Kia Ray facelift revealed – updated looks, engine

After teasing the car last week, Kia has finally pulled the wraps off the facelifted Ray. The Korea-only kei car-like box on wheels has been refreshed after six years on the market with a number of exterior and interior tweaks, plus a revised engine that is claimed to use less fuel.

The cutesy looks have been made even more toylike, with the signature tiger nose grille closed off (it’s now body coloured and features a dimpled pattern) and moved upwards to sit between the headlights, themselves featuring new graphics. There’s still an air inlet where the grille used to sit, and the one that sits below it has been made larger. The fog lights are smaller too, and sit within vertical pill-shaped surrounds.

In fact, Kia has gone to town with the pill shape, which adorns the new wing mirrors and the rear reflector cutouts. Meanwhile, the LED tail lights get C-shaped light guides, and a new garnish above the rear number plate recess mirrors the grille’s dimpled pattern. New 15-inch two-tone alloy wheels complete the look.

Kia Ray facelift revealed – updated looks, engine

The Ray retains the novel kerbside sliding rear door (the rest are normal portals), which opens up to the same upright cabin as before, with a 319 litre boot that can be boosted to 1,219 litres with the 60:40-split rear seats folded. There have been a few changes, such as moving from the previous Picanto’s distinctive two-spoke steering wheel to a new three-spoke item.

Also fitted a new gearknob and a redesigned centre fascia panel with a wider metallic bezel, while buyers now get the option of a seven-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity. Safety kit has been increased with the inclusion of an emergency stop signal and a rollover sensor for the six airbags.

Kia Ray facelift revealed – updated looks, engine

While the 78 PS/94 Nm 1.0 litre three-cylinder engine has been retained, it’s been tweaked to produce a 2.4% improvement in fuel economy, with a combined figure of 13 km per litre; a four-speed automatic transmission sends power to the front wheels. There’s no word yet on whether the EV model will be retained.

Kia is also offering a range of customisation options from the domestic-market Tuon range, including contrasting roof, door mirror and tailgate garnish colours, plus a grille appliqué. On the inside, accessories include ambient lighting, LED room and sun visor lighting, carpets and door sill scuff plates, and there are also pet-friendly items such as a mobile cage, a fence between the front and rear seats and seat covers.

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