Manual cars with naturally aspirated engines are in shorter supply these days. So, driving a new offering is a refreshing and welcome change from the bevy of turbocharged automatics on the market.
Among the (mostly smaller) passenger vehicles that offer both these features is the compact hatchback Kia Rio, a popular and important model in the Kia line-up.
However, it competes in the hotly contested B-segment locally, facing stiff competition from other hatchbacks, like the Ford Fiesta, Hyundai i20, Toyota Yaris and VW Polo.
The Rio, though, has undergone a bit of a nip and tuck. Apart from a minifacelift, it now offers better infotainment and connectivity features, and increased standard features.
Of more significance perhaps is that another model has also been added to the range, the affordable LS grade, benefitting from a more powerful 1.4-litre powerplant. While the 1.2-litre LS still provides the entrylevel point to the Kia Rio range, Kia have now added an LS model in both manual and automatic to its 1.4-litre line-up.
The refreshed Rio range retains its four specification grades, namely LS, LX, EX and the halo model in the Rio range, the Kia Rio TEC.
finweek hopped behind the wheel of the newly introduced Kia Rio 1.4 LS manual.
Discreet facelift
This story is from the 23 April 2021 edition of Finweek English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the 23 April 2021 edition of Finweek English.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
THE HEALTH OF SA'S MEDICAL SCHEMES
As the Covid-19 pandemic abates, finweek takes a look at the financial performance of some of the largest players.
The effect of Gilbertson's departure
With Ntsimbintle Holdings now the major shareholder of Jupiter Mines, it could change SA’s manganese industry.
Making money from music
Why investors are increasingly drawn to the music industry.
Conviction is key
Sandy Rheeder plays a critical role in Mukuru’s mission to open up financial services to the emerging consumer market in Africa through tailor-made technology solutions and platforms.
The post-pandemic toolkit
How CFOs can use technology to support growth.
Big city living exodus
Mini cities like Waterfall City and Steyn City are redefining city-style apartment living.
Big compact, big value
Handsome, with a hefty level of standard specification, the roomy Haval Jolion compact crossover is a great value proposition.
On barriers to entry
There are various ways in which a company or sector can achieve competitive dominance. They usually make for good investments.
Fear and greed in one index
To buck the trend, when markets are hot or cold, is a tough thing to do. However, it can deliver solid returns.
Africa's largest data centre facility coming soon
Vantage Data Centers plans to invest over R15bn for its first African data centre facility in Attacq’s Waterfall City.
