A facelifted Kia Rio has just been introduced into the local new car market. Double Apex was invited to the local ride and drive event to learn about the changes and experience the new model first-hand.

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The Kia Rio is one of those cars that seems to always just be there, especially in the Western Cape where a large number of these little cars are used by rental agencies. Tourists can be seen turning the wrong way around traffic circles and looking the wrong way when exiting junctions. Rental cars aside the small Korean hatch is an accomplished package that also finds homes with many first-time car buyers. Rio helps Kia SA to capture 5 percent of the B segment market where the Rio sits 5th in terms of sales in a segment that is also populated by the likes of the VW Polo, Hyundai i20 and Ford Fiesta.

New face

The South African arm of the automaker pulled the wraps of a facelifted Kia Rio earlier this week, and the term ‘facelifted’ has never been more apt. Sum total of the car’s stylistic refresh has taken place on the car’s visage. New headlamps, a slimmer version of the brand’s signature “Tiger Nose” grille, new foglamp housings and a slightly reprofiled lower air dam are the revisions. Unless viewed side-by-side with the outgoing car, the changes are not easy to spot. Alloy wheels (of varying sizes depending on the grade) are now standard fitment across the range.

More connectivity

Of more interest to owners and occupants is the adoption of an eight-inch full-colour touchscreen interface which is now standard on all derivatives. The system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto capability, Bluetooth connectivity as well as USB and aux-in ports. All versions feature steering wheel-mounted audio controls.

Unchanged drivetrains

Kia SA have retained the same drivetrains on the facelifted Kia Rio. Two naturally aspirated petrol engines are employed. The smaller displaces 1,25 litres and produces 61 kW/120 N.m while the 1,4 litre develops 73 kW/135 N.m. The smaller engine is fitted exclusively with a five-speed manual transmission whereas buyers can opt for a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission on the 1,4-litre.

New derivative

With the introduction of the facelifted Kia Rio the range also grows to include a 1,4-litre LS version in manual and automatic options. LS is the entry point to the specification hierarchy, which includes the LX, EX and Tec. The new addition has air-conditioning, electric windows and side mirrors, central locking, six speakers, a rake and reach adjustable steering and manual headlight adjustment.

On the road

It was the newcomer to the SA fold that we experienced on the local ride and drive event. As mentioned, the Rio is just one of those cars you see on the roads just about every day but it’s been some time since we slid behind the wheel. The cabin feels airy and not budget in the way you expect a rental-esque model to feel. The new touchscreen audio system goes a long way to make it feel a bit more upmarket.

Thankfully the Rio range has a six-speed automatic transmission, which was ideal while escaping the city. The self-shifter was also called into duty on a few occasions to deal with the typically dozy drivers clogging up the Cape motorways. While the naturally aspirated engine will rev eagerly to the red-line when needed, one does miss the surfeit of torque provided by the small turbocharged engines found in the Rio’s rivals. When we swapped over to the manual-fitted version we made plenty of shifts to make quick and safe progress. The facelifted Kia Rio has decent ride quality on its new alloys, even if it does use a torsion beam rear axle.

Summary

With the addition of the new variant, and slight change in appearance, the facelifted Kia Rio has opened up to a new base of potential clients. The budget car roots have been shaken and a competitive price, along with decent standard specification makes it an interesting option for shoppers looking for a B segment hatch. If you do opt for a Rio, just don’t buy one on rental-spec white.

Pricing

KIA Rio 1,2 LS manual     R280 995

KIA Rio 1,4 LS manual     R291 995

KIA Rio 1,4 LS auto          R308 995

KIA Rio 1,4 LX manual     R306 995

KIA Rio 1,4 LX auto          R323 995

KIA Rio 1,4 EX manual    R319 995

KIA Rio 1,4 EX auto          R336 995

KIA Rio 1,4 TEC manual   R344 995

KIA Rio 1,4 TEC auto        R361 995