Kia stopped being a newcomer years ago. With each new launch, the Korean firm establishes its path in the old continent, a territory that has been especially good for it. What’s more, the brand closes being the sixth best-selling in Spain and the one that has registered the most private cars in the Peninsula and the Balearic Islands, ahead of the national Seat. The Kia Rio is one of the models that have helped it position itself but competes in a complicated segment: the subcompact or B. The update was necessary so that the fourth generation of the Rio could fight against models like the Dacia Sandero, Renault Clio and Peugeot 208.
This facelift not only affects its design, it also marks the first introduction of 48V Mild Hybrid technology at the firm. The official presentation was made before the end of the year and you can read it in this gallery. We have finally been able to get behind the wheel and see how these improvements feel, focused on reducing consumption and emissions in order to reduce tax rates and wear the ECO environmental badge. This last objective has been achieved in the so-called 1.T-GDi that will be identifiable by the EcoDynamics badge on its tailgate. These versions of light hybridization mount a new 1.0 tricilíndico gasoline block with powers of 100 and 120 CV. Those looking for a more economical Kia Rio can opt for the access version, with an 84 hp atmospheric block and a price from 11,250 euros with discounts .
It is a deep restyling, with some notable novelties such as the new 8-inch central screen and a small, 4.7-inch, in the instrumentation panel. The infotainment system allows the connection by bluetooth of two devices and it is possible to incorporate the UVO Connect Phase II, with last mile navigation, car location, route dispatch and many other telematic solutions. The snow in Madrid was beginning to give us a break so it was time to put the most urban and youthful model of the Korean firm to the test, also willing to meet on getaways with small families or with friends.
