Six is better than four and Kia has made this a reality for its Rio range that now sports a 6-speed automatic transmission.

The new unit replaces the old 4-speed box that served the fourth-generation Rio since its launch in June of last year.

The new transmission provides increased performance. Kia’s 1,4-litre MPI engine produces 74 kW at 6 300 r/min and 135 Nm at 4 200 r/min. Mated with the new 6-speed automatic transmission, acceleration to 100 km/h improves from 13,2 seconds to 12,9 seconds, while maximum speed increases from 166 km/h to 175 km/h.

The Rio 1.4 is available with three specification options, namely the mid-spec LX, a mid-high spec EX and the high-spec TEC (the Rio 1.2 LS remains unchanged in the line-up).

The Rio 1.4 LX features an extensive list of standard features, including air-conditioning, power windows, electrically operated side mirrors, central locking with an alarm and immobiliser, a radio system with RDS as well as MP3, auxiliary and USB connectivity, six speakers, steering wheel-mounted remote audio controls, a rear USB charging port, rake and reach adjustable steering, automatic headlight control, front fog lights, LED Daytime Running Lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.

The next derivative in the range – the Rio EX – builds on the already extensive standard features of the LX model through the addition of projection headlamps and LED rear combination lamps, as well as a 7-inch Touchscreen Infotainment System that incorporates a Rear Park Assist System with integrated rear-view camera, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

The range-topping Rio TEC adds further comfort and convenience to the EX grade through the addition of machine-finished 17-inch alloy wheels, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, as well as Cruise Control, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, alloy pedals and leather upholstery.

The Rio range is priced as follows:
Rio 1.2 LS 5-speed Manual R 230,995
Rio 1.4 LX 6-speed Manual R 247,995
Rio 1.4 LX 6-speed Automatic R 264,995
Rio 1.4 EX 6-speed Manual R 261,995
Rio 1.4 EX 6-speed Automatic R 278,995
Rio 1.4 TEC 6-speed Manual R 288,995
Rio 1.4 TEC 6-speed Automatic R 305,995

An optional sunroof is available for Rio TEC models for an additional R8 000. All Rio’s ship as standard with Kia’s 5-year / Unlimited Kilometre Warranty, inclusive of 5-years / Unlimited Kilometres Roadside Assistance.

The Rio 1.2 includes a 2-year/30 000 km Service Plan, while the Rio 1.4 includes a 4-year / 60 000 km Service Plan.