CO2 emissions of 85g/km and 88.3mpg capability for Rio EcoDynamics model

ASTONISHING. There are no plug-in bits, range extenders, battery assistance. Just a diesel engine. And it produces only 85g/km CO2.

That’s the CO2 emissions of the new Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi ‘1’ EcoDynamics supermini, which also gives it the potential for an amazing 88.3mpg and a company car tax banding of 13% for the 2011/12 tax year; and the 2012/12 tax year; and the…

Well, you get the notion. For business drivers wanting a smart, good value supermini but with an eye on controlling company car tax, then the Kia Rio in this low emission diesel version looks like a smart place to start.

To give you some idea of the rivals at this low CO2 level, a Skoda Fabia 1.2 TDI CR Greenline II 75PS DPF gets close at 89g/km but it costs over £1500 more.

Kia’s EcoDynamics technology helps the Rio to achieve such a low CO2 emissions output. Technologies include Intelligent Stop & Go engine tech, low rolling resistance tyres, drag reducing front grille, and special gearing.

The Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics is available in the 1, 1 Air and 2 trims, while a more powerful 1.4 CRDi EcoDynamic model, with CO2 emissions of 105g/km CO2, is available in trims 2 and 3.

Kia Rio 1 trim Standard features include daytime running lights, body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors, speed-variable front wipers, headlamp levelling, front electric windows, 15 inch steel wheels, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, two-way steering column adjustment on the petrol model (height-adjustable only on the entry level diesel), a tachometer and trip computer, split folding rear seats, a boot light, a 12-volt power socket and an MP3-compatible RDS radio and CD player with USB and AUX ports. Bluetooth is also standard on the petrol entry model, and on all versions with other trim grades.

Kia Rio 1 Air trim Adds air conditioning without upgrading to level ‘2’.

Kia Rio 2 trim Includes 16 inch alloy wheels, front fog lights and a chrome radiator grille surround, premium black cloth upholstery, rear electric windows, a cooling glovebox, electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors with side repeaters, leather trim on the steering wheel and gearshift and a centre console armrest.

Kia Rio 3 trim Adds 17 inch alloys with low-profile tyres, ultraviolet-reducing solar privacy glass, LED daytime running and rear combination lamps, automatic air conditioning with auto de-fog, rain sensing wipers, cruise control, automatic projection-type headlights, heated front seats and six speakers instead of four.

All new Kia Rios are covered by a seven year or 100,000 mile warranty.

What is the benefit in kind company car tax on Kia Rio EcoDynamics?

Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics ‘1’, 85g/km CO2 £11,895, tax band 13%, benefit in kind value £1,539

Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics ‘1’ Air, 94g/km CO2 P11D £12,640, tax band 13%, benefit in kind value £1,643

Kia Rio 1.1 CRDi EcoDynamics ‘2’, 99g/km CO2 P11D £13,740, tax band 13%, benefit in kind value £1,786

Kia Rio 1.4 CRDi EcoDynamics ‘2’, 105g/km CO2 P11D £14,140, tax band 13%, benefit in kind value £1,838

Kia Rio 1.4 CRDi EcoDynamics 3, 105g/km CO2 P11D £14,840, tax band 13%, benefit in kind value £1,929

Read more on the Kia Rio Low lease rates and full pricing for Kia Rio range: New Kia Rio supermini to launch with £140 lease rate

Watch our road test video review of the new Kia Rio Here’s our video review of the Kia Rio 2