THE name is Rio and while she might not dance on the sand she does a pretty good job of dancing around the city streets.

Apologies, but for someone of a certain age there was little chance that I'd be able to drive a car called the Rio without getting in some lame Duran Duran reference. 

Setting the name to one side, this Kia supermini deserves to be taken very seriously as it is yet another offering that typifies the rise and rise of the South Korean car maker.

Just like its manufacturer the new Rio meets the established heavy-hitters head on with an increasingly assured package which, as always, has strong value for money at the heart of its appeal.

This mid-range ‘2' trim car comes in at just over £13,000 but while it may be cheap to buy it neither looks nor feels cheap.

The Kia design revolution goes on apace under the guidance of Peter Schreyer and the styling is typically more European, sporty and youthful than the car it replaces.

Longer, wider and lower than its predecessor, the steeply raked windscreen, coupe-like roofline and sharply rising, sculpted shoulders give it a sleek and athletic look which is accentuated at the front by the sharp new Kia grille and at the rear by the roof spoiler and high mounted brake light.

Inside Kia has made the most of a longer wheelbase and the Rio is a spacious and comfortable supermini.

Rear head and legroom is impressive and the fact that the transmission tunnel doesn't intrude means that three adults can sit in relative comfort.

Up front the space is equally impressive while there is enough adjustment in seat and steering wheel to ensure everyone can get comfortable to drive.

The switchgear is simple and tidy and there are plenty of storage options including a large glove box with cooling, bottle holders and knick-knack trays in the rear doors and a centre armrest with storage.

And if you're a gadget fiend like me you'll really appreciate the tray beneath the heating switches.

This little nook features an iPod/phone shaped recess that snugly fits your gadget and keeps it safe while connected or charging. And to that end there are USB and aux-in sockets as well as two 12 volt power points just above.

At 288 litres the boot matches most in this class and 60/40 split folding rear seats add extra versatility to the load space.

While the 1.4-litre petrol power pack here lacks the truly miserly economy of some of the diesels in the range - the 1.1-litre in particular offers the UK's lowest CO2 emissions of just 85g/km and remarkable average fuel consumtpion of 88 miles per gallon - it is quite smooth and refined.

You'll also still get more than 50mpg on average, which is not too bad for a family motor, and emissions of 128g/km mean road tax is currently just £100 per year.

Acceleration is not startling but there is good power available across the rev range and cruising at motorway speeds is surprisingly assured.

The compact and smooth six-speed gearbox offers extra versatility and if you're prepared to work it a little you should be able to find enough oomph for most eventualities around town.

While the drive could not be described as overly engaging it is largely settled with good grip and body control coupled with some nimble handling - although feedback through the steering can be a little vague.

Kit levels are, again typically of Kia, great for the price and this model comes with 16-inch alloy wheels, aircon, electric windows, fog lights and powered folding wing mirrors while six airbags, hill start assist, ABS brakes and stability control are all standard safety features.