The KIA Rio receives upgrades
KIA motors have revealed the upgraded Rio which has changes on the exterior, interior as well as power trains. The South African market will only know which features we are receiving on upgrade when the vehicle makes its way to our shores in the fourth quarter of the year.
The updated KIA Rio 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. All models now feature new full LED headlamps with integral running lights.
Two new exterior colors are also introduced with the upgraded model;
- Perennial Grey
- Sporty Blue. (a personal favorite)
This now brings the total number of paint palette options to nine, depending on specification and market. The upgraded model is also offered with a new eight-spoke 16-inch alloy wheel design.
The interior of the upgraded KIA Rio now features a series of visual, material, and technological upgrades to create a more upscale atmosphere and enhance quality with the main update being a new larger 8.0-inch widescreen and a higher-resolution 4.2-inch digital display in the driver’s instrument cluster.
The new system also features Bluetooth multi-connection, enabling users to connect up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and multimedia use; the other for media use only. Its advanced split-screen functionality lets users control or monitor different vehicle features at the same time, customizing the screen with a series of different widgets. The system offers wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on models equipped with the new 8.0-inch Display Audio system, negating the need for many owners to connect their smartphone via a cable.
The Rio is among the first KIA’s to offer new ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect telematics features. The Rio gives drivers access to a range of ‘Phase II’ On-Board Services, in addition, to live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest (POIs), fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking – including price, location, and availability. The system also features Online Voice Recognition, supported by server technologies, which lets users give voice commands, hands-free, to search for nearby POIs, addresses, weather updates, or send text messages.
The UVO App, compatible with Android and Apple smartphones, offers a range of new ‘Phase II’ features, enabling owners to activate a range of functions remotely. Depending on the country, users can send route directions to their car before a journey, check the location of their vehicle, and access vehicle reports and diagnostic notifications.
I have to mention that KIA has gone all the way to make sure that this car is very technological and modern.
Interior customization option in the form of a new blue color pack, depending on vehicle specification and market. This adds a dash of color and flair to the cabin, with colored seat bolsters, dashboard and door armrests, matched with contrast stitching. The GT-Line models are offered with a black single-tone interior with white contrast piping and stitching on the seats, and a carbon fiber-effect dashboard for added visual impact. Both standard and GT Line models are now equipped with driver and optional front passenger seat height adjustability, helping front-seat occupants find their ideal position.
The Rio is the first KIA powered by a petrol mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain. The new ‘EcoDynamics+’ powertrain combines KIA’s new ‘Smartstream’ 1.0-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine with KIA’s 48V MHEV system, maximizing fuel efficiency with electric torque assistance and regenerative braking.
The new Smartstream engine replaces the Rio’s earlier ‘Kappa’-generation 1.0-litre T-GDi, and is equipped with KIA’s advanced Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology, among a range of other innovations. CVVD enables the engine to switch seamlessly between different combustion cycles depending on load, maximizing efficiency in all driving situations. The Smartstream engine produces the same power as the previous Kappa engine line – 74 kW or 88 kW – but enables 16% higher peak torque output for 88 kW variants (200 Nm).
Major revisions to the existing range of petrol engine options have also been made, maximizing efficiency, lowering CO2 emissions, and improving driveability. As well as EcoDynamics+ models, the Rio line-up is now offered in Europe with a choice of Smartstream petrol engines – the new 74 kW 1.0-litre T-GDi engine, and a new version of KIA’s naturally aspirated 1.2-liter engine, with innovative Dual Port Injection technology and a power output of 62 kW. Both 48V powertrains will be equipped with a Drive Mode Select system, giving drivers the choice to customize their drive with ‘Eco’, ‘Sport’ and ‘Normal’ modes.
The 74 kW 1.0-litre T-GDi engine is now offered with a six-speed manual transmission (replacing the earlier five-speed manual) and KIA’s seven-speed double-clutch transmission (7DCT).
The upgraded Rio features several of KIA’s latest Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian, vehicle and newly introduced cyclist recognition, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Blind Spot Collision Warning (BCW). Furthermore, the Rio now offers several new active safety systems to enhance occupant safety.
Vehicle Departure Alert is also available, and depending on specification, as a first-in-class innovation. If the driver stops the Rio in heavy traffic or at a red light, it alerts them if the car in front moves away and the Rio driver doesn’t notice. This helps avoid situations where other road users feel the need to ‘remind’ the vehicle in front of them to start moving.
The upgraded model is fitted with six airbags throughout the cabin, as well as ISOFIX child-seat tether and anchor points.
*The upgraded KIA Rio is expected to make its South African debut in Q4 2020.
