Even on the Most Inexpensive 2018 Kia Rio, There Are at Least Three Entirely Unexpected Features

It's always been relatively easy to make the economic argument on behalf of B-segment subcompact cars. Whether it's fuel efficiency, low price points, or the minor depreciation hits that come with low price points, small cars are undeniably affordable.

That economic argument has often been even easier to make for the Kia Rio, which helped kickstart Kia Motors in Canada nearly two decades ago. The 2018 Kia Rio now represents a re-engineered fourth-gen iteration with major refinement, styling, and technological upgrades.

But why should the small car argument always have to be made purely on financial terms?

Yes, the 2018 Kia Rio is an inexpensive car, with a base price of $16,355 including delivery/destination charge. Indeed, with interest-free financing available for terms of up to five years, $500 rebates for first time vehicle buyers, and $500 rebates for recent post-secondary grads, Kia Canada makes the Rio distinctly attainable.

But the Rio is a lot more than a bargain. Just take a look at this group of features - considered premium content up until the very recent past - that are standard fit on every 2018 Kia Rio, even that entry-level model.

HEATED STEERING WHEEL

It's frigid outside. All you did was reach across to the drive-thru window to grab the proffered blueberry muffin, but now your fingers are frozen. On go the gloves? Don't be silly. The Kia Rio's heated steering wheel envelopes your hands in warmth, yea, lasting heat.

10 minutes later, you get to work. Your colleagues look outside at your handsome hatchback (or swanky sedan) and notice that you're not letting go of the steering wheel. You don't look frustrated. In fact, you look... relaxed. They haven't seen you this happy since you left the staff Christmas party.

Eventually, you will have to let go of the steering wheel, exit the car, and enter the office. You do know that, right?

HEATED FRONT SEATS

There's no denying the chill of a Prince Edward Island winter. Even in the midst of a decidedly dry Island 2017/2018 winter, there've been plenty of days where a pair or two of long johns would have been useful.

Or you could tap once for warm, twice for hot, and thrice for muy caliente while sitting in a 2018 Kia Rio.

LEATHER-WRAPPED STEERING WHEEL

All over new vehicles, automakers are beginning to recognizing the importance of premium materials. You'll notice this atop the dash in an Audi A4, along the console in a Mercedes-Benz GLC, and across the headliner in an Infiniti QX80.

Yet all too often, automakers forget the most important parts of the interior: the touch points. In the 2018 Kia Rio, even the most affordable Rio LX, the steering wheel is leather-wrapped. So is the shift knob. Nothing meets your fingers as often as the steering wheel and shifter, and you want them to feel worthy of your expenditure.

They do.

Three key premium features in the 2018 Kia Rio start to tell the story. But these three bits of kit are only the beginning. The 2018 Rio LX also includes a backup camera. And automatic headlights. And power heated mirrors. And Bluetooth. And the list goes on.

Kia Canada recognizes the wants and needs of Canadian car buyers. Keep in mind, those heated seats and that heated steering wheel aren't even available on the U.S.-market Rio.