New 2015 Kia Rio 5 Door Launched In Malaysia: Just 1 Variant, From RM79k

Surprise, surprise… Here is the new 2015 Kia Rio, right in Malaysia. Yes, the third-generation Korean hatchback has rather sneakily popped-up on Naza Kia Malaysia's website, with prices fully revealed prior to its official unveiling at the 1 Utama Shopping Centre.

LIVE GALLERY: Check Out The New Kia Rio In 1 Utama

It’s been two years now since the third-gen Rio made its local debut at The Curve, and now, it’s the updated model’s turn to take the stage, starting with a local website debut, prior to its roadshow debut on-going Kia On Tour roadshow will be on for the rest of the week (13^th to 17^th May), so best you hurry on down if you want to catch a glimpse of the new models here.

But even if you can’t, fret not: here’s a full look at the new 2015 Kia Rio (stay tuned for a full LIVE gallery from the on-going roadshow).

So what’s new?

For starters, Naza Kia’s previous line-up of a high-spec SX and a lower spec EX has now been reduced to just the one high-spec version – which means that its previous entry price point of RM76k is no longer. RM79,080 is what is asked for the sole 1.4 SX (unchanged from before), and that’s OTR with insurance and GST.

POWERTRAIN: Logically, Naza Kia aren’t fiddling with the feisty hatchback’s powertrain, leaving in the 1.4-litre MPI engine, and continuing to pair it with a four-speed torque converter automatic transmission. Resulting power is a retained 109PS and 137Nm of torque, while consumption figures are still rated at 6.0-litres/100km.

EXTERIOR: The 2015 Rio’s front-end bears lots of key visual changes that ought to help you identify new from old models on the road. While the headlamps have been left completely unchanged (still projector types with LED daytime running lights), the ‘Schreyer’ Tiger Nose grille has been slimmed down.

A little lower from there, you may notice that the fog lamps are exactly where they’ve been before, but the plastic fittings around it have been reworked and now include two horizontal blades running across. The front bumper is also relieved of the honeycomb mesh design beneath the plastic bar in favour of more horizontal lines.

Around the rear, a large plastic insert has been fitted to sort of resemble a diffuser, and is another key marking of the facelifted model. The rest of the rear-end, including its LED combi taillights, rear spoiler and more, have been left untouched.

There’s nearly no other changes on the car’s exterior, but for the new alloy wheel designs, which are also kept at their 17-inch dimensions.

INTERIOR: Some new treatment has been applied inside the cabin, with new chrome trim décor, and a minor restyling of the centre stack. Unfortunately, the seven-inch audio-video navigation (AVN) display screen we saw at the global unveiling of this model at the Paris Motor Show 2014 isn’t something we’ll be getting here in Malaysia – that’s a feature reserved for European markets only.

The Motor-Driven Power Steering (MPDS) is maintained, along with the fabric upholstery, single DIN radio unit, six-speaker Arkamys audio system, full-auto air-conditioning, and more.

Here's a list of key interior features and highlights:

• Fabric seats (Black)
• Radio with CD, MP3, Aux, USB and Bluetooth connectivity
• Steering wheel with audio control and Bluetooth connectivity buttons
• Arkamys six-speaker audio system
• Keyless entry with engine push-start button
• Sunroof
• 288-litre luggage compartment
• 60:40 split folding rear seat

SAFETY: Not that it really needed much more, but the new Rio’s safety features have been left untouched. This sees the car feature:

• Six airbags
• ISOFIX child seat anchors
• Rear Parking Assist System
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
• Electronic Stability Control
• ABS + EBD + Brake Assist
• Hill-Start Assist
• Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlock

Other Information:

Inclusive with the RM79,080 price is Naza Kia Malaysia's five-year, unlimited mileage warranty.