Hardly a carnival but the Rio is a contender

Road test
Kia Rio 1.4 "2"
Top speed: 113mph; Combined fuel consumption (claimed): 51 mpg;
Emissions: 128g/km; Price: £13,095.

If looks were everything, Kia's new Rio would be the easy choice if you were looking for a supermini.

The company's corporate look since design chief Peter Schreyer took over really suits this car, with shallow side glass, distinctive "moustache" grille and high-mounted rear lights - its styling is bang up to date and elegant. Inside, it's the same story with a logically laid out dashboard, restrained use of piano black trim and extremely clear dials. One drawback is that the lower edge of the rear screen is high enough to make reversing manoeuvres a bit tricky.

Equipment levels are good and the Rio is easy to drive smoothly and is quiet at low speeds. It's only when moving quicker that doubts dawn. The problem is the engine.

At motorway speeds I thought a noisy vehicle had crept up behind me, but the harshness was coming from the Kia. There is also a lack of punch from the 1.4 litre petrol unit.

On paper the car's performance looks fine: 0-60mph in 11.1 seconds, 107bhp, a top speed of 113mph and a claimed 51mpg (combined).