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PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Upgraded Rio debuts
Kia to roll out upgraded Rio alongside all new Sorento and refreshed Venga people moverAn updated Kia Rio will go on display at next month's Paris motor show, previewing a subtle facelift, new colours, new interior design and an enhanced equipment list.
The manufacturer has not issued images of the revised Rio, but has stated in a press release that the light hatch will inherit a modernised version of the brand's 'tiger-nose' grille, underscored by a new front bumper and fog lights. Kia has restyled the rear bumper as well, but these changes and three new alloy wheel designs don't sound like they'll amount to a major facelift. The new alloys will be available in 15-, 16- and 17-inch diameters. Kia also plans to offer the Rio with two new exterior colours: Urban Blue and Digital Yellow.
A redesigned centre fascia and new audio system are complemented by chrome accents throughout the cabin. Kia will add the options of DAB+ (digital) radio and a new generation satellite navigation system with the Rio. The satnav system will display through a 7.0-inch screen and will deliver faster processing for rapid route calculation.
Four different engines will power the Rio in Europe, but for Australia Kia will stick with 1.4-litre engine for the S and S Premium variants (the latter new to the range), with the 1.6-litre engine slotted into the Si, SLi and Sport variants. Transmissions will be six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic with the 1.4, or standard six-speed automatic for the 1.6. The revised Rio may also come with auto-stop/start technology in Australian specification.
The updated Rio will appear on the stand in Paris with the new Sorento SUV, a revised Venga MPV and an Optima T-Hybrid concept car.
In Australia the changes will principally affect the higher-level Si, SLi and Sport models. Kia is anticipating the S and new S Premium variants may reach the local market as soon as December, but the importer plans to hold off launching the rest of the range until the Australian Open in January next year. At this point the importer is locked in negotiations with the factory for final pricing and specification of the Aussie-spec Rio. There may be a small price increase, but it's unlikely to be "substantial," a Kia spokesperson told motoring.com.au.
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If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
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