New Kia Rio delivers a drop shot

Kia has formally confirmed its fourth-generation Rio hatch will be initially powered solely by a carry-over 1.4-litre engine in Australia, where it goes on sale next week.

And the new car, which is significantly roomier and boasts a luggage capacity of 325 litres, will be offered in five-door form only.

Kia has left prices where they are for the new model, which starts from $16,990 for the base-grade Rio S with six-speed manual transmission. Ordering the Rio S with the four-speed automatic transmission will set back buyers another $2100 – totalling $19,090 plus on-road costs.

The engine produces 74kW and 133Nm, which is reduced from the output of 79kW and 135Nm for the same powerplant in the previous model, but the new engine is now compliant with the Euro 5 emissions standard, and both peak power and torque occur slightly lower in the rev range for the new model.

As we've reported previously, it's rumoured that the Rio will migrate to a six-speed automatic option around mid-year, although Kia Australia have refused to confirm that. The turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine available in other markets will join the range next year, with the option of a dual-clutch transmission for those who prefer not to shift gears for themselves.

Local chassis development for the Kia Rio has resulted in a better ride/handling balance, Kia claims, thanks to the stiffer body shell and more rigid front suspension.

Engineers called on softer springs and RS damper valves to achieve this improved set-up. At the rear, the new Rio has dampers that are mounted close to vertical. The power steering gearbox has been relocated for better feedback in a straight line.

Built from 51 per cent advanced high-strength steel (33 per cent previously) for better crash safety, the new Rio is distinguished by revised styling cues, like the slimmed-down 'tiger-nose' grille. The car's look was developed jointly by Kia design studios in Germany, California and Namyang, South Korea.

Kia will charge buyers $520 extra for premium paint options, with Clear White the only solid colour in the range. The premium options are: Silky Silver, Platinum Graphite, Aurora Black Pearl, Signal Red, Mighty Yellow and Smoke Blue.

Overall, the new Rio is 15mm longer than its predecessor and the wheelbase has been stretched by 10mm to 2850mm. The longer wheelbase has allowed more legroom for all occupants and shoulder room has been expanded too.

While the height of the Rio has been reduced 5mm, the new model provides more headroom as well, for both front- and rear-seat occupants. Boot space is 37 litres more, despite the truncated rear overhang – 15mm shorter. Fuel tank capacity is increased by two litres to 45 litres and a space-saver spare resides under the floor.

Kia designers have reduced blind spots by opting for thinner C pillars and relocating the door mirrors. The interior has been restyled and the infotainment system runs through a 7.0-inch touch-screen and the instrument display has been angled for better ergonomics. Interior upholstery comprises woven Tricot for the Rio S, embossed Tricot for Rio Si and artificial leather for the Rio SLi.

Standard safety features across the range include electronic brake-force distribution, emergency brake assist, electronic stability control, hill start assist, reversing camera with dynamic guidelines and rear parking sensors. Secondary safety features consist of six airbags, three child safety seat anchorage points (two of them ISOFIX-compatible) and impact-sensing unlocking.

At entry level, the Rio S rides on 15-inch steel wheels. The Rio Si is fitted with 15-inch alloys, and the Rio SLi moves up an inch to 16-inch alloys. All cars are equipped with temporary spares.

Mid-range Si and flagship SLi models gain LED daytime running lights and projector-beam front fog lights. The range-topping variant also features a dash display for the parking sensors and an electrochromatic mirror.

Cruise control, a multi-function steering wheel and satellite navigation are standard for the Rio Si and SLi. In addition, the flagship gets an electric sunroof, privacy glass, a premium instrument cluster, alloy sports pedals and climate control as standard.

Other than the new styling, the enhanced safety and the improved packaging, the highlight of the new Rio is its smartphone integration, with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay now available as standard. Additionally, the Rio features USB ports in the rear of the cabin as well as the front, which Kia claims to be a first in the light-car segment.

The Rio continues to offer a seven-year warranty, along with seven-year roadside assist and capped-price servicing.

"While the days of Kia being the Rio car company in Australia are long past, the model remains a core plank in the growth and success of the brand in our market," says Damien Meredith, Kia Australia COO.

"With the improvements and the additional technology and connectivity in the all-new Rio we expect it to remain one of the primary drivers of increased sales and brand awareness in the Australian market."

2017 Kia Rio pricing (plus ORCs):
Rio S manual – $16,990
Rio S auto – $19,090
Rio Si auto – $21,490
Rio SLi auto – $22,990