For buyers, the supermini category has never been more important. Why? Because modern examples of the breed are now for the first time, large enough to function as complete family cars. Superminis have all grown up into the family hatchback.

If you’re wanting hassle-free driving with a good looking and inoffensive car with plenty to recommend it, then you can’t go wrong with a Kia Rio. As a used buy, the Kia Rio has plenty to commend it and is very hard to criticise. They make a very good choice for the buyer looking for something that’s not going to let them down.

The Rio first went on sale in July 2001 to a modest reception. The mainstream car magazines damned it with faint praise, and few takers seemed tempted by the low sticker price. Sales momentum however has built since then, and there are now a fair few used Rios that are worth a good look.

For the 2004 model year, Kia pulled their horns in by cutting the Rio range to 2 models - an L and an LX - both powered by the 1.3-litre engine and in 2005 further changes meant customers could either opt for an LE or and LE+. The new Rio went on sale towards the end of 2005.

The Kia Rio supermini has now been rejuvenated in fourth generation form. The MK4 model Kia Rio looks an even better alternative to the Corsas and Fiestas of this world, with a more spacious cabin, impressive connectivity and a clever downsized turbo petrol engine option. Prices are keen and the seven-year warranty speaks for itself, making a Kio Rio a good choice whether as a used car option or as a competitively priced new model.