Kia Rio EcoDynamics - 88 MPG Diesel Supermini

New Kia on the block

Fuel consumption of 88.3 MPG plus Co2 emissions of 85g/km it's got to be a hybrid? no, I hear you cry (or is there just an echo here!)........Kia's Rio EcoDynamics is just a pretty darn efficient Diesel Supermini., and those emissions stats make it the lowest carbon dioxide producer on the dirty side of a zero emissions electric car.

Here's the magic mix - a brand new three cylinder 1.1 litre twin cam, common rail diesel engine feature's a variable vane turbo and this, blended with longer gearing, low rolling resistance tyres, a roof spoiler, a closed-off front grille, stop-start system and the vitally important ingredient -a low weight of only 1155kg - allow it to return that magnificent 88.3mpg on the official combined cycle.

Of course there has to be sacrifices to produce those amazing figures and that means chucking the air conditioning in the skip – it is available for an extra £800 (and 36kg of lard!), but the economy suffers, with a drop to a still impressive 78.5mpg and 94g/km. A standard six-speed gearbox and oodles of torque (125lb ft to be precise)  peaking early at 1500rpm, also helps the little Kia further on a gallon.

Otherwise the ultimate EcoDynamics version is almost the same as the rest of the new Rio range,  meaning a car that’s among the biggest in its class, resulting in a spacious cabin, reasonable equipment levels including six airbags and ESP and a style that’s come a long way from Kia's early vehicles. You also get Kia’s desirable seven-year 100,000 mile warranty in with the £11,895 price tag.

So, wind the windows down, let the breeze flow through, who needs Air Conditioning anyway - it's just something else to go wrong!