Today’s Kia Rio is a marked improvement on what has gone before it. It’s still budget motoring, but with more polish and precision. Fortunately, despite increased refinement, a bigger engine and a roomier cabin, the price has been held to a commendable $18,990. Importantly too, safety levels have improved for both the passengers and pedestrians as the Rio is one of the first Korean cars fitted with a pedestrian-friendly front-end. That means the bumper and bonnet are designed to inflict fewer injuries if a hapless pedestrian happens to connect with the front of the car. It seems Kia has managed to repackage low-cost motoring and throw in some style and, finally, some substance.