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"         A new endeavor for Kia promises entry-level pricing for its new not-so-entry-level-equipped car. The new Rio and Rio5 (formerly the Rio Cinco) receive dramatic makeovers from the outside in.   With a new focus toward the younger demographic and competing with such models as the Chevy Aveo and Scion xA, the Rio proudly showcases its new livelier front and rear ends, sporty fender flares and significant increase in interior volume and comfort. From the outside, overall appearance is laudable without any radically conflicting features, except the black bumper accents that detract from a cleaner, finished look, oddly chosen over the body-colored alternatives.   On the inside, space went from 97.5 cu. ft. to a class-impressive 104.1 cu. ft. (108.0 for the Rio5), increasing head and leg room for both rows of passengers. Trunk space is 11.9 cu. ft., up 2.7 over last year. Complementing the roomier surroundings is a better-insulated cabin, reducing previously annoying wind/engine/road noise and resulting in a much more pleasant and quiet ride. Interior knobs, dials and trim still remain a variation of plastic stock.   Although some assumed necessities (air conditioning, radio, ABS) are available only on the higher LX and SX models, Kia does provide every model with six standard airbags, including dual front, front seat-mounted side, and full-length side-curtain airbags.   All models receive an update under the hood as well. The power increase of the 1.6-liter inline-4 over the previous setup is not huge (110 bhp and 107 lb.-ft. of torque, up from 104 bhp and 104 lb.-ft.), but it is noticeable from the get-go. This is attributed partly to continuously variable valve timing (intake side only), the reconfigured bore and stroke dimensions (76.5 mm x 87.0 mm, mildly increasing displacement to 1599 cc), as well as lower gear ratios in both transmissions. Though this may not amount to SUV-passing power, it does improve on the slug-like response of the older car.   Coupled to the electronically controlled 4-speed automatic, the engine tends to buzz a little more than when paired with the manual, and will periodically search for the optimal gear. The 5-speed manual is comparatively precise and smooth.   Although the suspension remains virtually unchanged, with MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam rear, surprisingly the dynamics of the car also have improved due to a stiffer chassis with a longer wheelbase (up 3.5 in.), a wider track (up 1.6 in., front; 1.0 in., rear) and a weight savings of 38 lb. with the manual gearbox and 55 lb. with the automatic. Wheels are 14-in. pressed steel on both the base and LX models while the SX gets 15-in. alloys. Weight distribution hovers in the same area at 62/38 for the manual, and 63/37 for the automatic, and all models come standard with larger 10.1-in. vented discs up front and 8.0-in. drums in the rear. Opt for the $400 ABS (LX and SX only), and you get 10.3-in. solid rear discs.   Driving from the rim of Lake Washington, Seattle, to sunny Snoqualmie on relatively well-surfaced roads and freeways gave us a general idea of what the Rio is like on a day-to-day basis. Around town, this car would be all that you need, getting a frugal 32 mpg with the manual transmission (29 with the automatic), but transition to the freeway and you immediately notice a change in cabin serenity mainly due to the choice of wheel and tire combination (not as noticeable with 15-in. SX wheels). Upon reaching the mountains, the car held its composure fairly well on the curves with not as much body roll as you would expect, but was challenged by the steeper roads and elevation changes (especially the automatic). Bottom line, this car may not be the most powerful or agile, but it does accomplish what it was designed to do.   Pricing for the Rio starts at $10,570 for the base model but can go as high as $16,000 for a fully equipped, top-of-theline SX 5-door. The LX sedan, which Kia projects to be its best seller, starts at $12,445. "^^<http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema#string>
<http://www.roadandtrack.com/new-cars/first-drives/reviews/a11741/2006-kia-rio-rio5/>