It’s a favourite of ours, the Kia Rio gets a minor facelift
Since the fourth generation Kia Rio was launch in South Africa in 2011 I have been an avid fan. It has always been on my top list of cars I would buy if I need to buy one. It’s funky, good looking, drives beautifully, and is jam=packed full of standard spec.
The upgraded and enhanced Kia Rio has arrived in South Africa. Comprising hatch and sedan body styles, the subtle yet stylish exterior updates and notable interior upgrades have breathed new life into the Rio range, which is set to remain Kia’s bestselling model in South Africa.
Both the Rio hatch and Rio sedan will still be available with a choice of two efficient petrol engines, mated to either a 5-speed manual transmission, 6-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.
At the entry level is Kia’s well-known 1.2-litre Kappa engine, which generates 65 kW at 6 000 r/min and 120 N.m. of torque at 4 000 r/min, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. Kia’s advanced “Kappa” family of engines’ technologies significantly improve efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. Acceleration to 100 km/h takes 13.1 seconds and top speed is 168 km/h.
A popular and well-proven power unit in Kia’s engine line-up, the 1.4 Gamma engine features friction-reducing modifications and dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing) to achieve a responsive performance and competitively modest fuel consumption. With a maximum output of 79 kW at 6 300 r/min and peak torque of 135 Nm at 4 200 r/min, the Rio 1.4 6-speed manual model accelerates to 100 km/h in 11.5 seconds before reaching a top speed of 183 km/h. A 4-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.
The Kia brand has become renowned for offering vehicles of exceptional design and quality, but above all notable value for money and competitive pricing. Like mentioned, the Rio is a firm favourite at WOW and we have no doubt that it will continue to sell as well as it does. The facelift may have been minor but why change a look that works?
Kia’s class-leading 5-year/150 000km warranty remains standard, as does a 4-year/60 000km service plan. Pricing for the hatch and sedan is as follows:
Rio 1.2 Manual R 176 995.00
Rio 1.4 Manual R 199 995.00
Rio 1.4 Auto R 211 995.00
Rio 1.4 TEC Manual R 212 995.00
Rio 1.4 TEC Auto R 224 995.00
An optional sunroof is available on the Rio 1.4 TEC for an additional R7 000.