ELECTRIC POWER SUPERIOR CLASS TECHNOLOGY AND REPROPOSED DESIGN FOR Kia RIO 2020

- Rio's facelift features include the first mild-hybrid petrol propulsion system       developed by Kia
- 'Clutch-by-wire' intelligent manual transmission increases engine efficiency
- Improvements to the efficiency of the range of propulsion systems, including the new 'Smartstream' engine 1.0-liter T-GDi
- The second generation of the advanced infotainment and telematics system UVO Connect offers technologies often found in cars in the upper segments
- Updated exterior design offers a more attractive and bold look
- Interior design has been refreshed, offering new color customization options
- New state-of-the-art technologies for driver safety and assistance include the Lane Following Assist system, the Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system and the blind spot assistance system. (Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist)
- Enhanced Rio model to be launched in Europe in the 3rd quarter of 2020

The improved Rio (facelift) model combines an updated exterior and interior design with state-of-the-art safety and infotainment technologies. The new model also offers drivers new efficient propulsion systems - including the brand's first 48V mild-hybrid petrol system, combined with one of the first applications of the new 'clutch-by-wire' intelligent manual transmission developed by Kia.

Emilio Herrera, Chief Operating Officer of Kia Motors Europe, said: “Rio is an important car for Kia in Europe and around the world and is a first contact with the Kia brand for many drivers. The improved model is based on the strengths of the car - practicality, quality and technology - on the new electrified propulsion systems, the refreshed design and the advanced safety and telematics features often found in cars in the upper segments. We are confident that these improvements will make the Rio model more successful than ever. ”

Sales in Europe of the upgraded Kia Rio will begin in the third quarter of 2020. It is marketed with Kia's unique 7-year, 150,000-kilometer standard car warranty.

Driving systems The
new EcoDynamics + gasoline mild-hybrid propulsion system, coupled to the new intelligent manual transmission
The Rio is the first Kia car to be powered by a mild electric hybrid gasoline (MHEV) propulsion system. The new 'EcoDynamics +' propulsion system combines the new 'Smartstream' 1.0-liter T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) petrol engine with the 48V MHEV system developed by Kia, maximizing fuel efficiency with the help of additional torque from the electric motor and regenerative braking system.

EcoDynamics + technology has been designed to provide increased efficiency of the internal combustion engine, using propulsion and then recovering electrical power. The system supplements the torque of the heat engine with the power provided by a compact 48-volt lithium-ion battery and extends the decoupling periods of the engine with a new Mild-Hybrid Starter-Generator (MHSG).

The MHSG is connected by a belt to the crankshaft of the motor and switches between the 'motor' and 'generator' modes. In 'engine' mode, during acceleration, the MHSG provides electrical power to reduce engine load and emissions. As the car decelerates, the MHSG has the ability to switch to 'generator' mode, recovering power from the crankshaft to recharge the battery.

The new Smartstream engine replaces the previous generation of the 1.0-liter 'Kappa' T-GDi engine available for the Rio model and, among other innovations, is equipped with advanced CVVD (Continuously Variable Valve Duration) technology developed by Kia. CVVD technology allows the engine to switch between different combustion cycles depending on the load, maximizing efficiency in all driving situations. The Smartstream engine offers the same power as the previous Kappa engine - 100 or 120 hp - but allows a maximum torque 16% higher for versions equipped with the 120 hp engine, ie 200 Nm.

Overall, the new EcoDynamics + propulsion system reduces the CO2 emissions of the Rio model by values ​​between 8.1% and 10.7% (combined NEDC cycle) and is offered for both 100 hp and 120 hp engine versions. Both 48V propulsion systems will be equipped with the Drive Mode Select system, giving drivers the opportunity to customize their driving mode with 'Eco', 'Sport' and 'Normal' modes.

The Rio EcoDynamics + model is one of the first models offered by Kia that is equipped with the brand's new intelligent manual transmission (iMT). The 'clutch-by-wire' system contributes to the high efficiency of the MHEV system and the reduction of CO2 emissions, while maintaining the same driver involvement offered by conventional manual transmission.

Instead of a mechanical connection, the clutch of the iMT transmission is completely electronically controlled. It integrates perfectly with the MHSG unit to stop the heat engine earlier than the ISG (Idle Stop & Go) start-stop system when the car is “coasting”, improving fuel efficiency.

Official information on the performance and efficiency of the improved Rio's mild-hybrid propulsion systems will be announced near the start of marketing.

New Smartstream petrol propulsion systems
The improved Kia Rio offers major overhauls of its existing range of petrol engines, maximizing efficiency, reducing CO2 emissions and improving the driving experience. Like the EcoDynamics + versions, the Rio line of models is now offered in Europe with a range of Smartstream petrol engines - the new 1.0-liter T-GDi engine offering 100 hp and a new version of the 1.2-liter aspirated Kia engine with innovative technology Dual Port Injection that offers a power of 84 hp.

Also, the 1.0-liter T-GDi engine that produces 100 hp is now offered with the six-speed manual transmission - replacing the previous five-speed manual transmission - and the Kia dual-clutch, seven-speed (7DCT) transmission.
 

Kia engineers have also upgraded the Rio's Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system to support car use in urban areas around the globe. The new ISG system connected to the brake offers additional fuel savings by stopping the engine when both the brake and clutch pedals are depressed when the car is stopped. The engine restarts when both pedals are released and the car is in the gear selected by the driver. Previously, the system was connected exclusively to the clutch pedal. This small adjustment helps to improve fuel economy and reduce Rio's emissions.

Official information on the performance and efficiency of the improved Rio's internal combustion propulsion systems will be announced close to the start of marketing.

Technology
Updated infotainment system with innovative second-generation UVO Connect * telematics technology
The Rio model offers an updated touch screen navigation system and is one of the first Kia models in Europe to offer the second-generation UVO Connect * telematics system , improving car connectivity and control and making travel more enjoyable.

The improved Rio model is equipped with a larger 8.0-inch touch screen display that offers audio display and satellite navigation, depending on the car's specifications. The new system also offers multiple Bluetooth connectivity, allowing users to connect up to two mobile devices simultaneously - one for hands-free phone use and multimedia use and another for media use only. Its advanced screen sharing functionality allows users to control or monitor different car features at the same time, customizing the screen with a series of widgets. The system offers wireless connection with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto applications on models equipped with the new 8.0-inch audio display,

By offering the UVO * system, Rio is among the first Kia cars to offer the new generation II telematics technology. Rio offers drivers access to a wide range of on-board services, in addition to real-time traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, fuel prices and details of parking locations on the street or in specially designed areas - including prices, locations and availability. The system also has online voice recognition, supported by server technologies, which allows users to give voice commands, search for nearby points of interest, addresses, weather updates or send text messages.

The UVO app *, compatible with Apple and Android smartphones, also offers a range of features specific to the second generation of the system, allowing owners to remotely activate a range of features. Depending on the country, users can remotely send route directions to their car before a trip, check the car's location, and access diagnostic reports and notifications about their car. Kia will reveal more details about the second-generation UVO Connect technology before the model goes on sale in the third quarter of 2020.

* The UVO Connect system and the UVO app are only available in certain markets in Europe.

Exterior design
Subtle changes - a simple and refined exterior design
The improved Rio model has a refreshed front design that exudes style and sportiness. The changes simplify the design of the car, creating a simple and tasteful look.
 

The car offers a series of design updates for 2020. The refreshed design retains the specific 'tiger-nose' grille, narrowed for a more focused look and matched with a wider, lower spoiler, which includes the new fog lamps. These changes give the front of the car a more fluid look, but at the same time more dynamic, instilling a more confident presence. All models now have optical blocks with LED technology that include DRL daytime running lights.

Two new exterior colors have been introduced for the improved Rio model, Perennial Gray and Sporty Blue, so the total number of available colors has reached nine, depending on the specifications and the marketing market. The improved model is also offered with 16-inch wheels with eight spokes, with a new design.

Interior design
Superior interior atmosphere and new color customization options
Inside, Rio offers a range of visual, technological and material upgrades to create a superior atmosphere and enhanced quality. The main update is the new 8.0-inch display and the 4.2-inch high-resolution digital display of the driver's dashboard.
 

Rio is also available now with a new interior customization option in the form of a new blue color package, depending on the car's specifications and market. This adds extra color and flair to the cabin, with the side elements of the colored seats, dashboard and door armrests, matched with contrasting stitching. The GT-Line models are offered with a black interior, in a single tone of color, with white stitching on the seats and a dashboard with carbon fiber effect for an additional visual impact.

Both the standard and GT Line models are now equipped with height-adjustable seats for the driver and optionally for the passenger, thus helping the occupants of the front seats to find their ideal position.
 

Safety
New advanced technologies for driving assistance and safety available
The improved Rio model features some of the latest advanced driving assistance systems developed by Kia, such as the frontal collision avoidance assistance system for pedestrians, vehicles and more recently, cyclists (Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist). Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW) and Blind-Spot Collision Warning (BCW) .

Moreover, the Rio model now offers several new active safety systems to improve passenger safety.

Depending on the specifications, the new range of advanced driver assistance systems includes the latest version of the frontal collision avoidance assistance system developed by Kia (FCA) and is also available with the blind spot collision avoidance assistance system (BCA - Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist) **, Intelligent Speed ​​Limit Warning (ISLW), Smart Cruise Control (SCC) ** and lane keeping assistance system (LFA - Lane Following Assist (LFA)).

The LFA system in collaboration with the SCC system controls the acceleration, brakes and steering depending on the cars in front, under certain traffic conditions. Operating at speeds below 180 km / h, it uses a video camera and radar sensors to maintain a safe distance from the car in front, while monitoring road markings to keep the Rio model in the center of its lane. The Rio model also offers the Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA) and the ROA - Rear Occupant Alert.

Finally, depending on the specifications, the Leading Vehicle Departure Alert is available as a top innovation. If the driver stops the car in heavy traffic conditions or at a red traffic light, the system alerts him if the car in front starts to move and the driver of the Rio does not notice it. This system helps to avoid embarrassing situations in which other road users "remind" the driver to move.

The improved Rio model is equipped as standard with the stability management system developed by Kia (VSM - Vehicle Stability Management), the electronic stability control system (ESC), the cornering braking control system (CBC) Brake Control) and Straight-line Stability (SLS), systems that help drivers maintain control of the car during braking and cornering.

The improved model is equipped with six airbags available throughout the cabin, but also with a seat with ISOFIX child restraint system.