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Kia Rio

Nip & tuck coming for Kia hatchback

Kia's smartened up Rio hatchback is headed for SA. Highlighted by the arrival of an all-new Smartstream litre T-GDi petrol engine among a raft of tech updates, it gets new look and cabin enhancements too.

The new mild-hybrid powertrain replaces the old Kappa lump with an advanced Continuously variable valvetrain for a 16% higher 200Nm torque peak output for the 88kW variant and up to 11% improved emissions, while there will also be the choice of a new clutch-by-wire intelligent Manual Transmission and Drive Mode Select brings the choice of Eco, Sport and Normal driving modes.

The nipped and tucked Rio gets a bolder, more attractive look courtesy of a distinctive wider front bumper and cabin enhancements include a larger new 8-inch widescreen and a higher-resolution 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster display.High-tech driver assistance and safety features include Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist.
Local specifications will be confirmed when Rio makes its South African debut - expect that later this year.