New looks and extra kit for refreshed Kia Rio

As previewed at last year’s Paris Motor Show, the Kia Rio has undergone a light facelift for 2015 – featuring revised looks, new trim and improved standard equipment.

The supermini benefits from new front and rear bumpers, as well as a redesigned lower air intake. The fog light housings now feature twin chrome bars, while at the back there’s a new number plate strip and restyled reflectors.

Kia says the interior has made a welcome jump in quality, too. All versions now sport high-gloss black trim, while top-spec ‘3’ and ‘4’ models also boast a seven-inch touchscreen sat-nav. DAB radio is standard on all Rio models, as are electrically adjustable heated door mirrors.

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Upgrade to the ‘1 Air’ and you’ll add all-important air conditioning, but most buyers will opt for trims ‘2’ and above. Buyers of this model gain 16-inch alloy wheels, front fog lights, a cooled glove box and electrically adjustable folding door mirrors. The ‘3’ spec adds 17-inch wheels, automatic air-con, LED daytime running lights and rain sensing wipers. Cruise control, heated front seats and tinted windows are also included.

The range-topping ‘4’ model, as introduced in 2014, adds keyless go, an electric sunroof, a heated steering wheel and leather seats.

What’s more, each and every Kia Rio comes with the same level of safety kit. Electronic stability control, electronic brake force distribution and hill hold assist are all standard, as are a host of front, side and curtain airbags.

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The engine line-up is unchanged, meaning customers get a choice of two petrol and two diesel units. The most economical is the 1.1-litre diesel, with stop-start technology as standard. The very basic ‘1’ – without air conditioning – will do a 88.3mpg and emit just 86g/km of CO2, making it one of the most economical superminis on the market. However, even the more powerful 1.4 diesel will return more than 70mpg.

Prices start from £10,345 for the basic three-door petrol – around £900 more than before. The generously top-of-the-range five-door ‘4’ model with the 1.4-litre diesel engine costs £17,445.

What do you think of the new Kia Rio? Let us know in the comments below...