Kia has refreshed and upgraded its ‘little titans’, the Picanto and Rio, with simplified model structures, extra equipment and new trim grades on its 5-door models to make them even more appealing in an increasingly competitive UK small-car market.

There are now three trim grades in the 5-door Picanto line-up – 1 Air, SE and Sport. SE replaces the former SR7 and 2 grades, with Sport taking the place of the 3 and 4 spec levels. The entry-level 1 model has been discontinued, but the range pricing still starts from £8,545.

The new Rio 5-door line-up consists of 1 Air, SE, 3 and 4 grades. SE takes the place of the previous SR7 and 2 grades and the former entry-level grade 1 has been discontinued. Rio 5-door pricing starts from £10,945 for the 1 Air – the same price as the old level 1 model.

With the new Picanto 1 Air offered at the same £8,545 price as the old 1 model, it means that this new entry-level version gains air conditioning as a free upgrade. This model also now benefits from Bluetooth, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and front seat belt height adjustment as no-cost additions.

The new mid-range SE grade has all the equipment that was standard on the previous SR7, plus automatic air conditioning and Kia’s Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system with the manual gearbox. This grade is offered with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and a manual gearbox from £10,395, or a 1.25-litre four-cylinder unit with automatic transmission from £11,395.

The new Picanto Sport’s sharp looks are enhanced by stylish new front and rear bumpers and a twin-tipped exhaust tailpipe. There are also additional side sill mouldings painted to match the body colour. The Sport models are finished in exclusive red, black or white paintwork. Sporty-looking five-barrel 15-inch alloy wheels shod with 175/50 tyres are the final finishing touch.

This is complemented by the equally sporty interior. The seats are in grey/black faux leather with striking red cloth cushions and backrests to match the inserts on the doors. There are aluminium pedals with non-slip rubber pads, while the centre fascia, steering wheel bezel and gearshifter top are finished in classy gloss black.

Standard equipment includes satellite navigation, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and a speed limiter. Sport models are powered by the 1.25-litre engine and are available with a manual gearbox and ISG from £11,995 or with automatic transmission from £12,595.

As with the Picanto, the new five-door Rio 1 Air now includes air conditioning yet is offered at the same price as the former grade 1 model from £10,945.

The new SE is available with a 1.25-litre petrol engine or a 1.1-litre diesel, priced from £12,995 and £14,295 respectively. The SE features all the equipment which was standard on the former SR7 plus a significant package of extra items – automatic air conditioning, front fog lights, a supervision instrument cluster, a rain sensor, cruise control and speed limiter, electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors with integrated indicators.

Grades 3 and 4 remain unchanged and retain the same equipment level.