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• New Kia Rio launched locally
• All-new exterior, modern cabin
• 325-litres luggage capacity
Johannesburg - Kia’s all-new Rio has arrived in South Africa. The latest hatchback, now in its fourth generation, sports a new exterior, redesigned interior and a host of new technologies.
The new Rio is also offered in four specifications (LS, LX, EX and TEC), one more derivative than the outgoing range. The new hatchback is powered by revised versions of Kia’s 1.2 and 1.4-litre petrol engines.
Overall, the new car is 15mm longer than its predecessor (4m in length) and 5mm lower (now 1.4m tall), with a 10mm longer wheelbase (up to 2.5m).
Kia says its prices are ‘virtually unchanged’ from the outgoing version, from R219 995 for the LX and R274 995 for the TEC variant. All versions are sold with an optional auto for an additional R13 000.
Power
The 1.2-litre produces 62kW/120Nm while the 1.4-litre is capable of 74kW/135Nm. Both engines apply power to the front wheels via a five-speed manual (Rio 1.2) or a six-speed manual transmission (Rio 1.4-litre). A four-speed automatic transmission is available for 1.4-litre versions.
New design
At the front, the Rio wears the latest evolution of the automaker’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille, now thinner in height and wider across the front of the car, with a gloss black grille mesh and surround. The grille is integrated with the new headlights, is sculpted for a sharper look, and features a new U-shaped LED daytime running light signature (model dependent).
The Rio’s side vents – which house the car’s fog lights – are moved outwards and upwards in the front bumper. Its longer bonnet features bracket-shaped creases that run down from the base of the A-pillars to the grille and headlights.
High specification variants are available with LED tail lights with a new arrow-shaped light signature.
The new Rio is available in a choice of 8 colours, with two different aluminium alloy wheel designs in 15- and 17” diameters. Entry-level versions are fitted with 15” steel wheels and wheel covers.
New interior
The cabin receives re-profiled door trims, the adoption of new headlining materials, and changes to the shape of the dashboard, as well as more significant changes to the bodyshell.
Furthermore, thinner C-pillars – reduced in width by 87mm – and relocated door mirrors (moved up to the base of the A-pillar) help minimise blind spots and improve visibility. Luggage capacity is increased by 37 litres to 325 litres.
The range
The entry-level Rio LS, only available with a 1.2-litre engine, features aircon, power windows, power side-mirrors, central locking (with an alarm and immobiliser), a radio system with RDS as well as MP3, Aux and USB connectivity, four speakers, steering wheel-mounted remote audio controls, rake and reach adjustable steering, manual headlight adjustment, and a rear USB port.
The Rio LX, only available with a 1.4-litre engine, adds UV protection windscreen glass, fog lights, LEDs, 15” alloys, a centre console armrest, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and gear-shift lever and Kia’s ‘Supervision’ instrument cluster. The audio system gains two more speakers. In addition, the LX has auto-folding side-mirrors with integrated indicators and auto headlights.
The EX (1.4-litre only) gains projection headlights and rear LEDs, 7” touchscreen that incorporates rear park assist and rear-view camera. The infotainment system also features Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for smartphone integration.
The Rio’s *Android Auto system is designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or higher while Apple CarPlay is designed for iPhone 5 or newer devices.
The top-of-the-range TEC (1.4 only) adds machine-finished 17” alloys, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, cruise control, electro chromatic rear-view mirror, alloy pedals and leather upholstery.
Safety
Along with driver’s and passenger’s airbags (including side and curtain airbags in the TEC model), the new Rio has 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 as is ABS.
2017 Kia Rio prices:
Rio 1.2 LS Manual - R219 995
Rio 1.4 LX Manual - R234 995
Rio 1.4 EX Manual - R249 995
Rio 1.4 TEC Manual - R274 995
All models are available with an optional automatic transmission for an additional R13 000. A sunroof is available as an option on the Rio TEC for an additional R8500.
The Rio is sold with a 5-year or unlimited kilometres warranty, inclusive of 5-years or Unlimited Kilometres Roadside Assistance, as standard, as well as a 4-year or 60 000km Service Plan.
*Android Auto is not currently available in South Africa, but the all-new Rio nevertheless comes prepared for when the App becomes available.
