Kia has released the first photos of the facelifted Rio supermini, which will debut at the Paris Auto Show with discreet styling and equipment upgrades.
Appearance-wise, the refreshed Kia Rio features a slightly updated “tiger-nose grille”, along with a redesigned front bumper and fog lights. The rear bumper gets a new design as well, with three new alloy wheel designs (available in 15-, 16- and 17-inch) and two new paint finishes (Urban Blue and Digital Yellow) completing the exterior changes.
Inside, the facelifted Kia Rio gains chrome accents around the four dashboard air-vents and a newly-designed center-stack around the audio system. Additionally, range-topping EX models have a new cloth trim as standard, with grey faux leather upholstery being introduced as an option on this model.
In terms of equipment, the refreshed Kia Rio gets new optional features including a new DAB digital radio and a new generation of Kia’s AVN (audio-video navigation) system with a 7-inch display screen, improved processing speed and faster route calculation.
Depending on individual markets, Kia says engine options for Europe include up to four engines ranging from 75PS (74hp) to 109PS (108hp), mated to five- or six-speed manual of four-speed automatic transmissions. All powerplants are available with Kia’s second-generation Start/Stop (ISG) technology which includes automatic start-stop, advanced alternator control and an upgraded starter motor, as well as the fitment of low-rolling resistance tyres.
Manufactured at Kia’s Sohari plant in Korea, the facelifted Kia Rio will go on sale across Europe in early 2015.
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