From the logbook: Kia Rio5 SX

Not surprisingly, with the increased price of gas, the popularity of small, fuel-efficient cars has gone up. We’re putting together a group of frugal, four-cylinder fuel sippers for an upcoming issue of Consumer Reports, including the Toyota Yaris, Honda Fit and Nissan Versa, among others. We currently have a “First Look” of the Honda Fit, and you’ll see more about the rest of this group soon.

For now, here’s a snapshot of our initial impressions of another model that will compete in this petrol-miser competition: the manual transmission Kia Rio5 SX.

“Not a bad ride and relatively quiet, too.”

“Lousy steering feel and fairly soggy handling.”

“The car has odd gearing: At 80 mph, the engine is turning 4,000 rpm, making a highway cruise frenetic and wasting fuel.”

“Interior is spacious enough for four, and fit and finish seems above average except for the shifter boot that (strangely) unzips itself.”

“Rope-a-dope shifter and low clutch feel takes the fun out of using a manual [transmission].”

“[My] kids got a kick out of the wind-up windows and were playing with them as I would have done with the first power windows car I rode in…how times have changed.”

“Controls are nice, big and well-situated for easy use.”

“I like the seat cushion tilt knobs, but the hard, flat seat gets old after about 45 minutes.”

“Nice looking interior, but I’d give up the metal pedal covers and fog lights for power mirrors and central locking--having to manually lock the hatch is dumb.”

“Engine lacks low- and mid-range torque, particularly when passengers are on board. Still, it’s a nice little commuter with a much better driving position than the Toyota Yaris.”

There’s more to come from our test track for those interested in maximizing fuel economy.

--Mike Quincy