Kia launches new top-spec models
Kia is aiming to please customers looking for more luxury with the addition of luxury models across the range, as well as the increased availability of automatic transmissions on the Picanto and Rio models.
The Sorento KX-4 has become the Korean brand’s new flagship model. Though it still sports the same 2.2-litre diesel as the rest of the range, but customers will get extra specification. Parallel Park Assist, memory driver’s seat, 19in alloys and rear passenger door blinds all feature on the top-spec KX-4, and the model is set apart on the exterior by a silver mesh grille and chrome surround.
With the Pro_Cee’d GT a recent addition to the Pro_Cee’d line-up, Kia has added the ‘SE Tech’ model to the range, to sit above the standard Pro_Cee’d. Available only with the 1.6-litre turbodiesel engine and a six-speed manual gearbox, the SE Tech will do 0-62mph in 10.5 seconds and a top speed of 122mph.
Extra equipment on the SE Tech includes black leather seats with mesh inserts, electric sunroof, heated front seats, parking sensors, automatic parking brake and Parallel Park Assist. The instrument cluster also gets an LCD colour display that shows the chosen steering mode and the park assist status.
The previously top-spec Rio 3 has been succeeded by the imaginatively-named ‘4’, which improves on ‘3’ specification with convenience features like the smart key, electric sunroof, leather upholstery and heated steering wheel. In petrol guise, the Rio 4 emits 124g/km of CO2, while the diesel manages 105g/km.
Even the little Picanto citycar hasn’t missed out on a new trim level. The five-door ‘4’ has been rolled out as the range-topping model, powered by a 1.25-litre, 84bhp petrol engine mated to a five-speed manual and Kia’s stop/start system. The ‘4’ adds a sunroof, privacy glass and a UV windscreen to the standard ‘3’ trim’s specification.
In addition to these extra specs, both the Rio and Picanto are available in ‘3’ spec with an automatic gearbox. Both feature a four-speed unit previously only available on ‘2’ spec cars. However, the environmental figures take a hit with the 1.4-litre Rio jumping from 124g/km in manual guise to 150g/km with the automatic ‘box.