2018 Kia Rio receives more suave exterior design; roomier and upmarket interior; India launch likely in 2019
South Korean auto major Kia has revealed the 2018 Rio sedan and hatchback. Pricing of the updated Rio range has been announced for US market and it starts from $13,900 (Rs. 8.97 lakh approximately). In the US market, Kia will sell the Rio hatchback and sedan in three different trim options that are LX, S and EX. The top-end trim EX is priced $18,400 (Rs. 11.87 lakh approx) for the sedan and $18,700 (Rs. 12.06 lakh approx) for the hatchback.
Both the hatchback and the sedan are expected to launch in India sometime in 2019, when the brand enters domestic market. The Kia Rio hatchback is based on the Hyundai Elite i20 and it will be the latest entrant in the highly in demand premium hatchback segment of the country. The Kia Rio sedan will lock horns with Maruti Suzuki Ciaz and Honda City upon arrival.
Also read: Kia Rio Sedan’s India Launch Likely in 2019 – All You Need to Know
Speaking about the design of 2018 Kia Rio range, both the hatchback and sedan come with suave and more stylish design compared to the previous models. They don a cleaner look that not only enhances style, but helps with aerodynamic efficiency as well.
Both the cars share same lightweight platform that also offers rigidity. In terms of styling, both of them share several elements at exterior and inside the cabin as well along with several features. The new tiger nose front grille with sleek chrome trims, muscular front bumper add zing the models.
Also read: 20+ Expected Upcoming Cars at 2018 Auto Expo
Inside the cabin, both the cars come feature packed and the top-end EX trims receive a large 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and voice recognition. Apart from that, other features include six speaker sound system with satellite radio, Bluetooth etc.
On safety front, both the cars are equipped with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), rear view camera etc. On the powertrain front, they get energy from same 1.6-litre GDI petrol engine capable of churning out 130 hp of peak power and 161 Nm of peak torque.
2018 Kia Rio – Gallery
