The KIA Rio gets a refreshed design
The KIA Rio first came into the market in 2005, it was manufactured to replace the once-popular KIA Pride. Since then, the KIA Rio has spanned for over six generations and become quite a recognizable model for KIA. As we approach the end of 2020, KIA has introduced a new refreshed and revised KIA Rio range. The South Korean brand has made some enhancements to its exterior design as well as an increase in standard specification across the range. It was originally launched locally in 2017, the updates to the Rio range repositions KIA�s evergreen hatchback in the highly competitive B-segment of the local market.
The new KIA Rio does get a much cleaner exterior styling. The updates to the exterior are quite minimum, with most of the design enhancements concentrated at the front of the car. Rio keeps its iconic �tiger-nose� grille while the grille redesign is matched by a lower, wider front bumper and distinctive new fog lamp housing. Some intelligent design extends further beyond the aesthetics, which includes the inherent safety design of its body shell, which comprises 51% Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) to give Rio the structural integrity required to keep occupants safe in case of an accident. The new refreshed design does get two new colour choices such as Perennial Grey metallic and Sporty Blue metallic.
The KIA Rio comes available with a choice between 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre MPI (multi-point injection) petrol engines. The 1.25-litre engine produces peak power of 61kW and 120 Nm of torque, it comes paired with a five-speed manual transmission. The bigger 1.4-litre engine will produce 73kW of power and 135 Nm of torque, it comes paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
The interior does get some enhancements but very minimum. The KIA Rio�s keeps its user-friendly interior with the main updates being the upgrade of the colour touchscreen interface from 7-inches to 8-inches, which will come standard across the Rio range. Front passengers further benefit from the standard USB and auxiliary-in ports, as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capabilities. There will be an additional 12V power socket available to charge other devices. All models will come with steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony.
The refreshed KIA Rio range keeps its four specification grades. Along with driver�s and passenger�s airbags (including side and curtain airbags in the TEC model), the Rio will come with front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters, side door impact beams front and rear, child locks, and impact sensing door unlocking. ISOFIX child seat anchors are standard across the range, as is Anti-lock Braking System (ABS). Importantly, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) is now available from the LX grade onwards.
All KIA models will come standard with KIA�s Unlimited Kilometre/ 5-year warranty. The Rio 1.2 LS includes a 2-year/60,000km Service Plan, while the 1.4-litre models includes a 4-year/60,000km Service Plan. The refreshed KIA Rio models are currently available in all KIA Motors dealerships across South Africa.
Pricing
KIA Rio 1.2 LS Manual R280 995
KIA Rio 1.4 LS Manual R291 995
KIA Rio 1.4 LS Auto R308 995
KIA Rio 1.4 LX Manual R306 995
KIA Rio 1.4 LX Auto R323 995
KIA Rio 1.4 EX Manual R319 995
KIA Rio 1.4 EX Auto R336 995
KIA Rio 1.4 TEC Manual R344 995
KIA Rio 1.4 TEC Auto R361 995
