Not technically a kei car but extremely close to one in terms of dimensions, the Kia Ray is the Korean automaker’s smallest passenger car. Slotted under the Picanto and resembling the Soul, the Ray enters 2018 with a long-anticipated facelift of a design introduced in late 2011.
The boxy shape now features redesigned headlamps with LED daytime running lights, round-shaped fog lamps with oval-shaped housings, and a resculpted grille that imitates the tiger-nose grille of other Kia models. Moving on to the rear, the C-shaped taillights with LED inserts feature fresh graphics, and the bumper is also different from the pre-facelift Ray.
Getting in the driver’s seat, the cabin is improved by minor changes compared to the preceding Ray, changes that include a sportier steering wheel, metallic trim, more ergonomic gear level, and a seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system. If the customer so desires, Kia will gladly sweeten the deal with contrasting floor mats and ambient lighting.
As it was the case before, the facelifted Ray features three conventional doors and a sliding door on the rear passenger’s side. Under the skin, Kia updated the 1.0-liter three-cylinder engine to develop up to 78 PS (57 kW) on full song, translating to a fuel consumption of 13 kilometers per liter. The latter translates to 7.7 l/100 km (EU) or 49.2 miles per gallons (U.S.).
Pricing in South Korea starts at 12,100,000 won ($11,115) for the entry-level Ray, which is more of a van than a passenger car. The 3.59-meter long Ray tips the scales at 1,030 kilograms (2,270 pounds), making it slighty lighter than the Mazda MX-5 Miata with the 1.5-liter SkyActiv-G four-cylinder motor.
As expected from an urban-minded car targeted towards young buyers, the Ray is available in a multitude of exterior colors: white, beige, silver, gray, black, red, blue, light blue, and Aquamint. The interior comes in all-black or black-and-contrasting color, and customization continues with the color of the side mirror, front and rear grille appliques, and roof.
After a 1:43 scale model of a Ferrari 250 GTO sparked Mircea's interest for cars when he was a kid, an early internship at Top Gear sealed his career path. He's most interested in muscle cars and American trucks, but he takes a passing interest in quirky kei cars as well. Full profile
Would you like AUTOEVOLUTION to send you notifications?
Google News