New Models
New Models

2021 Kia Rio facelift due in Australian showrooms in July

Australia's best-selling city car gains upgrades to technology, safety and styling.


Kia has announced the details for its updated Rio hatchback, with the refreshed model due to arrive in Australian showrooms in July.

The refreshed Kia Rio gains upgrades to safety, technology, infotainment and styling across its S, Sport and GT-Line variants.

Kia Rio S and Sport models will be powered by the familiar 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine (74kW/133Nm) matched to a six-speed automatic transmission or six-speed manual from the current model.

The Kia Rio GT-Line gets the same 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder engine as before, however power has been reduced from 88kw to 74kW with an unchanged torque of 172Nm. The engine is mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.

The drop in power is ascribed to powertrain production prioritising the European market, where a new efficiency- and emissions-focused 48V mild-hybrid system and Smartstream technology maintains the previous 88kW output while upping torque to 200Nm.

Importantly – if more from the perspective of Kia and regular commuters rather than enthusiasts seeking more performance – the unchanged 172Nm torque figure should ensure the facelifted Rio accelerates about as quickly as the outgoing model.

Inside, there is a new, larger 8.0-inch touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto standard across the Rio lineup.

A new 4.2-inch digital display is part of the instrument cluster of Sport and GT-Line variants.

The top-tier GT-Line also gets full climate control and an automatic window defogger that operates whenever the climate control system is switched on.

Kia Rio Sport now comes with autonomous emergency braking for cars, pedestrians and cyclists – a feature previously offered as standard only on the GT-Line.

Exterior styling has been updated on the new Rio, with a more pronounced front bumper a new foglight design.

Perennial grey and sporty blue also join exterior paint options, bringing the total to six for S and GT-Line trim, and seven for Sport variants.

When will the updated 2021 Kia Rio come to Australia?

The updated 2021 Kia Rio is due in Australian showrooms in July. Local pricing will be announced closer to its debut.

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