Concern Hyundai-Kia operates strictly on schedule: following updated Solaris an upgraded sister model Kia Rio is also preparing for release. And today the first images of the sedan for the Russian market have been released. Moreover, our Rio was lit even earlier than the Chinese variation under the index Kia K2, which debuted earlier than the Russian four-door in 2016.
As stated, the design of the updated Rio was developed by the vice-president of Kia Design China, Oleg Son, in collaboration with the Russian office of the company. And at first glance, Rio has more external changes than Solaris. The design and shape of the bumpers has been changed (thanks to this, the length of the car has increased by 20 mm), new headlights with LED running light blades have appeared, and the radiator grille has become larger and visually combined with the head light units.
At the stern there are unusual trapezium-shaped exhaust pipes (although only one of them is in effect), other LED lights, and an imitation of a diffuser in the bumper. Instead of a pin antenna on the roof, there is now a “shark fin”, which is painted black regardless of body color. Changed wheel design (15 or 16 inches). However, in the photos we were shown the Rio in the maximum configuration, and the more affordable versions will certainly look much simpler.
There are no interior images yet, as well as technical details. All this will be published later. An expanded list of options is expected, but the power units, like those of Solaris, are likely to remain the same: these are aspirated 1.4 MPI (100 hp) and 1.6 MPI (123 hp), six-speed “mechanics” and “automatic “. The sedan’s ground clearance will not change (160 mm). Pre-reform Rio now cost from 805 thousand to 1 million 115 thousand rubles, the increase in price should be small.
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