South Korean automaker Kia has revealed the 2020 Rio facelift which is set to go on sale starting from Europe towards the third quarter of this year. The Rio is in currently in its 4th generation that first made its appearance at the Paris Motor Show in September 2016.
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Now after almost 4 years, the 2020 Rio facelift not only features revised styling & equipment revisions but also becomes the first Kia model to be powered by a mild hybrid system, dubbed EcoDynamics+.
The setup consists of a Smartstream 1.0 liter turbocharged three-cylinder T-GDi petrol engine that is paired to a 48-volt lithium-ion battery and a mild-hybrid starter-generator (MHSG) unit. According to Kia, the EcoDynamics+ powertrain reduces CO2 emissions by up to 10.7%. It also produces the same power as the previous Kappa T-GDi engine lineup it replaces but with 16% more torque. The mild hybrid powertrain is available with a new intelligent Manual Transmission (iMT) that uses a “clutch-by-wire” system that integrates with the car’s start-stop function, where the MHSG switches off the engine before coming to a halt, improving overall fuel efficiency.
2020 Kia Rio facelift
In terms of styling, the changes are primarily located at the front, with a new front bumper featuring distinctive new fog lamp housings, a slimmer signature tiger nose grille for a “more focused appearance” and LED headlamps offered as standard. Additionally, there are new 16-inch eight-spoke alloy wheels as well as two new exterior colors – Perennial Grey and Sporty Blue added to the palette.
Interior of 2020 Kia Rio facelift
Inside, the biggest change is the 8-inch infotainment touchscreen that comes with the latest “Phase II” UVO Connect telematics system. Depending on the trim level, the system can come with satellite-based navigation function and will include Apple CarPlay and Android Auto support. Also new is the higher-resolution 4.2-inch display in the instrument cluster as well as a new interior customization option in the form of a new blue color pack. Both standard and GT Line models are now equipped with driver and optional front passenger seat height adjustment function.
Kia Rio GT-Line
As for available safety and driver assistance technologies, the 2020 Kia Rio’s Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian, vehicle and newly introduced cyclist recognition, Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Blind Collision Warning (BCW).
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Other additional systems include Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Intelligent Speed Limit Warning (ISLW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Rear Occupant Alert (ROA), and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert. Equipment including 6 airbags, Isofix child seat anchors, Vehicle Stability Management (VSM), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Straight-line Stability (SLS) are all standard on the new 2020 Kia Rio facelift.
A 4th gen Rio (pre-facelift) at Kia dealership in Karachi
Kia-Lucky in Pakistan has been showcasing the 4th gen Rio (pre-facelift) on various occasions. It was also spotted testing on our roads several times but the launch of this vehicle never occurred. Now with the 4th gen Rio facelift set to arrive in international markets we will have to wait & see when exactly the Kia Rio makes it to the Pakistani roads.
A computer animation professional with over 23 years of industry experience having served in leading organizations, TV channels & production facilities in Pakistan. An avid car enthusiast and petrolhead with an affection to deliver quality content to help shape opinions. Formerly written for PakWheels as well as major publications including Dawn. Founder of CarSpiritPK.com
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