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| If you're looking for a new car that's surprisingly good, check out the new Rio5. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press) |
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| Comfortable, inside and out. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press) |
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| 14-inch wheels, and black mesh are a bit... well, tame. (Photo: Jonathan Yarkony, Canadian Auto Press) |
Cheap Tamale
This car rocks! Flat out, it's a great little car and a great option for under $20K. Would I pick it over a Subaru Impreza WRX wagon or a BMW 325i Touring? No. But if I only had $18,000 to spend, I would choose it over a Civic, Yaris, Accent, Corolla, Cobalt/Pursuit, the piggish Caliber and probably even over the Fit. Granted those aren't all directly in the Rio5's line of fire, but they do all come in at under $20,000 and are on my random list of cars under $20K that I would think about buying. It's all got to do with priorities.
Top of the list: Looks
Yes, I'm a shallow "Generation Me" adherent (I don't know which generation that is technically, but I don't really care because I care more about me than whatever global or continental generational grouping I may be a part of), so if it doesn't look good, I probably won't even consider it. Of the previous options, the only vehicle I really wouldn't consider on the basis of styling is a Honda Civic sedan - the coupe is fine, albeit impractical - the rest are okay to appealing, in reverse order (yes, there was a method to that madness, and I'm not even sure if I would seriously consider the new Fit from Honda; despite its overwhelming cleverness, it's really too minivan-ish in its looks and also only so-so when it comes to dynamics).
The Rio5, from its sporty, black mesh grille to the white-chrome trim on its taillights, seems to have a unity of design that says sporty even if it's not--but it is, so that's also a big plus. It has great proportions and seems ready to take on a few ground effects, flashy yellow paint, massive chrome rims and some suspension work to get it back to looking like the fabulous Kia Sport Concept that previewed the Rio5 at the 2004 SEMA show in Las Vegas (See Concept archives: 2004 Kia Sport Concept). The interior, to get back to the concept's level, would take a little more work than is likely worthwhile.
It is decidedly tune-able, but what the Rio5 needs most are some performance upgrades, because the stock look is fine by me. A good planted stance, even on 14-inch alloys does justice to the arcing shape of the roofline, suggestive of coupe raciness, yet not in conflict at all with the hatchback shape and its rooftop spoiler, which draws out the length of car visually. The grey paint scheme is stealthy but stylish, and when I took the Rio5 up to visit my mom for Passover, she stood outside for a couple minutes after a ride around town telling me how much she liked the granite-grey exterior paint job, a colour she is now considering for the trim on her B&B. I wonder if she can get metallic paint for that. Anyhow, if the colour resonates that much with one person, it is bound to find other fans; I had a chance to share my appreciation, even if it was with someone who is not necessarily tapped into the trend-setting world of tuners and street-racer palettes.
