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JOHANNESBURG – Kia’s spruced Rio, debuted at the 2014 Paris auto show, has arrived locally in both hatchback and sedan guise.
The 2015 Rio benefits from a cosmetic makeover and is available in two body styles, two engines and three transmissions.
NEW 'TIGER-NOSE'
Under the direction of chief designer Peter Schreyer, the Rio gains an updated 'tiger-nose grille', new bumpers, redesigned head and taillights and tweaked fog lights. The hatchback sports lower air intakes and front fog lights, while the sedan has an integrated design for the front.
Exterior dimensions and body styles remain unaltered though buyers have three new alloy rim choices, most notably on the range-topping 1.4 TEC.
IMAGE GALLERY: 2015 Kia Rio
The cabin gains chromed accents on the air-vents and a redesigned centre-console with black trim. Specifications remain unchanged.
Both the Rio hatch and sedan are still be available with a choice of two petrol engines (1.2 and 1,4 litres), mated to either a five or six-speed manual or four-speed auto.
The entry level 1.2-litre Kappa engine is capable of 65kW/120Nm mated to a five-speed manual. The 1.4-litre Gamma is capable of 79kW/135Nm and can be mated to a six-speed manual or optional four-speed auto.
Prices
Rio 1.2 Manual - R176 995
Rio 1.4 Manual - R199 995
Rio 1.4 Auto - R211 995
Rio 1.4 TEC Manual - R212 995
Rio 1.4 TEC Auto - R224 995
An optional sunroof is available on the Rio 1.4 TEC for an additional R7000.
The new Kia Rio is sold with a five-year or 150 000km warranty and four-year or 60 000km service plan.
