Kia Rio gets a very minor face tuck and update

The Kia Rio lives in an increasingly tricky B-segment, challenging domain dominated continuously by one of the best selling vehicles in the country VW polo, accounting to 35% of all sales in the segment. Will higher low and mid-range spec updates make it harder to be outshined? Kia thinks so and well we at TheMotorist believe so too.

2020 Kia Rio: Looks and design 

The Kia Rio has received a minor facelift with changes mainly to the front bumper’s front design, with a new design to the headlights, tiger-nose grille, and the foglight encloser. 15-inch alloy wheels are now standard across the range.

2020 Kia Rio: Interior 

Simplicity is again the key feature to the interior updates, all models now featuring an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system, equipped with Carplay Bluetooth and Andriod Auto. USB ports front and rear now allow for USB charging and a 6-speaker audio system. The materials are of impressive quality and help dissipate noise and vibrations. Space internally is remarkable given the large dimensions and the cabin is plentiful for a car of this class, with room for people and luggage.

2020 Kia Rio: Specification and updates 

For the updated Kia Rio range the LS entry-level grade gains side airbags to bringing the total up to six, Isofix seat anchors, electric mirrors and windows, 60/40 split rear seats, steering controls and telescopic adjustment for the steering wheel. The LX spec is boosted with ESC and hill assist control. The higher-grade TEC and EX bring forth automatic air-conditioning, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED rear combination lamps, cruise control, alloy pedals, leather upholstery, rear park assistance system with camera and 17-inch alloy wheels. Two new colours join the lineup with the addition of Metallic Urban Grey and Sporty Blue.

2020 Kia Rio: Engines and driving dynamics 

The Rio range features naturally-aspirated 1.25Litre and 1.4Litre engines, the former producing 61kW and 120Nm and the later 73kW and 135Nm. The five-speed is linked to a five-speed manual with the 1.4 offerings related to either a six-speed manual or automatic. The 1.25L offering decent enough at lower speeds and drives very smooth and effortlessly but can feel anaemic at higher rates, the 1.4 being the litter’s pick, especially when linked to the manual box. The LS model proved fantastic with supple suspension, low road-noise, and an engine that seemed eager throughout the rev range. The sixth ratio proved truly useful when cruising at higher speeds. The minor updates feel more than the typical facelift, and the overall refinement to the entirety of the vehicle is through and works, brilliantly. The lack of the turbocharged engine my appear to be a dispelling factor, but the strong pricing makes it very hard to remove the idea of the Rio. Is not only worth shortlisting but is easily a top three b-segment contender.

2020 Kia Rio: Pricing 

Kia Rio models come standard with an unlimited kilometre/five-year warranty.Kia Rio 1.2 LS Manual — R280,995Kia Rio 1.4 LS Manual — R291,995Kia Rio 1.4 LS Auto — R308,995Kia Rio 1.4 LX Manual — R306,995Kia Rio 1.4 LX Auto — R323,995Kia Rio 1.4 EX Manual — R319,995Kia Rio 1.4 EX Auto — R336,995Kia Rio 1.4 TEC Manual — R344,995Kia Rio 1.4 TEC Auto — R361,995