While
family cars have started being replaced by crossovers and SUVs, superminis are
doing quite well and won’t go anywhere in the foreseeable future. The fourth generation Kia Rio is one of
them, as it was put into production in 2017 and will soon go through its first
mid-cycle refresh. A prototype of the facelifted subcompact hatchback was
recently scooped in motion on public roads by cARSCOOPS spy photographers.
The
vehicle was almost entirely covered in heavy camouflage which, alongside the plastic
cladding, prevents us from discerning the major changes. Nonetheless, the front
and rear ends should be updated with new bumpers and perhaps tweaked lighting
units, and the Korean automaker is probably prepping new wheel designs and a
revised color palette.
This likely suggests that Kia has somehow tweaked the interior, although
we couldn’t tell you exactly what’s new here. Logically, the infotainment system
might have been improved and the trims and upholsteries are probably different
compared to the outgoing iteration, but that’s just a guesstimate.
The
engine lineup should go through a few revisions too, with focus on improved
fuel efficiency and carbon dioxide emissions to meet the latest regulations. We expect Kia to introduce the Ford
Fiesta, Opel Corsa, Peugeot 208, Volkswagen Polo and Renault Clio rival
sometime next year, likely as a 2021 MY.
