2017 Kia Rio (4th Generation)

Kia plots sporty Rio-based SUV to take on VW T-Cross

Supermini-sized crossover planned to sit alongside existing Stonic as firm ramps up SUV range expansion

Kia is considering adding a second supermini-sized crossover, possibly badged Xrio, to respond to growing demand for high-riding cars, according to the firm’s product planning boss. The new model would be in addition to Kia’s existing B-segment SUV, the Stonic.

The expansion of high-riding bodystyles at the Korean maker has recently been bolstered by the Ceed hatch-based Xceed, a model that, Kia claims, could become the firm’s bestseller.

https://www.autocar.co.uk/car-news/new-cars/kia-plots-sporty-rio-based-suv-take-vw-t-cross
 
Refreshed Kia Rio revealed! Hatchback gains new engines, revamped cabin

Kia has unwrapped its facelifted Rio hatchback, handing the updated fourth-generation model new engine options and a revamped interior.

In Europe, the refreshed Rio will be offered with a new mild-hybrid petrol powertrain, pairing the Korean firm’s 1,0-litre T-GDi engine with a 48 V system. Two power outputs will be available: 74 kW and 88 kW (both versions featuring 200 N.m). In addition, Kia will offer its new “intelligent” manual transmission on the Rio in Europe, ditching a mechanical linkage for electronic clutch control.

The aforementioned turbocharged engines will also be available sans the 48 V system, while a “new version” of the naturally aspirated 1,2-litre petrol mill will also make its debut, offering the front wheels 62 kW.

Inside, the Euro-spec Rio gains an upgraded infotainment system equipped with a larger 8,0-inch touchscreen display as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality. Kia promises a series of “visual, material and technological” upgrades along with a higher-resolution 4,2-inch digital display sited ahead of the driver.


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Kia Rio

Kia Motors has announced a significant upgrade to the fourth-generation Kia Rio. The upgraded model features a range of enhancements to reinvigorate the car's position within the highly competitive B-segment.

The upgraded Rio pairs an updated exterior and interior design with 'big car' safety and infotainment technologies. The new model also offers drivers new efficient powertrains - including Kia's first petrol 48V mild-hybrid system, equipped with one of the first applications of the company's new 'clutch-by-wire' intelligent manual transmission.

Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, commented: "The Rio is an important car for Kia in Europe and worldwide, and is an entry point into the Kia brand for many drivers. The upgraded model builds on the car's key strengths - practicality, quality and technology - with newly electrified powertrains, a refreshed design, and advanced safety and telematics features often found in cars many segments above. We are convinced these upgrades will make the Rio more successful than ever."

European sales of the upgraded Kia Rio start during the third quarter of 2020. It is sold with Kia's industry-leading 7-Year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard.

New EcoDynamics+ petrol mild-hybrid with new intelligent Manual Transmission

The Rio is the first Kia powered by a petrol mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain. The new 'EcoDynamics+' powertrain pairs Kia's new 'Smartstream' 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine with Kia's 48V MHEV system, maximising fuel efficiency with electric torque assistance and regenerative braking.

 
Kia Rio X - The hatchback that wants to go off-road

Kia is expanding its gravel travel hatchback range, with a new Rio derivative.

Reacting to customer preference and stable demand for conventional hatchbacks with pseudo-SUV styling elements, this new release from Kia is called the Rio X.

It uses the same GB platform, like all other Rios, but there have been significant updates to the hatchback’s bumpers and lights in this new X-specification.

With reshaped front and rear contact points, the Rio X is 170 mm longer than a conventional Rio hatchback. The extra length is credited to its bumper design.

The car’s front styling also features a dramatic new headlight design, with a spur line that runs into the bumper.


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Kia Rio gets a refresh and range expansion: SA pricing and specs

Kia South Africa has announced a raft of improvements to its Rio, with the compact hatch getting a subtle facelift as well as an expanded range with additional standard features.

The new line-up starts at R280 995 for the 1.2 LS, which is a R5000 increase over the previous base price, but Kia has beefed up the standard spec sheet, while also adding a 1.4-litre version of the LS at a small premium over the 1.2. The new 1.4 LS derivative costs R291 995 in manual form and R308 995 as an auto. The 1.4 LX, which was previously the cheapest 1.4, now sells for R306 995 in manual for and R323 995 in auto guise, while the 1.4 EX (R319 995 - R336 995) and 1.4 TEC models (R344 995 - R361 995) form the upper end of the range.

But it’s the LS base models that are likely to have the most widespread appeal among buyers as Kia has taken away the ‘rental spec’ vibes by adding standard features such as 15-inch alloy wheels (replacing the previous model’s hubcap-shod steelies) and a 20.3cm touchscreen infotainment system in place of the previous model’s conventional radio.

KIA RIO PRICING

1.2 LS Manual - R280 995

1.4 LS Manual - R291 995

1.4 LS Auto - R308 995

1.4 LX Manual - R306 995

1.4 LX Auto - R323 995

1.4 EX Manual - R319 995

1.4 EX Auto - R336 995

1.4 TEC Manual - R344 995

1.4 TEC Auto - R361 995

 
Refreshed (and expanded) Kia Rio hatchback range hits South Africa

Kia Motors South Africa has launched its refreshed Rio hatchback range, while also expanding the line-up with two extra base-spec variants.

The Korean firm says exterior updates have been “kept to a minimum”, though the hatch does gain a narrower grille, a wider front bumper and fresh foglamp trim.

Inside, the main change is an upgrade of the touchscreen – which is now standard across the range and boasts Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability – from a seven-inch item to an eight-inch display. An additional 12V power socket is also part of the interior refresh.

As before, the Rio range comprises four specification levels. While the base Rio 1,2 LS remains, Kia has added a 1,4-litre LS option as well, offered in both manual and automatic form.

Pricing:

Kia Rio 1,2 LS: R280 995
Kia Rio 1,4 LS: R291 995
Kia Rio 1,4 LS AT: R308 995
Kia Rio 1,4 LX: R306 995
Kia Rio 1,4 LX AT: R323 995
Kia Rio 1,4 EX: R319 995
Kia Rio 1,4 EX AT: R336 995
Kia Rio 1,4 Tec: R344 995
Kia Rio 1,4 Tec AT: R361 995


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Kia Rio (2020) Launch Review

Summary

The addition of the 1.4 LS to the range has tangibly boosted the Rio's appeal. Offering all the standard features most buyers will need – aside from the items already mentioned, the LS grade also includes a central armrest, the usual electric windows and mirrors, steering-wheel-mounted controls and 60:40 split-folding rear seats – with sufficiently punchier performance compared with its 1.2 sibling – it’s the Rio to get.

Priced on the acceptable side of R300 000, the 1.4 LS offers particularly good value against such rivals as the costlier Ford Fiesta 1.0 EcoBoost Trend and Hyundai i20 1.4 Fluid. The main hindrance to bigger sales success, though, will likely remain the slightly cheaper Volkswagen Polo 1.0 TSI Trendline. For those buyers who don’t want to be part of the 35% buying the German option each month, the Korean contender is arguably a more compelling alternative than ever before...

 
DRIVEN: Kia Rio 1,4 LS AT

The naturally aspirated engine does an admirable job when the driver is setting a leisurely pace. However, when brisk acceleration is required, the atmospheric mill makes every effort to maintain momentum as the six-speed self-shifter struggles to keep the revs in the desired range. Overtaking, then, should be performed with due consideration. A fair amount of engine buzz permeates the cabin as the rev needle climbs to the upper reaches of the easy legible tachometer.

As we’ve previously stated, it’s a shame the Rio isn’t offered with the firm’s superb 1,0-litre turbo-triple since the 1,4-litre naturally aspirated powerplant doing service in the Rio locally (in Europe, a new 48 V mild-hybrid 1,0-litre engine is on offer) doesn’t quite match the refinement of the turbocharged units powering its peers. That said, the addition of (especially) an automatic LS derivative, plus exterior updates and revamped interior, should only increase the Rio’s popularity.

FAST FACTS

Model: Kia Rio 1,4 LS AT
Price: R308 995
Engine: 1,4-litre, 4-cyl, petrol
Power: 73 kW @ 6 300 r/min
Torque: 135 N.m @ 4 200 r/min
0-100 km/h: 12,9 seconds
Top Speed: 175 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 6,20 L/100 km
CO2: 148 g/km
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Service Plan: Four-year/60 000 km (two-year/60 000 km for the 1,2 LS)

 
Hi has anyone tried that cruise control switch install on the Kia Rio? I want one of the cheaper models and buy that switch so I get cruise control for cheap. Also can one just install the OEM touch screen from the higher and more expensive models into the cheaper ones? Cars are expensive so I'm trying to get some top end specs with low spec cash.

The following links should help and make it clear as to what I mean:


 
Hi has anyone tried that cruise control switch install on the Kia Rio? I want one of the cheaper models and buy that switch so I get cruise control for cheap. Also can one just install the OEM touch screen from the higher and more expensive models into the cheaper ones? Cars are expensive so I'm trying to get some top end specs with low spec cash.

The following links should help and make it clear as to what I mean:


Are you buying the Rio new or used ?
 
Hi has anyone tried that cruise control switch install on the Kia Rio? I want one of the cheaper models and buy that switch so I get cruise control for cheap. Also can one just install the OEM touch screen from the higher and more expensive models into the cheaper ones? Cars are expensive so I'm trying to get some top end specs with low spec cash.

The following links should help and make it clear as to what I mean:

You are unlikely to win out trying to be cheaper and then spending money on mods. What you win in the shorter term you’ll lose in the longer term when reselling.

Rather buy a second hand version of the higher spec you want.

The touch screen won’t retrofit as it sits on top of the dashboard in the higher spec models and therefore requires that dashboard cluster.

Also, if you are buying a manual don’t even worry about cruise control. It’s a useless feature if you don’t have an automatic.
 
TESTED: Kia Rio 1.4 LS is a comforting package that ticks most boxes

VERDICT

For those shopping with a rational mind, the Kia Rio really ticks all the boxes. It’s a relatively generously equipped package (for a base model, at least) that has just enough power, and the vehicle is easy and comfortable to drive.

However, there isn’t really a price advantage over its B-segment hatch rivals, and this is a very competitive space with no shortage of charismatic offerings for those that want something a little different. It’s here that the Rio might struggle to make a case for itself among some potential buyers.


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Kia Rio 1.0 T-GDi 48V 2021 UK review

Should I buy one?

Kia continues to do an admirable job of developing ICE engineering and technology to preserve the existence of affordable small cars, which we can only applaud.

And that makes it seem all the more appropriate for us to recommend the Rio with its 48V engine, but in 3 trim with the IMT. With £21,000 in your pocket, head to Ford.


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