2021 Kia Rio: Facelifted hatchback features smart new looks, more tech and a hybrid option too

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For its 2021 mid-cycle refresh, Kia has given its fourth-generation Rio a significant upgrade with the changes including styling tweaks, ‘big car’ safety and infotainment technology, as well as the carmaker's first petrol 48-volt mild-hybrid system. Image Credit: Kia

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Aesthetically, the updated Rio features subtle exterior changes which include a new, narrower ‘tiger-nose’ grille, a lower and wider front bumper with new fog light housings, and new full LED headlights with integrated daytime running lights. Image Credit: Kia

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The exterior refresh also includes new 16in alloys in an eight-spoke design while two new colours have been introduced by Kia - Perennial Grey and Sporty Blue. These bring the total number of paint options to nine. Image Credit: Kia

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But the big news is that the 2021 Rio becomes the brands first model to be powered by a petrol mild-hybrid electric vehicle (MHEV) powertrain. Kia calls it the ‘EcoDynamics+’, and it pairs the new ‘Smartstream’ 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) three-cylinder engine with a 48V MHEV system for increased fuel efficiency via electric torque assistance and regenerative braking. Image Credit: Kia

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It shares the electrified Smartstream engine with the all-new Hyundai i20 and is available in the same power outputs as the previous Kappa engine: 99 horsepower or 118 horsepower. The more powerful unit now delivers 16 per cent higher peak torque of 200Nm. Image Credit: Kia

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Kia also claims the new EcoDynamics+ powertrain cuts the Rio’s CO2 emissions by between 8.1 per cent and 10.7 per cent on the combined NEDC cycle. Both mild-hybrid powertrains will be equipped with a Drive Mode Select system consisting of Eco, Sport and Normal modes. Image Credit: Kia

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Customers can also opt for revised Smartstream conventional petrol engines. The refreshed interior features a new 8.0in touchscreen, complemented by a higher-resolution 4.2in digital display in the instrument cluster. It also packs an upgraded infotainment system featuring Bluetooth multi-connection, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. And when it comes to safety, it has the brand’s latest Advanced Driving Assistance Systems (ADAS), such as Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with pedestrian, vehicle and cyclist recognition, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Blind Collision Warning. Available systems include Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Intelligent Speed Limit Warning, Smart Cruise Control, Lane Following Assist, Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist, Rear Occupant Alert and Leading Vehicle Departure Alert. Image Credit: Kia

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2021 Kia Rio: Facelifted hatchback features smart new looks, more tech and a hybrid option too

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