AN upgraded fourth generation Kia Rio is set to launch in Australia in July, featuring refreshed exterior design, a bolder more attractive appearance, and new high-tech driver assistance and safety.
The mid-generation revision of the Rio features significant upgrades to reinvigorate the car’s position within the highly competitive small car segment, including an improved automatic gearbox.
For the Australian market, the Rio will retain the proven 1.4 MPI for the S and Sport models, with both now coupled to the choice of a 6-speed automatic or 6-speed manual transmission, producing 74kW and 133Nm.
The GT-Line is powered by a de-powered (down from 88kW to 74kW with an unchanged torque output of 172Nm) 1.0T-GDI turbo petrol engine, coupled to a 7-speed dual clutch transmission.
In a significant step forward in comfort and convenience, the Rio now features a larger 8-inch infotainment system with wireless Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connection, eliminating the need for cables.
For the Sport and GT-Line models there will be a new 4.2-inch colour supervision cluster displaying all the important driver information in one central location. The GT-Line models will also benefit from full climate control and an automatic window defogger.
Safety gets a boost too, including six airbags, ABS and stability contro, with autonomous emergency braking added to the Sport models (joining the GT-Line). Sport and GT-Line variants also gain forward collision warning and lane keep assist.
In addition, the two higher spec variants also gain driver attention alert and high beam assist. The updated Rio also has a refreshed front design exuding style and sportiness. Other tweaks simplify the car’s design, creating a tasteful and uncluttered appearance.
The car features a handful of design updates for 2020. The refreshed design retains the car’s iconic ‘tiger-nose’ grille, narrowed for a more focused appearance and matched by a lower, wider front bumper and distinctive new fog lamp housing.
These changes give the front of the car a smoother, yet more purposeful appearance, imbuing it with a more confident stance on the road.
Two new exterior colours have also been introduced for the GT-Line, Perennial Grey (also available on Sport trim) and Sporty Blue, bringing the total number of paint palette options to six for the S trim, seven for Sport and six for the GT-Line.
The fourth generation Kia Rio will enjoy a comprehensive 7-year warranty, 7-year capped price servicing and 7-year roadside assist. It sports a local ride and handling setup as well.
