Kia has released images and details of its face-lifted 2015 Kia Rio which will get its global premiere at the 2014 Paris Motor Show this week.

ACCORDING TO KIA, Peter Schreyer, design boss at both Hyundai and Kia, has overseen the reworking of the Rio’s ‘tiger-nose grille’ and given the car a new-look front bumper and fog lights. The refreshed Rio will also receive three new alloy wheel designs (available in 15-, 16- and 17-inch) refresh the Rio’s profile and a new rear bumper completes the exterior makeover. In addition, two new paint finishes (Urban Blue and Digital Yellow) will be added to the colour line-up.

On the inside, the Rio’s cabin has had chrome accents added to the four dashboard vents and a new centre -stack around the audio system. Range-topping models have a new cloth trim as standard; grey faux leather is a cost-option. Other features inside include a new DAB digital radio and the next-generation of Kia’s audio-video navigation, although this will not be available in Australia.

And nor will Kia’s second-generation ISG technology (well, not from launch, anyway) which incorporates: automatic start-stop; advanced alternator control; an upgraded starter motor; and low-rolling resistance tyres). Here in Australia, the refreshed Rio will be available with either a 1.4-litre four-cylinder engine coupled to a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic or, in the higher specification grades, a 1.6-litre engine which comes standard with a six-speed automatic.

The refreshed 2015 Kia Rio goes on-sale in Europe in early 2015 with local sales expected to commence soon after. Final specification and details will be announced closer to the local launch.