The latest Kia Rio joins the exciting lineup of cars from the South Korean automotive manufacturer. Aimed at younger markets looking to add vibrance and personality to their daily commute, the Rio sets out to dazzle owners with generous specifications and affordable pricing.
From humble beginnings, Kia has tremendously grown its brand in the South African car market and is now one of the country's leading automotive manufacturers, according to NAAMSA vehicle sales reports. One model in particular has had a major impact on these sales figures is the subcompact Rio.
Will the latest generation Kia Rio help the brand further establish itself as an automotive giant in South Africa? Let's see what it has in its arsenal.
The first-generation Kia Rio was launched in 1999 and was designed to be an affordable, mass-produced car. It was introduced to specific markets, each having its own unique name; in the United States it was known as the Rio Cinco, while in Canada it was known as the Rio RX-V.
This first generation was released in sedan and station wagon variants, and the 2002 facelifted model continued this same offering.
Kia launched the second-generation Rio model in 2005. Not only did it feature a complete redesign, but the new model was also available in hatchback. This is the model which made its way to South African shores.
The third-generation Rio, introduced in 2011, again featured a whole new design approach, with distinct differences between the hatchback and sedan variants.
The latest generation Rio, unveiled in 2018, saw another complete redesign, where Kia opted to style the new generation with a more modern body with sharp and edgy detailing.
Designing a stylish, modern, yet simple vehicle is no easy task, but Kia pulled it off with the Rio's straight lines and sharp edges. The large grille and flowing headlights create a powerful stance and presence.
In the interior, drivers are met with a cluster of buttons and switches which operate an array of features. These include park distance control, which helps guide drivers into tight parking spots with ease. The centre console is dominated by a large infotainment system screen which displays entertainment and vehicle information, such as satellite navigation and air conditioning settings.
Added safety features include anti-lock braking system (ABS), airbags, central locking, and ISOFIX. Other features include front and rear electric windows, electric side mirrors, steering wheel controls, and USB connectivity.
The entry-level Kia Rio is available with a 1.2 L petrol engine which produces 62 kW and 120 Nm of torque while emitting 135 g/km of CO2 emissions.
Please note: Certain specifications are limited to vehicle model range and optional extras.
Kia South Africa offers vehicle finance assistance in the form of an instalment agreement and balloon payment option on all models. The Rio can be financed through any Kia South Africa dealership located across the country.
Alternatively you can use our car quotes tool to get discounted quotes from accredited dealers.
The base model Kia Rio 1.2 LS MT retails from R243,995.
Kia ensures customer support for Rio owners through their three-year/unlimited km roadside assistance and five-year/unlimited km motor warranty. A four-year/60,000 km service plan is also available on selected models.
Connect with a Kia dealership near you to discuss the warranty and service plan options of the specific model you're looking for.
Kia does not have in-house comprehensive car insurance but does offer RenewTech, an insurance product that covers your car if it suffers small chips, dents, and scratches. Kia also offers Adcover, which pays the difference between your car insurance payout and the shortfall owing on your finance deal if your car is written-off.
The Ctrack vehicle theft report lists Kia among the top five biggest car theft risk brands in South Africa. Keep this in mind when you apply for Kia Rio car insurance. Despite this, you can still get a great deal on your Rio car cover. Simply compare car insurance quotes online using the hippo.co.za car insurance comparison tool and you'll get a range of options to choose from within minutes. So before you commit, hippo it.
Prices quoted are correct at the time of publishing this article. The information in this article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, legal, or medical advice.
