Kia’s two smallest cars have received simplified model structures, extra equipment and new trim grades in order to better compete in the UK’s small car market.

The 5-door Picanto range now gets three total trim grades, the ‘1 Air’, ‘SE’ and the ‘Sport’. The ‘SE’ replaces the former ‘SR7’ and ‘2’ grades, while the ‘Sport’ is replacing the previously available ‘3’ and ‘4’ grades. While the entry-level ‘1’ version has been discontinued, the Picanto range continues to be priced from £8,545.

Kia has also discontinued the entry-level ‘1’ range on the 5-door Rio, now replaced by the ‘1 Air’ which starts from £10,945. Further grades include the ‘SE’, the ‘3’ and the ‘4’.

In terms of equipment levels, the entry-level 5-door Picanto now comes with air conditioning as standard (free upgrade), as well as Bluetooth, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and front seat belt height adjustment. Mid-range ‘SE’ grade models adds automatic air-conditioning and Kia’s Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) stop/start system with the manual gearbox.

The new Picanto ‘Sport’ features new front and rear bumpers and a twin-tipped exhaust pipe. Customers will also find body-colored side sill moldings and sporty-looking 15″ alloys. Inside, there are gray/black faux leather seats with red cloth cushions and backrests that match the inserts on the doors. The aluminum pedals feature non-slip rubber pads, while the center fascia, steering wheel bezel and shifter are finished in gloss black.

As for standard equipment, it includes sat-nav, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and a speed limited. Powering the ‘Sport’ models is a 1.25-liter engine, working together with a manual gearbox and the ISG system for an entry-level price of £11,995 – while the automatic version starts from £12,595.

Just like with the Picanto, the entry-level 5-door Rio ‘1 Air’ also comes with air conditioning as standard, as the car remains priced from £10,945.

The new ‘SE’ trim features all the equipment found on the former ‘SR7’ model, but also automatic air conditioning, front fog lights, supervision instrument cluster, rain sensors, cruise control & speed limited, electrically folding/adjustable & heated mirrors with integrated indicators. Grade ‘3’ & ‘4’ models remain unchanged and retain their high spec-levels.

Note: These updates are only available on Picanto & Rio 5-door versions.


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