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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.