New Car: 2012 Kia Rio

Kia has taken the wraps of its all-new, important Rio supermini, ahead of its world premier at the Geneva motorshow. The 2012 Rio will arrive in three bodystyles; a 3dr hatchback, 4dr sedan, and 5dr hatchback. No estate/station wagon has been confirmed, however, we can expect a quasi-SUV in the future.

According to Kia, the Rio "combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that communicates Latin flair", whatever that means. The Rio now features a racier fascia, futuristic headlights with LED daytime running lights, a recognised C-pillar, and a dynamic stance.

The new look is supposed to "inject emotional appeal into the B-segment" and appeal to vital demographic of buyers, 25 to 49 year-olds.

When up against the outgoing Rio, the new model is 55mm longer, 15mm lower, and 25mm wider. The wheelbase is stretched by 70mm to 2,570mm, to offer more rear passenger comfort and larger cargo capacity. The 3dr Rio will feature a 292 litre boot, while the 5dr increases that to 390 litres.

Living under the bonnet will be a 1.1 CRDi developing 69bhp (70PS/51kW) and emit 85g/km. A 1.4 litre and 1.6 litre petrol and diesel engines will also be available and will be linked to both a 5 speed, 6 speed manual, and a 5 speed automatic. A 1.2 GDI (Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection) will be offered in Europe in early 2012. U.S specification Rio’s will be equipped with the 138bhp (140PS/103kW) 1.6 GDI engine.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, KIA Motors Corporation, commented: “This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car that people will want to buy for its looks.” Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units. UK sales from launch total 52,626 units.

UK sales start in September, with sales of the sportier 3dr starting in early 2012.

Press Release:

Kia Motors Corporation has today revealed the first official photos of the forthcoming next generation Rio, which boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the newcomer in line with the rest of Kia's striking design-led model range.

Tasked with the difficult job of improving upon the remarkable international sales success of the previous generation model, the new Kia Rio will be available in 3- and 5-door body styles in Europe, and has been designed to appeal to customers all around the world.

New Rio has 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 new Rio a dynamic sporty stance. The balance of the window graphic, wheelbase and overall proportions generates a ‘premium presence' which is rare in this segment. Overall, new Rio combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that communicates Latin flair.

The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres (hatchback) and 390 litres (sedan). Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width) to enhance the feeling of sportiness.

Inside, the new model will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models - together with a wide selection of trim options.

Kia's B-segment newcomer will be manufactured with an extensive range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 gasoline and diesel engines - including a 1.1-litre diesel unit generating 70PS, with CO2 emissions from as low as 85 g/km. An all-new, high-performance 1.2-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available from 2012.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, commented: "This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car which is extremely attractive, that people will want to buy for its looks." Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company's third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units.

The world premiere of the new Kia Rio will be celebrated at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 - alongside another all-new product for Kia, the next generation Picanto city car - during its press conference, taking place at 16.15 (CET) on the Kia stand in Hall 6. Also being displayed at Geneva, and making its European debut, is the innovative hybrid version of Kia's stunning Optima sedan, scheduled to go on sale in the US market later this year.