Kia Motors presents a major update to the fourth generation of its versatile Rio, combining a renewed exterior and interior design with security and connectivity technologies typical of higher segment models. It also offers efficient powertrains, including the world’s first lightly electrified 48-volt auxiliary battery mild-hybrid engine combined with a gasoline engine. It is also equipped with one of the first applications of the new “intelligent” manual transmission with electronic clutch. The price of the basic version with a 1.2-liter gasoline engine and 84 horsepower starts at 11,250 euros, if the 5,375 euros of discount for all available promotions and discounts for financing with the brand are included. The Kia Rio offers as standard the warranty of 7 years or 150,000 kilometers.
The Rio is the South Korean automaker’s first model with a mild-hybrid powertrain (MHEV) with a 1-liter displacement T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) petrol engine and 48-volt auxiliary battery hybrid system. This maximizes fuel efficiency, reduces pollutant emissions and provides a electric torque-motor supplement complementing the power and the torque of the combustion engine powered by a compact 48-volt battery. It also makes it possible to extend the idle phases of the engine, by means of a new generator-starter unit connected to the crankshaft by a belt that seamlessly switches between “engine” and “generator” modes. In ‘engine’ mode, under throttle, the system provides electrical power boost to reduce engine load and emissions. As the car decelerates, it offers the ability, under certain conditions, to switch to “generator” mode to recover energy to recharge the battery.
In the gasoline engine range, the new Smartstream propeller equipped with continuously variable timing technology stands out, allowing the engine to change imperceptibly between the different combustion cycles depending on the load, which maximizes efficiency under all operating conditions. The Smartstream engine generates the same power as the previous range of engines, 100 or 120 hp, but increases the maximum torque by 16% in the 120 horsepower version. The Rio is also one of the first Kia models to be equipped with the new intelligent manual transmission with ‘electronic clutch’, which contributes to improved fuel efficiency and reduced CO2 emissions while maintaining the shape of use a conventional manual gearbox. Instead of a mechanical coupling, the clutch control is electronically controlled.
The new Rio range also offers a 1.2-liter naturally aspirated petrol engine, with innovative engine technology. indirect double injection and 84 horsepower. The 100 hp T-GDi engine has a six-speed manual transmission as standard and, as an option, the seven-speed “double clutch” automatic gearbox, previously available with the 120 hp version.
The new Rio features a touch screen navigation system and the brand’s UVO Connect phase 2 telematics system, which improves vehicle connectivity and control. It is equipped with a larger 8-inch (20 cm) touch screen, depending on the equipment. It also has multiple Bluetooth connection, which allows users to connect up to two mobile devices at the same time: one for hands-free phone use and the other for multimedia content and the other, only as a multimedia source. At the same time, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity is available on models equipped with the new 8-inch audio display system.
The fourth generation of the Kia Rio has a renewed front end that exudes sportiness. It retains the classic ‘tiger nose’ style grille, but narrower and combined with a lower and wider front bumperas well as with a new fog lamp housing. The headlights incorporate a new LED-type configuration, integrating the daytime running lights. It is also offered with a new 16-inch diameter eight-spoke alloy wheel design.
The Rio is also available with a new option for interior customization, the all-black and red Pack Sport package. This adds a touch of color and style to the cabin in places like the seat bench, dashboard and door armrests, combined with contrast stitching. The GT Line trim is offered with a single-tone black interior with contrasting white piping and stitching on the seats, as well as a carbon-fiber-effect dashboard. Both the standard versions and those of the GT Line range are equipped as standard with height adjustment of the driver’s seat and optionally, in the case of the front passenger.
The new compact multipurpose of the South Korean brand includes advanced systems of helps drivingsuch as Forward Collision Avoidance Assist with Pedestrian, Vehicle and Cyclist Recognition, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Fatigue Detection and Rear View Blind Spot Vehicle Alert. In addition, it now offers several new active safety systems within the Kia LFA safety system. Depending on equipment, the new range includes Blind Spot Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, Intelligent Cruise Control and Lane Following Assist.
The LFA safety system also controls acceleration, braking and steering depending on the position of the vehicles in front and the road conditions. It can be activated up to a speed of 180 km / h, uses camera and radar sensors to keep a safe distance with the vehicle in front, while controlling road markings to keep the Rio in the center of its lane. Lastly, the new Rio also features braking torque vectoring, rear perpendicular collision avoidance assistance, cornering and linear stability control, plus six airbags and ISOFIX child seat mountings.
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