Photo: Kia
Carmaker Kia has officially revealed the 2015 facelift for its Korean-made supermini, the Rio. The same 5-door will make its official debut at the Paris Motor Show later this week and is poised to hit European dealerships from early 2015.
This Asian Fiesta rival now has a reworked front end that features new fog light surrounds, lower grille and upper Tiger Nose grille. Kia will also introduce three fresh alloy wheel choices ranging in sizes from 15 to 17 inches. Body color options will now include Digital Yellow and Urban Blue, though no photos detailing them have been released.
Around the back, Peter Schreyer's design team seems to have been inspired by the pro_cee'd, adding a large black insert to the lower bumper that gives the Rio a sportier look. It's a nice touch, probably the most distinctive of the entire facelift.
The overall impression is that changes are minimal, with a hint of the old Opel Corsa in those fog light elements and a wheel design that reminds us of new Nissans. The highlight of the 2015 Rio's interior is a "new generation of Kia’s AVN (audio-video navigation) system with a 7.0-inch display screen"
Korean engineers have, however, updated the optional ISG (idle stop and go) system with , a better starter motor, new alternator control and low-rolling resistance tires. What impact will this have on economy? Hopefully not one that sups all the fun out of driving.
Almost half a million units in a single year is an impressive number, highlighting the importance of the Rio in Kia's arsenal. However, despite their best efforts, this supermini is way off the pace of models like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo in Europe, traditionally a huge market for B-segment runabouts.
Around the back, Peter Schreyer's design team seems to have been inspired by the pro_cee'd, adding a large black insert to the lower bumper that gives the Rio a sportier look. It's a nice touch, probably the most distinctive of the entire facelift.
The overall impression is that changes are minimal, with a hint of the old Opel Corsa in those fog light elements and a wheel design that reminds us of new Nissans. The highlight of the 2015 Rio's interior is a "new generation of Kia’s AVN (audio-video navigation) system with a 7.0-inch display screen"
Same old, same old
Changes to the Rio's engine range are even more uninspiring as the ones for the body. Despite our continued pleads for Kia to add a small turbo engine, the 2015 Rio makes due with the same four powerplants with outputs ranging from 75 to 109 PS. Petrol choices include a 1.2 with 85 PS and a 1.4 with 109, the only engine available with an automatic (a 4-speed), while diesel options include a 75 PS 1.1-liter with three cylinders and a 1.4-liter pushing 90 PS.Korean engineers have, however, updated the optional ISG (idle stop and go) system with , a better starter motor, new alternator control and low-rolling resistance tires. What impact will this have on economy? Hopefully not one that sups all the fun out of driving.
Kia's ace in the hole
The biggest surprise Kia had in store for us with its press statement was that during 2013, the Rio was its best-selling model. "With a total of 471,000 sales, and among our top-three sellers here in Europe with 56,821 units delivered. Improvements to this model are of major significance for our brand,” commented Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer, Kia Motors Europe.Almost half a million units in a single year is an impressive number, highlighting the importance of the Rio in Kia's arsenal. However, despite their best efforts, this supermini is way off the pace of models like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo in Europe, traditionally a huge market for B-segment runabouts.
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