2006 Kia Rio
Published May 14, 2007
0 Ratings
What Is It?
2006 Kia Rio
What's Special About It?
Kia has redesigned this popular subcompact from the ground up, with major changes made in the vehicle's wheelbase, suspension, engine and safety. Built on a brand-new platform for the 2006 model year, the Rio now boasts the greatest passenger space and headroom of any subcompact sold in North America. The Rio even outperforms both the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in regards to roominess. Trunk volume has also increased by nearly a third. The wheelbase, now 3.5 inches longer than the previous model, should improve the handling, while gains have also been registered in width and height. Kia has upgraded the powertrain with a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder which yields 110 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
What's Edmunds Take?
In the time since it debuted the Rio in 2000, Kia has certainly come a long way with this budget sedan. With a base price that will surely remain modest, the Rio offers customers an even greater value than the previous edition of the car. The engine, while by no means a prodigious powerhouse, should be perfectly adequate for the daily requirements of most drivers. Of course, the Rio's most attractive features can be found in terms of safety and accommodation. The company should be applauded for offering such a lavish safety package for so little money, although it's a shame that ABS is not yet standard on the Rio. The increases in interior volume, headroom and trunk space are quite a remarkable feat, though, and likely to increase the Rio's already considerable buyer base. — Phil Lienert
2006 Kia Rio
What's Special About It?
Kia has redesigned this popular subcompact from the ground up, with major changes made in the vehicle's wheelbase, suspension, engine and safety. Built on a brand-new platform for the 2006 model year, the Rio now boasts the greatest passenger space and headroom of any subcompact sold in North America. The Rio even outperforms both the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla in regards to roominess. Trunk volume has also increased by nearly a third. The wheelbase, now 3.5 inches longer than the previous model, should improve the handling, while gains have also been registered in width and height. Kia has upgraded the powertrain with a 1.6-liter DOHC four-cylinder which yields 110 horsepower and 107 pound-feet of torque. This engine can be paired with either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.
What's Edmunds Take?
In the time since it debuted the Rio in 2000, Kia has certainly come a long way with this budget sedan. With a base price that will surely remain modest, the Rio offers customers an even greater value than the previous edition of the car. The engine, while by no means a prodigious powerhouse, should be perfectly adequate for the daily requirements of most drivers. Of course, the Rio's most attractive features can be found in terms of safety and accommodation. The company should be applauded for offering such a lavish safety package for so little money, although it's a shame that ABS is not yet standard on the Rio. The increases in interior volume, headroom and trunk space are quite a remarkable feat, though, and likely to increase the Rio's already considerable buyer base. — Phil Lienert