We recently brought you news of Kia's line-up for this week's Paris show - well, now we have a bit more detail on the updated Rio and Venga models, as well as pictures of them.
Starting with the Rio hatch, it gets a revised 'tiger nose' grille that is the company's signature, a new front bumper and fog lights, while it'll roll on alloys of 15-, 16- or 17-inch sizes. There's a redesigned rear bumper, plus two new colours - Urban Blue and Digital Yellow.
Inside, the four vents in the dash now have chrome accents, there's a newly-designed centre stack for the audio system surround and range-topping EX models get a swish new cloth trim as standard; there's also the option of grey 'faux' leather on the EX. The next generation of Kia's audio-video navigation (AVN) with a seven-inch display screen is also on offer, alongside a DAB radio. These details have not been confirmed for Ireland as yet.
The Rio will have a range of engines going from 75- to 109hp, depending on the market, with front-wheel drive and a choice of two manual gearboxes (five- or six-speeds) or a four-speed automatic transmission. All Rios get the latest start-stop system (including advanced alternator control and an upgraded starter motor) and low-rolling resistance tyres to help save fuel.
Moving on to the Venga compact MPV, it too gets a tiger nose grille, restyling front and rear (including LED daytime running lights and rear lamps) and new designs of the larger 16- and 17-inch alloy wheels. There's a bit of chrome trim at the back that links the rear light clusters too. And again like the Rio, inside the Venga's audio surround has been redesigned, while dark metal trim with bright accents and two new seat trims help raise the quality feel of the cabin. Options include the AVN system and a heated steering wheel.
Depending on which market you live in, the Venga has a choice of six 1.4- and 1.6-litre petrol and diesel engines, with outputs running from 77- to 128hp. The Venga has the same three transmissions as the Rio, and the same start-stop system too - CO2 emissions for the Venga begin at 114g/km.
Anything else?
Both the Rio and the Venga should go on sale across Europe in early 2015. Michael Cole, the chief operating officer for Kia Motors Europe, said: "The Rio was our best-selling vehicle nameplate worldwide in 2013. Improvements to this model are of major significance for our brand. The immense popularity of the Rio shows that our designers and engineers got most things 'right' when creating the fourth-generation of our compact B-segment challenger in 2011. The Rio retains the core attributes that have proved so popular with owners, while enhancements to the 2014 model include a slight visual makeover, giving it a fresh exterior and interior look.
"The 2015 Kia Venga continues to offer all the practicality, versatility and reliability that European buyers expect, but a mildly refreshed appearance will boost the appeal of our compact MPV in the years ahead."