The Rio has been the best-selling model for Kia in recent times, with 471 000 units sold globally in 2014. In South Africa, it is no different, and the little hatch is a popular sight on our roads since launch in 2011 (read original report here). The facelifted version is now launched locally and walking up to the media car it was quite obvious that Kia did not want to mess with a winning formula.
The changes
From the outside, there’s now a new front bumper (including air intakes) and foglamp design. The rear bumper has received a similar nip-and-tug. A new Urban Blue paint finish has been added, as well as three new wheel designs.
On the inside, the piano-black inserts add a touch of class to arguably one of the most premium cabins in this category.
The end result is not too different from the outgoing model, but emphasises the smart and sporty appearance.
The drive
It was a pleasant experience to get reacquainted with one of our favourite hatches, as it ticks most boxes. The reach-and-rake adjustment on the steering wheel made it easy to find a good driving position. Plenty of spec is provided in the form of climate control, Bluetooth connection, etc., and six airbags for peace of mind. Driving the car through Cape Town traffic was easy and the suspension easily soaked up the road imperfections.
The only bugbears remain the low torque output from the 1,4-litre naturally aspirated engine, which means frequent gearshifts (to scale gradients or make swift progress), and a slightly artificial feel from the steering wheel. A downsized turbopetrol engine will make all the difference…
Summary
The above is nit-picking as the Rio is still an outstanding package that provides enough room, including the rear bench, and 248 dm3 of boot space. It is a pity that the weak rand’s influence has diluted the value proposition somewhat over the years. Fortunately, a class-leading five-year/150 000 warranty and four-year/60 000 km service plan come as standard.
Range Pricing
Rio 1,2 Manual R 176 995
Rio 1,4 Manual R 199 995
Rio 1,4 Auto R 211 995
Rio 1,4 TEC Manual R 212 995
Rio 1,4 TEC Auto R 224 995