The fourth-generation Kia Rio goes on sale in the UK today priced from £11,995 OTR.

There are 10 versions in three trim grades – badged 1, 2 and 3 for simplicity, while a limited-run First Edition model tops the range, at £17,445 OTR.

With new ‘high-tech’ engines, improved fuel efficiency and emissions, a more ‘mature driving experience’, Kia also describes the new Rio as featuring greater space and style while introducing state-of-the-art connectivity and driver assistance systems for the first time. The new Rio will now be sold as a five-door model only.

The £11,995 OTR gains you entry to the Rio ‘1’ trim, with the 1.25-litre, 5-speed manual. Grade 1 models come with air conditioning, front electric windows with an automatic function on the driver's side, remote locking, electrically adjustable heated door mirrors, a 3.8-inch display screen, Bluetooth, automatic light control, bi-function projection headlamps and cornering lights and LED daytime running lights as standard.

There are body-coloured bumpers, door mirror casings and door handles, steering wheel-mounted audio controls and 60:40 split rear seats. A four-speaker audio system is standard, while safety provisions include Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).

Grade 2, priced from £13,745 OTR, supplements this with 15-inch alloy wheels in place of similar-sized steel wheels, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gearshifter, electric windows at the rear as well as the front, electric folding mirrors with LED indicator lights, a digital DAB radio, a 5-inch colour display screen, a six-speaker audio system, a reversing camera and rear parking sensors, a 3.5-inch premium supervision cluster, rear as well as front USB charging ports, cruise control with a speed limiter and Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning systems. There is chrome trim around the black radiator grille, premium black cloth upholstery and a centre storage box.

Additional features on Grade 3, which starts at £16,295 OTR, include 16-inch alloy wheels, automatic air conditioning with a defogging system, black faux leather upholstery, a 7-inch display screen, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel, rain-sensing front wipers, privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate, satellite navigation, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity and Bluetooth with voice recognition.

Finally, the First Edition version adds 17-inch alloys, a smart key entry system and engine start/stop button, stainless steel pedals, black and red faux leather upholstery and LED rear lights.

Depending on model, the new Rio is available in a choice of seven exterior colours. Sienna Brown is the standard choice, with Clear White as a no-cost option and Satin Silver, Graphite, Midnignt Black, Smokey Blue and Blaze Red as premium options.