Upgraded Rio Features Kia’s First Gasoline Mild-hybrid Powertrain
Kia Motors has announced a significant upgrade to the Kia Rio, a subcompact car now in its fourth generation. The upgraded model features a range of enhancements to reinvigorate the car’s position within the highly competitive B-segment.
The upgraded Rio pairs an updated exterior and interior design with ‘big car’ safety and infotainment technologies. The new model also offers drivers efficient new powertrains – including Kia’s first gasoline 48V mild-hybrid system, equipped with one of the first applications of the company’s new ‘clutch-by-wire’ intelligent manual transmission.
Emilio Herrera, chief operating officer for Kia Motors Europe, comments: “The Rio is an important car for Kia in Europe and worldwide, and is an entry point into the Kia brand for many drivers. The upgraded model builds on the car’s key strengths – practicality, quality and technology – with newly electrified powertrains, a refreshed design, and advanced safety and telematics features often found in cars many segments above. We are convinced these upgrades will make the Rio more successful than ever.”
European sales of the upgraded Kia Rio start during the third quarter of 2020. It is sold with Kia’s industry-leading 7-Year, 150,000-kilometer warranty as standard.