Kia has refreshed and upgraded its Picanto and Rio range.
Simplifying the model structures, Kia has added extra equipment and new trim grades, meaning there are now three trim grades in the 5-door Picanto line-up – ‘1 Air’, ‘SE’ and ‘Sport’. The entry-level ‘1’ model has been discontinued, but the range pricing continues to start from £8,545.
The new Picanto entry-level 1 Air version gains air conditioning as a free upgrade. This model also now benefits from Bluetooth, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and front seat belt height adjustment as no-cost additions.
The new mid-range SE grade has all the equipment that was standard on the previous ‘SR7’, plus automatic air conditioning and Kia's Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system with the manual gearbox. This grade is offered with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and a manual gearbox from £10,395, or a 1.25-litre four-cylinder unit with automatic transmission from £11,395.
The new Picanto Sport model’s looks are enhanced by new front and rear bumpers and a twin-tipped exhaust tailpipe. There are also additional side sill mouldings painted to match the body colour. The ‘Sport’ models are finished in exclusive red, black or white paintwork. Sporty-looking five-barrel 15-inch alloy wheels shod with 175/50 tyres are the final finishing touch.
This is complemented by the equally sporty interior, says Kia. The seats are in grey/black faux leather with red cloth cushions and backrests to match the inserts on the doors. There are aluminium pedals with non-slip rubber pads, while the centre fascia, steering wheel bezel and gearshifter top are finished in gloss black.
Standard equipment includes satellite navigation, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and a speed limiter. Sport models are powered by the 1.25-litre engine and are available with a manual gearbox and ISG from £11,995 or with automatic transmission from £12,595.
The new Rio 5-door line-up consists of ‘1 Air’, ‘SE’, ‘3’ and ‘4’ grades. As with the Picanto, the new five-door Rio ‘1 Air’ now includes air conditioning yet is offered at the same price as the former grade ‘1’ model from £10,945.
The new Rio SE is available with a 1.25-litre petrol engine or a 1.1-litre diesel, priced from £12,995 and £14,295 respectively. The SE features all the equipment which was standard on the former ‘SR7’ it replaces, plus a ‘significant package’ of extra items – automatic air conditioning, front fog lights, a supervision instrument cluster, a rain sensor, cruise control and speed limiter, electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors with integrated indicators.
Rio grades ‘3’ and ‘4’ are unchanged and retain their higher spec level.