We drove a diverse group of small vehicles this year. Most were well equipped with safety features and had excellent driver ergonomics The contenders included: the Fiat 500, Hyundai i30 CRDi, Kia Picanto 1.1 Sport, Kia Rio 1.6 sedan, Mazda2 Sport auto, MINI Clubman auto, Peugeot 207CC, Skoda Fabia 1.4 TDi, Suzuki SX4 1.6 hatch, Suzuki SX4 2.0 sedan, Toyota Corolla 1.5 station wagon and the Volkswagen Polo Bluemotion. But it was the 1.5 litre Rio diesel with its excellent build quality, generous specification, and value for money pricing that stood out from the pack. As John Oxley commented in his article “Rio de Generoso” in the October 2008 edition of New Zealand Company Vehicle the quality gap between “premium” and “ordinary” brands continues to shrink, and high quality dashboard materials, tight panel gaps and flash-free plastics are to be found way down the automotive food chain. The latest Rio looks comfortable on its 195/55 tyres (on alloy wheels) without the slightly squashed, narrow and upright stance that can spoil the proportions of cars in this class. A new generation 1.5-litre diesel power plant drives the front wheels through a five-speed manual box. With its generous dimensions, the Rio almost crosses into the C-segment, but its pricing marks it very much as a B-segment car. It offers 270 litres of luggage space with the back seats in use, expanding to a maximum (loaded to the roof) 1,145 litres with the seat folded. A 60/40 split adds versatility, and there is little suspension intrusion into a wide luggage area. The rear seat has two vertical positions (five degrees apart), for added passenger comfort, when less luggage space is required. It is especially spacious in the back, with excellent elbow, leg and headroom. Large rear doors and a massive hatch makes it easy to get people and luggage in and out of the Rio. The front is also roomy, but the seats are too hard and flat to be considered especially comfy. At least there is plenty of adjustment to help those of all shapes to find a good driving position, but probably the most impressive thing about the driving environment is the standard of fit and finish and the number of features that improve the overall appeal. Less commonly seen storage solutions at this price level include an overhead console that incorporates a flip-down sunglasses case, an ATM-style credit card slot in the facia, and illuminated vanity mirrors in both sun visors. There are dual cup holders in the centre console, a receptacle shaped to fit acting as a removable ashtray. And there’s a whole raft of luxury features, including climate air conditioning, electric windows and mirrors, central locking, a leather-rimmed steering wheel, trip computer, and satellite control on the steering wheel for the CD/radio. The Rio achieved a four-star crash rating in the Euro NCAP, and is fitted with six air bags, ESP and ABS with EBD. The are disc brakes all round with excellent feel and reassuring bite. The Rio’s road manners are up to the standard of the rest of the package. The throttle can be a little difficult to modulate in stop/start traffic (response is a little snappy) but otherwise clutch, gears and accelerator compliment one another. The engine is a lusty 81 kW and a massive 235 Nm and there’s lots of punch from low-down and right up the rev range. Most of the Korean brands are in that development phase where the improvements from one generation of car to the next still often represent a quantum leap. The latest Rio is very much in that category, and now it will give any European/Japanese super mini a run for its money hence it honourably claimed our small business car of the year award.