Kia is launching the 2017 Rio in the UK. The new generation of the Kia Rio will be available only with the five-door bodystyle and comes with a stiffer body.

Customers are offered the company’s latest turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol engine which joins the revised versions of the 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre petrol units, as well as two versions of the 1.4-litre CRDi diesel.


The 1.0-litre T-GDi is offered with either 99 or 118 hp, with the former returning a combined fuel economy of 62.8 mpg and CO2 emissions of 102 g/km while the more powerful version scores 60.1 mpg and 107 g/km in the same areas. The most frugal version remains the entry-level diesel model which is powered by a 76 hp 1.4-litre engine and returns a combined 80.7 mpg UK and CO2 emissions of 92 g/km.

Kia has worked hard on taking advantage the stiffer body by revising the suspension as well, with more rigid front struts and a raised rear torsion beam to improve stability, updated springs and shocks and finally a steering wheel with improved feel.


The new Kia Rio is the first model in the segment that comes with Autonomous Emergency Braking as part of the model’s new driver assistance systems range which also includes a Lane Departure Warning system. Both systems are standard to ‘Grade 2’ models.

A seven-inch touchscreen infotainment system comes with Android Auto, Apple Car Play and Kia’s Connected Services with TomTom. These include features like live traffic updates, weather reports, speed camera locations and local point-of-interest searches.


The new Kia Rio kicks off at £ 11,995 in the Grade 1 spec with the 1.25-litre petrol manual and ranges up to £ 17,445 for the limited First Edition model which is powered by the 1.0-litre T-GDi which comes with 17-inch alloys, a smart key entry system, stainless steel pedals, black and red faux leather upholstery and LED rear lights.