The KIA Rio Gets a Refreshed Design
By Murali Naidu
The KIA Rio first entered the market in 2005, replacing the once-popular KIA Pride. Since then, the Rio has spanned over six generations, becoming a recognizable model for the brand. As we approached the end of 2020, KIA introduced a refreshed and revised KIA Rio range. These updates not only enhance the vehicle’s exterior design but also increase standard specifications across the range. For more insights and reviews on KIA models, visit KIA Reviews on AutoAdvisor.
Clean and Updated Exterior Design
The KIA Rio now boasts a much cleaner exterior design, with most updates focused on the front. While the iconic tiger-nose grille remains, the grille's redesign is paired with a lower, wider front bumper and new fog lamp housing. Intelligent design goes beyond aesthetics; the KIA Rio's body shell incorporates 51% Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS), providing structural integrity that keeps occupants safe in the event of an accident. Two new exterior colors—Perennial Grey metallic and Sporty Blue metallic—add to the fresh look.
Engine Options: 1.25-Litre and 1.4-Litre MPI
The KIA Rio is available with two engine choices:
1.25-litre MPI petrol engine: Produces 61 kW and 120 Nm of torque, paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
1.4-litre MPI petrol engine: Produces 73 kW and 135 Nm of torque, paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Minimal Interior Enhancements with Modern Tech
The interior of the KIA Rio receives minimal enhancements, focusing on user-friendly features. The highlight is the upgrade of the colour touchscreen interface from 7 inches to 8 inches, now standard across the Rio range. Front passengers benefit from USB and auxiliary-in ports, Apple CarPlay, and Android Auto compatibility. A 12V power socket is also available to charge additional devices. Steering-wheel-mounted audio controls and Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free telephony come standard.
Safety Features and Specification Grades
The refreshed KIA Rio maintains its four specification grades, offering key safety features such as:
Driver’s and passenger’s airbags (including side and curtain airbags in the TEC model)
Front seatbelt pre-tensioners with load limiters
Side door impact beams (front and rear)
ISOFIX child seat anchors
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS)
Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) (from LX grade onwards)
Warranty and Service Plans
All KIA models come with KIA’s Unlimited Kilometre/5-year warranty. The KIA Rio 1.2 LS includes a 2-year/60,000 km Service Plan, while the 1.4-litre models come with a 4-year/60,000 km Service Plan. The refreshed Rio models are available at KIA Motors dealerships across South Africa.
KIA Rio 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
FAQ
Q: What does the KIA Rio cost in South Africa?
The KIA Rio starts from around R289,995 for the 1.25-litre manual base model, while the 1.4-litre automatic variant kicks off at approximately R349,995, making it one of the most affordable options in the compact hatchback segment.
Q: Is the KIA Rio worth buying in 2024?
The refreshed KIA Rio offers solid value with its 51% Advanced High Strength Steel construction, 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus KIA's impressive 5-year/150,000km warranty, making it a smart choice for budget-conscious buyers who don't want to compromise on safety and tech.
Q: What engine options are available in the KIA Rio?
The KIA Rio comes with two MPI petrol engines: a 1.25-litre unit producing 61 kW and 120 Nm with a five-speed manual, or a 1.4-litre engine delivering 73 kW and 135 Nm paired with a six-speed automatic transmission.
Q: How fuel efficient is the KIA Rio?
The KIA Rio delivers impressive fuel consumption figures, with the 1.25-litre manual achieving around 5.8 litres per 100km in combined driving, while the 1.4-litre automatic returns approximately 6.2 litres per 100km, making it an economical daily driver.
Q: What safety features does the KIA Rio include?
The KIA Rio incorporates 51% Advanced High Strength Steel in its body construction for enhanced crash protection, along with standard safety features including dual front airbags, ABS brakes, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist across the range.
Should You Buy It?
The best compact hatchback under R350,000 in South Africa is definitely the refreshed KIA Rio, and yes, you should absolutely consider buying it. At R289,995 for the manual and R349,995 for the automatic, the Rio punches well above its weight with that 8-inch touchscreen, Apple CarPlay connectivity, and bulletproof 5-year warranty that puts most rivals to shame. The 51% Advanced High Strength Steel construction means you're getting proper safety credentials, not just a pretty face, while the fuel consumption of under 6 litres per 100km will keep your wallet happy at the petrol pump. Sure, it's not the most exciting drive on the planet, but for young professionals, small families, or anyone wanting reliable, affordable transport with modern tech, the Rio ticks every box without breaking the bank.
