The Kia Rio supermini has received a design, trim and specification upgrade.
Redesigned front and rear bumpers have given the Rio a sportier appearance; with changes to the upholstery of most models and to the centre fascia trim across the range.
New specification options such as touchscreen satellite navigation, electrically adjusted and heated door mirrors, a DAB digital radio, tyre pressure monitoring and a luggage net and undertray - depending on model - add to the the technology offer.
A new Urban Blue colour option, replacing Electric Blue, is available on second- and third-tier models, and there are distinctive new 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels for all but the two entry-level grades.
The new Rio is offered in three- and five-door body styles, five trim grades (1, 1 Air, 2, 3 and 4) and four engines.
Most manual versions have Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG), Kia's fuel-saving, emissions-reducing engine stop/start system, which contributes towards the 1.1-litre diesel model achieving an official fuel economy figure of up to 88.3mpg.
Besides the 1.1-litre CRDi engine, which delivers 74bhp and 170Nm of torque from a mere 1,500rpm, the Rio is available with 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre petrol engines and a 1.4-litre CRDi diesel.
An automatic transmission is offered with the 1.4-litre petrol engine.
The 7-inch touchscreen satellite navigation system has been added as standard to grades 3 and 4. It includes European mapping and a Traffic Messaging Channel (TMC), and also features an integrated reversing camera.
Grades 1 and 1 Air now have electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors, while in grades 2, 3 and 4 these also fold electrically and have LED indicators. Grades 3 and 4 also now have a luggage net and undertray, providing more secure storage for small items.
Tyre pressure monitoring becomes standard across the entire range to alert drivers to any potentially serious drop in pressure, and a temporary spare wheel and tyre replaces the previous tyre repair kit in all models except the entry-level 1.1-litre CRDi diesel.
In addition to the new features added in the 2015 facelift, standard features include daytime running lights, speed-variable front wipers, headlamp levelling, front electric windows, a height-adjustable driver's seat, two-way steering column adjustment on the petrol model (tilt only on the diesel), a tachometer and trip computer, split folding rear seats, a boot light, a 12-volt power socket, USB and AUX ports and body-coloured bumpers, door handles and door mirrors. Bluetooth is also standard on the entry-level petrol model, and on all versions with other trim grades. The company's seven year warranty is also offered.
Graham Butler - 23/01/2015 13:27
With the looks, quality, specifications and of course the 7year warranty this car choice is really a no-brainier in this sector.