What also made the Rio a riot was its fuel economy. With estimated fuel consumption of 9.3 L/100 km in the city and 6.9

The Rio has 261 litres (9.2 cu ft) of trunk volume, ideal for all types of sports gear, backpacks, strollers, groceries and then some. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

L/100 km on the highway, I found that even with soaring gas prices, I didn't pay a fortune to fill it up. Speaking of filling up, the Rio has 261 litres (9.2 cu ft) of trunk volume, ideal for all types of sports gear, backpacks, strollers, groceries and then some. The extra trunk space is particularly practical when three kids are strapped into the tight-fit rear seats; hence the term 'compact car!' Despite the Rio being a compact, the layout of the interior is anything but. The front seats are comfortably upholstered and there is generous head room, with 1,000 mm (39.4 in.) in the front and 955 mm (37.6 in.) in the rear.

Inside, the cabin has a tightly-organized setup. All buttons are easily readable and unlike its Toyota Echo competitor,

Inside, the cabin has a tightly-organized setup and all the buttons are easily readable. (Photo: Alexandra Straub, Canadian Auto Press)

the instrument cluster is not centre-mounted but in front of the driver. The standard AM/FM/CD player was also something to boast about. Not only were the speakers of good quality, it had some pretty good bass to match. It's probably one of the best standard systems I've encountered in an economy car. Returning to the Rio's pep and spunk, these characteristics, I found, were most noticeable in its handling. With a front independent and rear semi-independent suspension, plus power rack-and-pinion steering, handling was fun. Come again? Fun? Let me just say that the Rio took quite well to tight turns and sharp corners.