The first generation Kia Rio received slight facelift and redesign, and was marketed in second generation with a 80 hp (60 kW) engine. The 2004 Kia Rio received upgrades in areas of brakes, suspension, headlights and grille, along with a brand new console as well as instrument panel.
Facelift to 2004 Kia Rio
The 2004 Rio was given different facelifts in different markets throughout the world. In European markets, the engine was modified to produce 80 hp (60 kW), rather than its earlier capacity of 75 hp (56 kW) at 5500 rpm. It could deliver a torque of 86 lb-ft (117 N-m) at 3000 rpm.
In Iran, the 2004 Kia Rio was a big sensation in terms of powerful acceleration, though the car had issues in terms of engine noise, and the SAIPA version also lacked Airbags, ABS and several other safety features too.
2004 Rio v/s 2010 Rio
The improvement in the 2004 model wasn’t too remarkable, and even the exterior styling remained more or less the same. The latest generation Rio models are quite different from the first and second generation models, while there was hardly any difference during the first two generations.
