Interior Features
Test drivers say the Rio and Rio5 have easy-to-read gauges and generally like the layout of the dash, but the praise ends there. The Rio’s barebones interior comes with a four-speaker audio system, a USB auxiliary input jack and a tilt steering column. You’ll have to go up a trim to get other basics like air conditioning and power windows and doors, which will cost you $14,995. Bluetooth is optional, but only on upper trims.
The Kia Forte is a much better deal. Although it’s $1,165 more than the Rio, it’s a great value because you get the basics like air conditioning and modern features like Bluetooth and SIRIUS Satellite Radio that aren’t standard with most affordable small cars.
See also:
The new Kia Soul begs one big question: Is this thing cool?
The Soul is a five-door hatch about a half-foot shorter than a Scion xB, one
of the youth-market vehicles that likely inspired Kia to enter this niche (the
Honda Element is another; ditto the Niss ...
Additional Horsepower
The 2.4-liter 161-horsepower 4-cylinder engine has gained 23 horsepower from
the early-2006 model and provides good acceleration below 60 mph—but average
performance above that speed. The 2.7-li ...
Hood
Opening the hood:
1. Pull the release lever on the lower left
side of the instrument panel to unlatch
the hood. The hood should pop open
slightly.
2. Go to the front of the vehicle, raise the ...


