Revised Kia Rio able to return 88.3mpg and emit just 86g/km of CO2
2015-02-23 15:45:21
Hot on the heels of the revised Kia Venga, the Korean company has also announced an updated version of its Rio supermini. The updated model gets some styling tweaks, a revised interior and extra standard equipment and starts from £10,345.
The revised Rio is a eco car that is able to be told apart from the old model by its re-profiled bumpers at both ends which help to give it a more sporty look. This is further reinforced by a new slim line interpretation of the ‘tiger nose’ grille which blends into the headlamp units. There is also a new exterior colour – Urban Blue to replace Electric Blue - and revised alloy wheel designs.
Open the door and inside you get some colour tweaks to the upholstery and centre console. All versions of the Rio also get a new DAB digital radio, hill start assist and a tyre pressure monitoring system. The best news is reserved for the mid-and higher spec models however, since these now get a new touchscreen navigation system. They also benefit from electrically adjustable and folding door mirrors.
Under the bonnet, things remain exactly as they were, which means you get a choice of a 74bhp 1.1-litre CRDi diesel which emits as little as 86g/km of CO2 and thanks to stop-start technology, achieves an impressive 88.3mpg. Alternatively, there is an 89bhp 1.4-litre CRDi diesel that is capable of returning up to 70.6mpg on the combined cycle whilst emitting 105g/km of CO2.
Petrol lovers also have two choices – an 84bhp 1.25-litre or a 108bhp 1.4-litre that is also available with a torque converter automatic gearbox.
Like the Venga, the Rio comes in five trim levels: ‘1’, ‘1 Air’, ‘2’, ‘3’ or ‘4’.
Entry level ‘1’ models get electric front windows, AUX and USB connectivity and split-fold rear seats. If you want manual air conditioning, then you will need to upgrade to the ‘1 Air’.
‘2’ models add 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, a cooled glovebox and electrically heated and folding door mirrors.
‘3’ models gain larger 17-inch alloy wheels, privacy glass, LED daytime running lights, climate control with automatic de-fog capability, automatic lights and wipers, cruise control, heated front seats and a six-speaker audio system.
As part of Kia’s commitment to provide a high-level of safety regardless of the cost of the car, each Rio is equipped with Electronic Stability Control, emergency brake assist, twin front, side and curtain airbags, and ISOFIX top tethers and anchors.
Range-topping ‘4’ models get keyless entry and start, an electric sunroof, heated steering wheel and leather upholstery.
This article was prepared by our car news team First4Auto
Reported By
Andrew Merritt-Morling
Chief Editor
Associate Member of the Guild of Motoring Writers
