After oversized wheels, another popular
design feature in the car industry is the big grille. It’s not all about luxury
automakers like Audi and BMW – even Kia seems to be planning such a feature for
the 2021 Rio. The subcompact hatchback was spied once again sporting heavy
camouflage on the front and back ends as well as the doors, so trying to spot
some of the changes is close to impossible.
However, if it’s one thing that’s expected
to change, that’s the size of the upper and lower grilles, as they’re
reportedly about to become bigger. We have yet to confirm this rumor and will
perhaps have to wait until the end of this year or early 2021 for the Korean
firm to uncover the refreshed Rio and clear up the mystery.
Besides the larger grilles, the subcompact
model should get redesigned lights at both ends, revised bumpers, new wheels
and probably a revised color palette. The visual makeover will help Kia keep
the Rio in the market for a few more years, hoping to steal more sales from
more established superminis such as the Volkswagen Polo, Ford Fiesta, Peugeot
208 and Opel/Vauxhall Corsa.
The small hatchback is likely to feature a
few changes inside as well, with a new infotainment system seemingly on the
list, alongside different trim and upholstery options. In order to fall in line
with the latest emission standards, the 2021 Rio is believed to get a few
changes in the engine family. However, without official hints or internal
leaks, it’s pretty much impossible to tell what will be new under the bonnet.
