A new range of refreshed KIA Rio has recently been launched, Kia South Africa expands the line-up with two extra base-spec variants and an increased standard specification across the range. The new Rio comes with a refreshed design aesthetic and better infotainment and connectivity features …
Exterior
The new KIA Rio receives a minimum exterior update, this time looking bolder and more attractive with the refreshed front-end, a wider front bumper, a narrower tiger-nose grille, and a foglamp trim giving the car a sportier look.
Interior
The biggest update in the interior of the new refreshed Rio is its infotainment system, from a &-inch to a new 8-inch color touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, an additional 12V charging power socket is also added
All new models come with steering wheel-mounted audio controls
Powertrains
The new Rio Retains the familiar 1.25 L engine from the previous model launched in 2017, still available with choice between a 1.25 L and 1.4 L MPI (Multi Point Injection) petrol engines.
The 1.25 L engine produces 61 kW at 6000 rpm and 120 Nm of torque at 4000 rpm while 1.4L engine is more powerful with 73 kW at 6300 rpm and 135 Nm of torque at 4200 rpm. Both variants come front-wheel drive with either a 5-speed manual transmission for the (Rio 1.2) or a 6-speed automatic transmission for the (Rio 1.4)
Range and Specs
The new refreshed Rio range comes with a four specifications grade that includes, the entry-level Rio LS
The Rio LS comes with standard specifications such as:
- Manual air-conditioning system
- Electric windows and side mirrors,
- Central locking with an alarm and immobiliser
- Six speakers (up from four speakers)
- Steering wheel-mounted remote audio controls, rake and reach adjustable steering, and manual headlight adjustment.
As well as 15-inch alloy wheels upgrade from the previous model’s steel wheels.
The Rio LX carries the same specifications from the Rio LS but only available with the 1.4 Litre engine. And gains more upgrade such as:
- Front fog lights
- Centre console armrest.
- Leather wrapped steering wheel and gear-shift lever.
- New 4.2-inch lcd supervision instrument cluster.
- Auto folding side-mirrors with integrated indicators.
The Rio EX comes only available with the 1.4-liter engine – with extensive standard features from LX model through the addition of projection headlamps, LED Daytime Running Lights, and a rear park assistance system with integrated rear-view camera (with dynamic guidelines), wheels upgrade to from 15-inch to 17-inch alloy wheel.
The Rio TEC remains the top model in the Rio range. only available with the 1.4-liter engine and with more premium features than the EX-model such as automatic air-conditioning, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, LED rear combination lamps, Cruise Control, an electro-chromatic rear-view mirror, alloy pedals, and leather upholstery.
With an optional factory-fitted sunroof as an option for a price of (R8,000).
Safety
- Driver’s and passenger’s airbags (including side and curtain airbags in the TEC model)
- Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters
- Side door impact beams front and rear
- Child locks and ISOFIX child seat anchors (standard across the range)
- Impact sensing door unlocking
- Anti-lock Braking System (ABS).
Importantly, ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and HAC (Hill-start Assist Control) is now available from the LX grade onwards.
Pricing
The new KIA Rio range is priced as follows
KIA Rio 1.2 LS Manual R280,995
KIA Rio 1.4 LS Manual R291,995
KIA Rio 1.4 LS Automatic R308,995
KIA Rio 1.4 LX Manual R306,995
KIA Rio 1.4 LX Automatic R323,995
KIA Rio 1.4 EX Manual R319,995
KIA Rio 1.4 EX Automatic R336,995
KIA Rio 1.4 TEC Manual R344,995
KIA Rio 1.4 TEC Automatic R361,995
The KIA Rio TEC may also be ordered with a factory-fitted sunroof as an option (R8,000).
These prices include a 5 year/Unlimited Kilometre warranty – inclusive of five years’ roadside assistance (also unlimited kilometers). The Rio 1.2 LS includes a 2-year/60,000km Service Plan, while all the 1.4-liter models come with a 4-year/60,000km Service Plan.
All available on sale through all KIA Motors dealerships in South Africa from 1 December 2020.
