But any sporting pretense is OK, as most people don't buy a Rio for its handling prowess or get up and go for that matter. It's a dollars and sense decision, with the added bonus of a few perks unexpected in this class.

Probably its most appreciated asset is something you won't immediately see and hopefully rarely need, its comprehensive 5-year 100,000 km warranty. In case you're new to car lingo, comprehensive basically means what it sounds like it means. Kia covers everything from the drivetrain to door handles for a full five years or 100,000 km, whichever occurs first.

That should eliminate the fear factor of buying a Kia, an automaker some people still consider an unknown entity despite its many years in Canada, massive nationwide dealer network and strong ties to Hyundai.

So if you're in the market for a small but roomy subcompact and don't have a lot of money to spend, the Rio RX-V just might fill the ticket. It's not the quickest or most luxuriously appointed car on the planet, but goes above and beyond its meager price point, fulfilling on all promises. And after all, good, reliable friends are hard to come by.