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Kia has revealed the first official photos of its upcoming next-generation Rio, which will make its official debut in Geneva alongside the Picanto.
The new Rio will be available in three body styles (3-door and 5-door hatch, as well as 4-door sedan), and the company says that the B-segment offering will have a premium presence that’s rare in this segment.
The vehicle gets its own interpretation of Kia’s signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. In profile, the body to glass ratio and its strong wedge form give the hatch a dynamic, sporty stance.
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The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm – to 2,570 mm – and promises greater passenger space and comfort, as well as increased cargo capacity to 292 litres (hatchback) and 390 litres (sedan). Exterior dimensions changes include an increase of 55 mm in overall length and 25 mm in overall width, though its height has been reduced by 15 mm over the old one to give the new Rio a sportier stance.
Inside, the new car will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models, together with a wide selection of trim options.
The Rio will get six engine choices in all, depending on market, from a 69 hp 1.1 litre diesel unit for Europe up to a 1.6 litre GDI pot producing 138 hp for North America. Europe will also get an all-new, high-performance 1.2 litre turbo GDI unit from 2012.
