In 2009, Kia introduced a facelifted version of its already known Rio subcompact vehicle.
It was the right car at the right moment.

The 2008 world economic crisis hit hard in the automotive industry. On the other hand, Kia just stormed the market with the compact-sized cee’d hatchback and its seven-year warranty. Since most of the people wanted a reliable, trustworthy vehicle, the cee’d success was granted. In 2009, Kia introduced the facelifted version for the subcompact-sized range, the Rio.

The Rio’s design was signed by the Italian institute I.DE.A., who was responsible for other success stories in the automotive industry. From the front, the Rio showed the same front fascia for the entire range. Its sharp, triangular, and curved headlights received clear lenses and a smoked interior. For the hatchback, the greenhouse line was ended abruptly behind the rear axle. The arched window line hid the thickness of the C-pillar. In the rear, the redesigned taillights featured a clear lens over the v-shaped reversing lights.

Inside, there were hardly any modifications to the dashboard. Apart from a new LCD digital clock on top of the center stack, it was hard to tell the difference. The interior space was the same, and up to five passengers were able to fit inside, but with limited room for the rear ones. Like on any hatchback, the rear bench seatback was folding.

Under the hood, Kia installed the same engines but updated in terms of European pollution regulations.