extremely competent though not too exciting. Kia models are well built and well finished
– hence that 7-year warranty - and the brand has well and truly shaken off the budget-car image it had a few years ago. It is a now a
very respected marque offering genuine competition for big mainstream rivals – as the new Rio clearly demon- strates.
FORD FIESTA Titanium
THE FORD FIESTA HAS BEEN BRITAIN’S TOP-SELLING CAR FOR THE PAST DECADE, AND SINCE IT WAS FIRST LAUNCHED IN THE 1970S, THE OVERALL SALES TOTAL IS MORE THAN 4 MILLION. Those are impressive statistics and the
obvious conclusion is that so many buyers just cannot be wrong, and that’s a fair point. Ford puts the long-term success down to ‘style, value and driving dynamics’ though there is probably more to it than that. There are class rivals which are cheaper, and in the view of some may look better and drive better, but they all have individual shortcomings. The reason the Fiesta remains king is that it it pulls all those strands together to make it best car overall. It’s the perfect all-rounder and that’s key to why it has such a devoted following. Fiesta prices start at £12,715 for a version which has
alloy wheels, air-conditioning and Bluetooth, but not too much more. Mid-range Zetec models add more kit and my upper range Titanium test model added even more, which took the price in 5-door diesel form to £18,525. This model has a refined 1.5 litre 118 hp diesel unit with 6-speed manual gearbox, and nippy performance – 0-60 mph 9 seconds and top speed 121 mph. However, it still returns an impressive 88.3 mpg combined - so frugal that at times I felt the fuel guage may have jammed! The Fiesta is fun to drive, nimble and composed in the
the gearshift isn’t quite as slick as it might be, the gears are well-spaced. The latest Fiesta - longer and wider than its predecessor
THE FIESTA IS FUN TO DRIVE, NIMBLE AND COMPOSED IN THE
- benefits from a mild visual makeover which sharpens its exterior looks, but the main difference is a re-designed cabin which looks more impressive, with a modern dashboard layout and greater use of soft- touch materials. Fiesta scores highly for practicality.
CORNERS AND WITH A VERY COMFORTABLE RIDE.
There is more leg-room for rear sear occupants and boot space is 303 litres, expandable to 984 litres. The tailgate is larger than on the previous model though there is a deep load-lip. However, a variable-height boot floor is an option. Standard kit on the Titanium version is
corners and with a very comfortable ride. Steering is accurate and gives good feedback and while
extensive and includes 16-inch alloy wheels, heated wind- screen, rear privacy glass, keyless entry and push-button start, cruise control, tyre pressure monitoring, auto lights and wipers, sat-nav with 8-inch touch screen, DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
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