Kia Rio/Rio5

Impressions: The Rio has performed the important task of establishing Kia as a builder of competent alternatives to buying used. Now in its second go-around, the car is roomier and spunkier than before and comes with overall dimensions that threaten to shift it up a notch to compact status. The 2007 version, redesigned for 2006, has a wheelbase that's 3.5-inches longer than the '05 version, while overall length, width and height have grown about an inch in each direction. The growth spurt benefits rear-seat accommodations in particular as well as the already generous trunk that was enlarged by nearly one-third. For a small car, that sort of expansion is more than significant. Both the sedan and the Rio5 wagon run with a 110-horsepower 1.6-liter four-cylinder engine. A five-speed manual transmission comes standard while a four-speed automatic is optional. Rio has a total of six airbags — including side-impact and side-curtain inflatables — to help cushion the occupants from extreme blows to the cabin. In fact, protection is a recurring theme for Rio buyers since they get Kia's five-year/60,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty with roadside assistance. The base Rio sedan keeps the creature comforts to a bare minimum. Moving up to the LX adds air conditioning, four-speaker CD player, wheel covers, split-folding rear seat, power steering and an adjustable steering column. New for 2007 is the up-level SX sedan, the only trim level for the Rio5. Other changes for the new model year include upgraded wheels and interior trim. Base price: $10,800 (sedan) Type: Four-door sedan/wagon Base engine (hp): 1.6-liter DOHC I4 (110) Optional engine: None Layout: Front-engine, front-wheel drive Transmissions: Five-speed manual; four-speed automatic (opt.) Mileage (city/hwy): 32/35 (MT) Safety: Front airbags; side-impact airbags; side-curtain airbags; anti-lock brakes (opt.) Weight (lb.): 2,440 Basic warranty: 5/60,000 Roadside assistance: Yes Web: kia.com