Facelifted Kia Rio arrives

Kia's Rio light hatch range is in for a mild shake-up, as motoring.com.au reported late last year.

The importer has formally announced the range will spawn the new S Premium grade – between the base model Rio S and Si levels – priced at $17,690 (manual) or $19,690 (auto). Available in just five-door hatch form, the Rio S Premium delivers 15-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, electric fold-in side mirrors (with integrated indicators), cruise control, six-speaker audio and leather steering wheel/gear knob.

Positioned above the new variant in the range at $21,490, the Rio Si – also five-door only – is now powered by the 1.6-litre direct-injection (GDI) petrol engine, coupled to a standard six-speed automatic transmission. In addition to the S Premium specification, the Rio Si features 16-inch alloy wheels, premium upholstery, sliding centre armrest and storage bin.

Other than the range-wide facelift, comprising new bumpers, grille, centre fascia, audio head unit design and metallic-look decorative trim, the Rio S at the entry level is unchanged and is priced at $15,990 (manual three-door), $17,990 (automatic three-door), $16,990 (manual five-door) and $18,990 (automatic five-door).

For the updated model, the Rio's suspension has been further tweaked to meet the needs of local consumers, with ride comfort and steering feel claimed to be improved. A new exterior colour, Urban blue, joins the carry-over colour palette comprising Clear White, Bright Silver, Aurora Black, Graphite, Mocha, Deep Blue and Signal Red.

The Rio Sport, which will replace the Rio SLS in the updated range, and the Rio SLi are yet to be released.