The all-new 4th generation Rio will reach Kia’s UK showrooms on September 1 with on-the-road prices starting from £10,595 for the entry-level 1.25 “1” and reaching £14,895 for range-topping 1.4 CRDi “3” EcoDynamics.

The Rio will be available at launch only as a five-door model but a three-door bodystyle will be added to the range early next year.

The South Korean automaker’s proposal in the highly popular in Europe B-segment will go against the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Fiat Punto EVO.

The Rio will be available with four engines including two petrol and two diesel units. The entry-level petrol engine is the 1.25-litre Kappa unit that develops 83bhp and 121Nm of torque, while the second option is Kia’s 1.4-litre Gamma engine, generating 107bhp and 137Nm of torque.

The two diesel engines are a 1.1-liter CRDi unit producing 74bhp and 170Nm of peak torque while returning up to 88.3mpg UK (73.5 mpg US or 3.2 lt/100km), and a 1.4-liter CRDi delivering 89bhp and 220Nm with a combined fuel consumption of up to 70.6mpg UK (58.8mpg US or 4.0lt/100km).

All diesel models are fitted with Kia’s EcoDynamics suite of fuel-saving technologies including Intelligent Stop & Go engine technology, low rolling resistance tyres, a drag-reducing front grille, gearshift indicator and rear spoiler.

There are three available trim grades with the entry-level “1” featuring front electric windows, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, two-way steering column adjustment on the petrol model (height-adjustable only on the entry level diesel), trip computer, split folding rear seats, and an MP3-compatible RDS radio and CD player with USB and AUX ports as standard. Bluetooth is also standard on the petrol entry model, and on all versions with other trim grades.

The ‘1 Air’ grade simply adds air conditioning to the mix, while the level ‘2’ models receive 16-inch alloys, front fog lights and a chrome radiator grille surround, along with bespoke interior trim, rear electric windows, a cooling glove box, electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors with side repeaters, leather steering wheel and gearshift, and a centre console armrest.

Finally, the level ‘3’ specification adds 17-inch alloys with low-profile tyres, LED daytime running and rear combination lamps, automatic air conditioning rain sensing wipers, cruise control, automatic headlights, heated front seats and six speakers in lieu of four.


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