KIA has surprised everyone by releasing new Rio upgrades so close to the year’s end.
They have already launched updated versions of the Sorento, Sportage and Sedona models, and now its the Rio hatchback fitted with a new six-speed automatic gearbox.
The new gearbox replaces Kia’s well-known and reliable four-speed automatic that was part of the fourth-generation Kia Rio range since its introduction last year.
However, the new gearbox provides Rio with smoother driving and an increased performance.
The familiar 1,4-litre petrol with the new six-speed automatic boosts the zero to 100km/h acceleration from 13,2 seconds to 12,9 seconds, while the top speed increases from 166km/h to 175km/h.
The Rio 1,4 is available with three specification options: the medium range LX, a medium-high EX and the high TEC. The Rio 1,2 LS remains unchanged in the line-up.
The Rio LX has an extensive list of standard features, including air conditioning, electric windows and side mirrors, central locking, alarm and immobiliser, an RDS radio-MP3 player with auxiliary and USB connections, six speakers, steering wheel-mounted sound controls, a rear USB charging port, adjustable steering column, automatic headlights, front fog lights, LED daytime running lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.
The Rio EX also gets LED tail lights and a 7-inch touchscreen display for the infotainment system that shows the rearview camera for the rear-park-assist system, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
The range-topping Rio TEC adds machine-finished 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, cruise control, a variable-darkening rearview mirror, alloy pedals and leather upholstery.
An optional sunroof is available for Rio TEC models for R8 000. All Rios come with Kia’s five-year/unlimited kilometre warranty as standard. The Rio 1,2 includes a two-year/30 000km service plan that is extended to a four-year/60 000km service plan with the Rio 1,4.
PRICING
- Rio 1,2 LS five-speed manual – R230 995
- Rio 1,4 LX six-speed manual – R247 995
- Rio 1,4 LX six-speed automatic – R264 995
- Rio 1,4 EX six-speed manual R261 995
- Rio 1,4 EX six-speed automatic R278 995
- Rio 1,4 TEC six-speed manual – R288 995
- Rio 1,4 TEC six-speed automatic – R305 995
