Can you say Kia Rio three times fast? It's the new Toy Boat Toy Boat, and actually, it's not much bigger than one either. The subcompact Rio did get a longer wheelbase in 2006, adding more trunk and passenger room, but this is clearly a personal economy car. The nice surprise has been its decent handling and a comfortable interior. New for the 2007 Kia Rio is an SX sedan. The sporty SX was already offered as the Rio5 hatchback wagon. Now, many of its elements are put into a four-door sedan, along with the already existing base and LX models.
All 2007 Rios feature a 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder, 110-hp engine with a standard 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic. Base models are about as base as they get, without even power steering. The new SX is decked out with larger 15-inch tires, foglights, sporty metallic interior trim, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel. This is on top of what the top-end LX offers, such as power steering, front console and air conditioning. Front, side, and side curtain airbags are all standard. None of the trims come standard with power features, though there is an optional power package. Rear seats fold 60/40, and the Rio5 hatchback has expanded trunk space. When the seats are down in the hatch, the trunk offers 49.5 cubic feet of storage. 2007 Rio owners are attracted to this subcompact for its great value and good fuel economy, both easy on the wallet. But they are surprised at how quiet it is on the road and how comfortable and roomy the seats are. Legroom suffers, due to its small size, and the I4 engine is not exactly speedy. Acceleration is labored, particularly if the air conditioning is on.