Kia has introduced a refreshed Rio hatchback at the Paris Motor Show. The entry level subcompact now sports an aggressive new visage and an updated interior.
While the sedan variant is not offered in most European countries, the changes to the five-door hatchback form shown in Paris will likely transfer to the sedan version as well. In addition, European customers can choose a three-door hatch as well.
The most dramatic visual change is a sportier, three-section lower grille and fog lamp housings, replacing the current car’s wide graphic that spans the width of the front. The fog lamps now also have wing-like slats that evoke racing canards. A slimmer “tiger nose” grille and cleaner, redesigned headlights give the face a pleasing and fresh new look.
Three new alloy wheels can be ordered, ranging in size from 15 to 17 inches. A new rear bumper with a wide blacked out graphic is stylishly framed by C-shaped reflectors.
While four engine options, from 74 to 108 hp, can be had in Europe, the US will likely retain the sole 1.6-liter, 138 hp inline-four currently available. A fuel-saving start/stop system is available across the board on European spec models.
Cabin-wise, the refresh adds chrome accents around the vents and buttons on either side of the infotainment screen, but otherwise it remains largely the same as the current interior.
The updated Rio will be rolled out across various European markets in 2015.
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