The 2010 Rio is the latest Kia model to receive an injection of design dna from Kia Motors' German-based chief designer Peter Schreyer.
The new Tiger Nose grille that is the focus of the re-styled front of the new Rio is just one of a number of a significant improvements made to the 2010 model year Rio, which is just arriving in New Zealand showrooms. The five-door Rio hatchback is the first to appear and will be joined within weeks by the four-door Rio sedan.
But it's not just a different face that makes the latest Kia Rio stand out, there are a surprising number of changes to the 2010 model that equate to a significant update - the latest from Kia, which has already launched an all-new Soul, Cerato, Sorento R, Cerato Koup and revised Magentis this year.
The Kia Rio has received a completely new, restyled, front end, integrating key features such as the Tiger Nose grille and a bolder front bumper that incorporates a larger, sculptured air intake. New, twin-light headlamps and bolder fog lights also add to the sharper front-end styling, as well as improving visibility at night and in poor conditions.
The rear of the Rio has a new bumper complete with a plastic diffuser and exposed chromed tail pipe similar to the recently released Cerato Koup. Stylish new eight-spoke alloy wheels, body-coloured mouldings and re-designed side mirrors with LED turn signals built into the housing round off the exterior changes.
Inside, the 2010 has a brand new dashboard featuring a textured surface, plus new grey colours and upholstery materials to lift the look of the interior and provide a more luxurious environment. A revised centre stack with new audio system, redesigned instrument clusters with new orange-red lighting (including a trip computer) and new climate control knobs are the key differences.
Other interior changes include a new three-spoke, soft-feel, multifunction steering wheel incorporating sound system controls and aluminium foot pedals. The changes have been designed to be a complete package that raises the bar with the new Kia Rio.
The 1.6-litre CVVT (Constantly Variable Valve Timing) petrol engine, which boasts 82kW of power and 145Nm of torque is still among the best in class with an average 6.5L/100km fuel consumption for the 5-speed manual model - an automatic transmission is optional.
The 1.5-litre Common Rail Diesel (CRD) engine, which is among the most frugal power plants in New Zealand with an overall economy figure of 4.5L/100km, continues to be available in the new 2010 Kia Rio and comes with a 5-speed manual gearbox as standard.
Rio has been one of the top selling models for Kia Motors in New Zealand in recent years and the arrival of the updated car will provide the brand and the Kia Motors network another boost to its now very powerful range going into 2010.
"Collectively, the changes have made a substantial difference to the Rio and will appeal to buyers looking for a stylish small car," says Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand Ltd.
"The Rio now takes on board the corporate Kia Motors ‘design dna' that we've already seen in the other new models launched this year and we are surprised and delighted by the difference that it has made. The styling has turned the Rio into a much more exciting vehicle and will undoubtedly draw more customers to brand and product."
Mr McDonald says the arrival of the new Rio means that Kia has now replaced and updated 60% of its entire model range in less than a year and more excitement is planned for 2010, adding that it is an exciting time to be involved with the Kia brand.
One thing that has not changed with the new Kia Rio is the pricing, which starts at $21,990 for the 1.6-litre petrol, five-speed manual, five-door hatchback. That driveaway price includes all on-road costs, such as registration, Warrant of Fitness, a 5-year/100,000km factory warranty programme, 24-hour roadside assistance, a full tank of fuel and the first 1500km service.
* The views and information in this press release are solely from the company listed in the release. If you have any questions please contact the company directly.
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