
The new Rio takes the sober design
of the current model and adds a smeck of aggression, it
is slightly longer, lower, and wider than the outgoing model with a marginally
longer wheelbase as well. At the front
is a thinner and wider version of Kia's "tiger nose" grille, and
headlights that incorporate a new U-shaped LED daytime running light signature getting rid of the somewhat cheap
look of the outgoing model.
With
the complete makeover, the Rio is entering its fourth generation this year with
production slated for the end of 2016. Kia tells us it has been designed in
both California and Germany. They promised lots of tech and they have fulfilled
just that by making the small hatchback the first in its class to offer
Autonomous Emergency Braking and Pedestrian Recognition. Not only that, the Rio
will also come with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay Smartphone integration. Yes,
the latter is already common on larger cars but the Rio is among the first to get both
connectivity apps. Owners will also find a “floating”, high-resolution touch screen
on the dashboard, a varied selection of upholstery colours and smoother plastic
surfaces, but in an apparent case of “you can’t have it all” the hatchback
still doesn’t get real leather in its more expensive models.
Headlining
the engine range in the new Rio is a new three-cylinder 1.0-litre turbocharged
unit, which is tipped to be the best seller. It’s offered in 99bhp or 118bhp
power outputs, with both engines producing the same 127lb ft of torque. Kia has
yet to confirm economy or CO2 figures for the new Rio, but this engine is
expected to come in below 100g/km in both power outputs. The engine’s light
weight should also help improve the handling, Kia claims. Two normally
aspirated four-cylinder petrol engines – an 84bhp, 90lb ft 1.25-litre and a 99bhp,
97lb ft 1.4-litre – are also offered alongside a 1.4-litre turbodiesel with
either 69bhp or 89bhp. The diesel will be the most economical Rio in the range
and will have CO2 emissions of less than 90g/km.
Kia brought the new generation Rio
in the 5-door hatchback body style in Paris; the 4-door sedan and 3-door
hatchback versions should follow next year, if planned.
The Korean manufacturer moved
473,000 Rios across the 6 continents last year making the Rio its biggest global
seller. Whether the next gen will beat the class leading Ford Fiesta ST to its
game still remains to be seen, we shall be watching.
ETA: 2017
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