Kia whipped the covers from its all-new Rio compact in Melbourne. The full range will comprise three-door, four-door and five-door versions, but Kia says the first to arrive will be the five-door hatchback, due locally late September.
The fourth-generation Kia Rio is the largest yet – compared to its predecessor 50mm longer, 25mm wider, 15mm lower and with a 70mm longer wheelbase (2570mm).
Power comes from two petrol engines - either Kia’s 79kW/135Nm 1.4-litre, or the 103kW/167Nm ‘Gamma’ direct injection 1.6-litre.
Like other recent Kias, the latest Rio has trashed the styling manual and looks like no other before it – bold, distinctive and aerodynamic with a roofline that’s distinctly coupe-like. And for a compact car the new Kia Rio packs a punch – how about available 17-inch alloy wheels and LED daytime running lights.
Inside is a totally new look with numerous cues to the larger Kia Cerato – such as the good-looking cylindrical gauges.
And of course Kia being Kia, there is an armada of safety and driver aides which make a mockery of the likely sticker price.
