Automotive journalists are allowed, even asked, to drive some stellar rides. In just the past year, I’ve had the opportunity to drive cars ranging from Chevys to Mercedes, Hyundais to Land Rovers. I’ve tested and used the navigation systems, sat on the finest leather, felt the rush of insane horsepower, and generally experienced a taste of what life is like many leagues beyond my means. And, yet, after two days and 1,400 miles in the 2006 Kia Rio5, I had only this response when my boss asked what I thought of the car: “What more do you need?”

Bear in mind that this particular Kia lacked power windows and power door locks, and offered a radio that was reluctant to pull any solid signal. Yes, it had a CD player, but not being a big fan of travel details, I’d neglected to bring along any discs. Even so, I found myself without any real complaints. The Rio5 had offered me plenty of room for my large suitcase; hung with the best of ‘em at excessive speeds under the hot California sun; returned between 29 and 34 mpg, with the lowest rating a result of significant bending of the speed limit; offered a five-speed manual transmission that added some fun to the task of rowing gears; and what surprised me most of all – it was comfortable during the entire trip. The seats that I’d initially thought might be too soft for long distance support proved to be the perfect fit, at least for me.

At only $14,500, the Rio5 had provided a comfortable, quick, efficient, and somewhat entertaining ride home. Admittedly, walking around the car each night to make sure all of the doors were locked and reaching over to the passenger’s door to roll down the window got old pretty quick, but an available Power Package addresses both of those concerns for $600. No, the Rio5 doesn’t offer the exhilarating acceleration of a 400-horsepower Corvette or the luxury of a $115,000 Jaguar, but it does offer decent cargo room, good fuel economy, and a warranty that’s got you covered for more of those transcontinental trips than you’ll ever make.

Really, what more do you need?

Photos courtesy of Thom Blackett