KIA has its sights set on having the newest product line-up on offer in 2012 and the latest addition to Pacific Rim car maker's portfolio is the all new Rio.

Available with a quartet of engines, two petrol and a brace of oil burners, this fourth generation Rio comes generously kitted out with three timr levels badged 1, 2 and 3.

Even the entry level 1 includes the likes of  electric front windows, height adjustable driver's seat, two-way steering column adjustment, trip computer, MP3-compatible RDS sound system with CD player, USB and AUX ports plus daytime running lights and body coloured bumpers as standard.

Mounted on 16-inch alloys the Kia Rio 2 driven here adds air con, front fogs, chrome radiator surround, rear electric windows and electrically heated and folding door mirrors while black cloth upholstery also contributes to the comfortable feel of things cabinside.

The range topping Rio 3 runs on 17-inch alloys with low profile tyres and adds to the fixtures and fittings manifest the likes of automatic air con, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, automatic headlights, heated and comfortable front seats and a nice line in LED daytime running lamps, plus, there are six speakers to help get the best sound around from the system.

Driver safety aids include ABS braking with electronic brakeforce distribution, hill start assist, motor driven power steering, side and curtain airbags.

Longer, wider and set lower than the model it replaces the new Rio also gets a coupe-like roofline while a 70mm wider wheelbase contributes to a more dynamic and sporty look while offering occupants front and rear more room than the previous Rio.

However, perhaps the boot room could have been a little more generous, delivering only 288 litres of stowage space with all rear seats taken.

Exterior design is a complete departure from its predecessor featuring at the front a new interpretation of the Kia family so-called "tiger nose" grille that centres neatly between the front headlamps with the Kia badge sitting above.

Powered by the 1.25 petrol engine the Rio drives well when committed to the urban trawl and, despite being a little on the light side, some quite agreeably responsive  steering contributes well to direction changing and parking up.

The 1.25 Kappa 83bhp power source paired with a five-speed manual gearbox is the same engine which powers Kia's smallest car, the Picanto, and, to get the best from it the new Rio requires drivers to be very much on top of the revs.

Promising around the 55mpg mark the new Rio handles pretty well whatever the situation at tyre level delivering a reassuring feel while being  nicely composed at motorway speeds with perhaps just a little road noise intrusion interrupting interior comfort and joy.

Overall, this is yet another highly promising newcomer from the Korean car maker which comes with the further bonus of Kia's already legendary seven year/100,000 mile warranty which is fully transferable to subsequent owners.