Electrified Power, ‘Big Car’ Technology, And Refreshed Design For Upgraded Kia Rio

  • Upgraded Rio features Kia’s first petrol mild-hybrid powertrail‘
  • Clutch-by-wire’ intelligent manual transmission increases efficiency
  • Efficiency upgrades to powertrain line-up, including new ‘Smartstream’ 1.0-litre T-GDi engine
  • New ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect telematics and advanced infotainment system – offering technology often found in cars many segments above
  • Refreshed exterior design provides a bolder more attractive appearance
  • Revamped interior design with new colour customisation option
  • New high-tech driver assistance and safety features include Lane Following Assist, Smart Cruise Control, Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, and Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist
  • Upgraded Rio on-sale in Europe during Q3 2020

Kia Motors has posted an impoartant upgrade to the fourth-generation Kia Rio. The upgraded model offers a variety of improvements to strengthen the car’s place within the highly competitive market.

The upgraded Rio pairs an updated exterior and interior design with ‘big car’ safety and infotainment technologies. The new model also offers drivers new efficient powertrains – including Kia’s first petrol 48V mild-hybrid system, equipped with one of the first applications of the company’s new ‘clutch-by-wire’ intelligent manual transmission.

European sales of the upgraded Kia Rio start during the third quarter of 2020. As always, the upgraded car comes with 7year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard. UK specification, on-sale date and pricing will be announced in due course.

New EcoDynamics+ petrol mild-hybrid with new intelligent Manual Transmission

The Rio is the first Kia powered by a petrol mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain. The new ‘EcoDynamics+’ powertrain pairs Kia’s new ‘Smartstream’ 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine with Kia’s 48V MHEV system, maximising fuel efficiency with electric torque assistance and regenerative braking.

EcoDynamics+ has been engineered to deliver greater efficiency from internal combustion engines on the road, seamlessly deploying and recuperating electric power. The system enhances the engine’s torque output with power from a compact 48-volt lithium-ion polymer battery, and extends engine ‘off time’ with a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator (MHSG) unit.

The new Smartstream engine replaces the Rio’s earlier ‘Kappa’-generation 1.0-litre T-GDi, and is equipped with Kia’s advanced Continuously Variable Valve Duration (CVVD) technology, among a variety of other innovations. CVVD allows the engine to switch seamlessly between different combustion cycles depending on load, maximising efficiency in all driving situations. The Smartstream engine produces the same power as the previous Kappa engine line – 100 ps or 120 ps – but enables 16 per cent higher peak torque output for 120 ps variants (200 Nm).

Official performance and efficiency figures for the upgraded Rio’s mild-hybrid powertrains will be announced closer to the car’s on-sale date.


Latest Smartstream petrol powertrains

The advanced Kia Rio also offers major adjustments to its current range of petrol engine options, maximising efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions, and improving driveability.

Thinking about the Rio’s use in urban areas and markets, Kia engineers have also upgraded the Rio’s Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system. The new brake-linked ISG system features increased savings be switching off the engine when both the brake and clutch pedal are pressed as the car comes to a stop. The engine revives when both pedals are release. Before, the system was linked only to the clutch. This small tweaking adds on to Kia’s improved fuel economy and lower emissions.

Official performance and efficiency figures for the upgraded Rio’s improved internal combustion powertrains will be announced nearer to the car’s on-sale date.


Upgraded infotainment with innovative UVO Connect ‘Phase II’ telematics

The Rio offers an updated touchscreen satellite navigation system, and is one of the first Kia models in Europe to offer the brand’s advanced ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect telematics system, improving the vehicle connectivity and control, and taking the stress out of journeys.

The updated Rio is fitted with a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen display, offering Display Audio or Satellite Navigation depending on vehicle specification. The new system also offers Bluetooth® multi-connection, allowing users to connect up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and multimedia use; the other for media use only.

Kia will reveal more details of UVO Connect ‘Phase II’ technologies before sales of the new model commence in Q3 2020.


Ingeniously refreshed – a clean and stylish exterior design

The upgraded Rio has a new front design giving it a more stylish and cleaner look. Other tweaks enhance the car’s design, creating a tasteful and uncluttered appearance.

Two new exterior colours are presented with this updated model. Perennial Grey and Sporty Blue, bringing the total number of paint palette options to nine, depending on specification and market. The upgraded model is also offered with a new eight-spoke 16-inch alloy wheel design.

Classy interior and new colour customisation options

Inside, the Rio features a variety of visual, material and technological upgrades to create a more classy atmosphere and improve quality. The main update is a new larger 8.0-inch widescreen, and a higher-resolution 4.2-inch digital display in the driver’s instrument cluster.

The Rio will be available in a new blue colour for its interior option, depending on vehicle specification nd market. This new look will improve the interior with colour seat bolsters, dashboard and door arm 0.

++9+54rests, matched with contrast stitching. Gt Lines models will be seen with a single-tone interior with white contrast piping and stitching on the seats, and a carbon fibre-effect dashboard for added visual pact.

Both standard and GT Line models are also now equipped with driver and optional front passenger seat height adjustability, helping front-seat occupants find their ideal position.

New ADAS safety technologies available

The updated Rio offers several of Kia’s latest Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian, vehicle and newly introduced cyclist recognition, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Blind Collision Warning (BCW).

On sale: updated Rio arrives in Europe in the third quarter of 2020

The updated Kia Rio will go on sale across Europe in the third quarter of 2020, with the company’s unique 7-Year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard.

UK speciication, pricing and on-sale date will be announced in due course.


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