2015 Kia Rio driven

Kia South Africa’s argument with its best-selling Rio seems to be, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,’ so for now, the popular Rio soldiers on with the same four-pots as before and only minor style changes. The Rio, with 471 000 units sold in 2014 alone, remains Kia’s bestselling model globally, too.

Upon being revealed at the Paris Motor Show in 2014, it was clear to see the updated Rio retains the core attributes that proved so popular with owners, while wearing slight visual and interior enhancements to the 2015 model.

The only visual difference is a front bumper with aero blades that could’ve been pinched from the facelifted VW Scirocco, which in-turn pinched them from the air intakes of a Ferrari Testarossa. There’s also a lardier rear bumper that makes it look like a Fiat Punto, new alloy wheel designs and some piano black plastic on the dashboard.

As before, two body styles, two engines, and three transmissions are on offer across the range. Both the Rio hatch and Rio sedan will still be available with the 65kW/120Nm 1.2 with the 5-speed manual transmission. While the 79kW/135Nm 1.4 comes with a choice of either a 6-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Kia’s taken a similar approach to re-tuning the suspension and steering geometry: they’ve done nothing at all. But at least the standard 5-year/150 000km warranty and 4-year/60 000km service plan remains, and that’s a good thing.

PRICE LIST

1.2 Manual R176 995.00

1.4 Manual R199 995.00

1.4 Auto R211 995.00

1.4 TEC Manual R212 995.00

1.4 TEC Auto R224 995.00

NEED TO KNOW Kia Rio 1.4 TEC M/T

PRICE R212 995 ENGINE 1398cc, 16v, 4-cyl petrol, 79kW @ 6300rpm, 135Nm @ 4200rpm TRANSMISSION 6-speed manual, front-wheel drive SUSPENSION  MacPherson strut front, compound link/torsion tube rear LENGTH/WIDTH/HEIGHT  4035/1734/1474mm WEIGHT  1190kg PERFORMANCE  11.5secs 0-100kph, 183kph top speed, 6.4/100km, 151g/km