2020 Kia Rio facelift: A hi-tech hatchback with an electrified engine

Kia Rio, a subcompact hatch from the South Korean automaker, is one of the preferred options for the budget-conscious buyers or those looking to purchase their first car. Despite its affordability, it can stack up with any other hatchback and compact sedans in the market. Recently, the fourth-generation Kia Rio has received its first mid-cycle update. 

The new Kia Rio features a refreshed design, innovative safety and telematics, and newly electrified powertrains, marked as the strengths of the car. Let’s talk about these changes in detail.

2020 Kia Rio Exterior

In terms of cosmetic changes, the refreshed Kia Rio does not deviate much from the outgoing model. It features a narrower "tiger-nose" grille, a lower and wider front bumper, and new fog lights housing. With such modifications, the front end portrays a seamless and more functional appearance. 

All the variants are now equipped with new LED headlamps with daytime running lights. Moreover, the new eight-spoke 16-inch alloy wheels are also available in the latest iteration. The automaker has also added two new exterior colors to the nine paint palette options of the vehicle - Sporty Blue and Perennial Grey. 

Kia Rio Interior

Inside the cabin, the most significant modification comes in the form of a new larger 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a higher-resolution 4.2-inch multi-information display in the instrument cluster. The latest infotainment system features the new 'Phase II' UVO Connect telematics system. This improves vehicle control and connectivity, and ultimately, eliminates stress and hassle during travel.

For adding a dash of color to the cabin, a new blue color pack is also available for the customers. It includes a colored dashboard, seat bolsters, door armrests, and contrasting stitching. Moreover, Kia standard and GT Line models now have the driver and optional front passenger seat height adjustability feature.

Kia Rio Engine Specifications

Under the skin, Kia debuted an EcoDynamics+ powertrain with a new 1.0-litre Smartstream turbocharged three-cylinder T-GDi petrol engine, which replaced the 1.0-litre Kappa engine lineup. The new mechanical setup is mated to a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a mild-hybrid starter-generator (MHSG) unit. It makes the same power as the Kappa engines, i.e., 99 PS or 120 PS – but has a 16% higher peak torque for 120 PS variant making it 200 Nm. Kia claims that the new powertrain reduces CO2 emissions by between 8.1% and 10.7%.

The Rio EcoDynamics+ becomes one of the pioneer Kia models to have the brand’s new intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT). The clutch-by-wire system contributes to the lower CO2 emissions and improves the MHEV system's fuel efficiency. It also enhances the driveability of the standard manual transmission.

Kia Rio Safety Features

Kia has loaded the new hatchback with advanced driving assistance systems with an intent to improve the safety of drivers and occupants. It includes forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian and vehicle detection, blind collision warning, lane-keeping assist, driver attention warning, and newly-launched cyclist recognition.

Other additional systems are intelligent speed limit warning, blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, smart cruise control, rear cross-traffic collision-avoidance assist, lane following assist, vehicle departure alert, and rear occupant alert.

Kia Rio standard safety features comprise six airbags, Isofix child seat anchors, electronic stability control, vehicle stability management, straight-line stability, and cornering brake control.

The new upgrades will definitely bolster the position of the Kia Rio within the highly competitive B-segment. It is slated to go on sale in European countries by the third quarter of this year and possibly come to Malaysia in the near future.

Also read: 2020 Kia Grand Carnival launched in Malaysia, priced at RM 179,888