Kia Rio hatchback (2005-2011)

Launched in 2005, and facelifted in 2010, the Kia Rio marked a step change in the desirability of Kia's cars. Sharing some of its parts with the Hyundai Accent, it offers a spacious interior, plus a range of economical petrol and diesel engines. The car is well equipped, and competitively priced. An all new version of the car is under development - and is expected to be launched in the UK 2012.

If you want to keep running costs rock bottom, then plump for a 1.5-litre diesel engined car. Entry level models cost less than £10,000, yet will still return over 60mpg. Insurance costs are low, and while resale values are not particularly high, as the car does not cost much to buy in the first place, your losses over three years are limited.

The Kia Rio's comfortable ride and torquey engine make the car a reasonable performer around town. The soft suspension has no problem absorbing big pot holes and speed bumps. These characteristics also help make the car a reasonable motorway cruiser too, but on winding back roads, the car quickly feels out of its depth. The steering lacks accuracy and the brakes feel soft and spongey.

The Kia Rio's cabin is surprisingly quiet at motorway cruising speed. The narrow tyres and soft suspension insulate the cabin from roadnoise very effectively. At lower speeds, diesel engines sound noisier. At least there's lots of room for front and rear seat passengers. Despite rivalling cars like the Ford Fiesta on cost, there is lots of head and leg room available.

Kia's Rio is officially a supermini, meaning it competes with cars like the Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2. Against these models its hatchback boot looks spacious. Split and fold rear seats help improve versatility.

There's no doubt that the Kia Rio is well built, however, build quality could be far better. What's more entry level models offer only modest safety kit. Traction control and stability control are not available.

Head for a big brand rival like the Ford Fiesta, and you'll find a comparatively equipped Kia Rio looks like great value for money. However, while standard equipment levels look comparable, the Kia remains a comparatively dated offering in the fast developing supermini class.