Kia has revealed a facelifted version of its Rio supermini, which gets a fresher look and a new mild-hybrid petrol powertrain.
The latest fourth-generation Rio was introduced in 2017 with smarter styling and an improved interior, and this 2020 update takes things a step further with its new engine and safety tech.
Despite Kia having a huge electrified portfolio, the Rio is its first model to feature a petrol mild-hybrid powertrain. It’s a turbocharged 1.0-litre engine, which is available with either 99bhp or 118bhp and comes mated to a new ‘clutch-by-wire’ manual gearbox – one of the first to feature in a road car.
The 48V mild-hybrid system enhances responsiveness, while also improving efficiency as the engine can be switched off when decelerating. A regular 99bhp turbocharged 1.0-litre petrol unit and a naturally aspirated 83bhp 1.2-litre will also be available.
Kia has enhanced the Rio’s technology by fitting it with a new eight-inch touchscreen, which comes with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring, as well as improved connectivity features. The latter allows for live traffic updates, up-to-date weather forecasts and online voice recognition. The cabin also features higher-quality materials than before, while buyers wanting to personalise their car can do so with a new blue colour pack.
The Rio’s styling is remaining very similar, though all versions now come with LED headlights as standard. Elsewhere, it gets a narrower ‘tiger-nose’ grille and a revised front bumper. Perennial Grey and Sporty Blue are two new colour options, while a fresh set of 16-inch alloy wheels can be chosen.
Additional safety tech is now available, including adaptive cruise control, rear cross traffic alert and blind spot monitoring.
Full pricing will be announced closer to when the Rio arrives in the UK in late summer. Expect a slight rise over the current Rio’s £13,000 base price, to account for the additional kit.
