It's Kia's most successful seller in South Africa so there's good reason for the Rio range to expand — the spunky B-segment contender gets a 1.6-litre sport model in both sedan and hatchback guises.

This new engine — a powerful four-cylinder with continuous variable valve timing (CCVT) — will be available with both a five-speed manual and four-speed automatic transmission. While fuel consumption is a claimed 6.4 litres per 100km, it pumps out 82 kW of power and 146Nm of torque which translates into a 0-100km/h sprint time of 10.2 seconds en route to a 190km/h top speed.

In keeping with the performance capabilities, 1.6-litre versions get a full-house of safety equipment, starting with front, side and curtain airbags and 'active' front head restraints which are designed to cradle the upper body and neck in event of a rear impact. The 1.6 models have the same brake specification as its high-spec 1.4-litre stable mate: ventilated discs at the front and drums at the back, with ABS and EBD assistance.

Like all other Rio models, the newcomer also has a host of 'passive' safety features such as front and rear fog lights, high-mounted brake light, height-adjustable headlights, and a wash/wipe function on the rear window of the hatchback.

While it shares these features with its 1.4-litre siblings, the newcomer is intended to stand out if parked side by side. Key exterior features include a grille with a trio of horizontal bars picked out in chrome, and a rear spoiler on the tailgate or boot lid on the Sedan version. Adding to the bigger-engine model’s presence are a set of 16-inch alloys shod with 205/45 rubber for better grip, sharper steering and a firmer ride.

Inside two options are available. The Sports package features red stitching on the perforated leather of the three spoke steering wheel as well as the seats which are upholstered in a mix of charcoal fabric and plush mesh. The red stitching extends to padded inserts in the door panels and the leatherette gearlever gait. There's a chrome finish on the door release levers and handbrake knob; the steering wheel spokes, hang down centre section surround, gear knob, and air conditioning control wheels get an aluminium-look finish on the. As a final signature line, the 1.6 versions get sporty metal pedals with rubber contact pads.

The Colour Package, meanwhile, has a red and charcoal leather trim on the steering wheel, seats and doors. Red transmission and air-conditioner knobs are added.

But in its transformation to a more performance-orientated package, the Rio hasn’t lost its practical features. A 60/40 split rear seat is fitted to both body shapes, with the possibility of two different backrest angles. The cushions are also split in similar fashion so that they can be tipped forward independently, increasing loading flexibility.

Modcons include an auxiliary input socket for the double-Din CD head unit with MP3 compatibility, a speaker constellation which includes a pair of front tweeters, electrically adjusted exterior mirrors, electric front and rear windows, central locking, and a driving computer.

The car comes with Kia’s five-year/100 000km warranty incorporating three-year/unlimited mileage roadside assistance. Servicing is required at 15 000km intervals or every 12 months whichever occurs first on all models.

Pricing:
Rio 1.4 Manual: R129 995
Rio 1.4 Automatic: R139 995
Rio 1.6 Manual: R149 995
Rio 1.6 Automatic: R159 995

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