Kia Rio sedan revised, but not for Oz

Midway through its lifecycle, Kia has updated its Rio sedan. The refresh follows a similar update for the hatch range early this year, and includes re-profiled 'corporate' front and rear bumpers, a new-look dashboard and an uptick in equipment levels.

To match the new face, the Rio sedan's headlights are moved slightly inboard, while new satin foglight bezels, redesigned tail-lights (pushed further outboard) and a host of paint colour changes round out the changes.

Inside Kia says it has changed a few trim items and increased the use of high-density foam in the A- and B-pillars. It's a push to reduce NVH in the model as it moves to match its newer rivals.

But the changes will not impact the Australian market. Following slow sales, Kia withdrew its four-door light car from local showrooms in late 2013 and says the model will not return in the foreseeable future.

It's a similar trend to that witnessed throughout the light-car segment. In recent times the segment has seen the demise of the Ford Fiesta sedan, Mazda2 sedan, Nissan Almera (sedan) and Toyota Yaris sedan, leaving the Mitsubishi Mirage (from $14,490), Holden Barina (from $15,890), Honda City (from $15,990) and Hyundai Accent (from $16,990) as the only mainstream sedan offerings in the segment.

The revised Kia Rio hatch remains on sale priced from $15,990 for the entry-spec Rio S and the range tops out at $21,490 (plus ORCs) for the flagship Rio Si.