Kia’s all-new Rio compact sedan and hatchback have made their world debut at the New York International Auto Show.
Headlining another chapter in Kia’s remarkably stylish design portfolio, the new Rio lineup goes on-sale in North America in the third quarter of this year, ahead of Australian introduction.
The new Rio is crucial for Kia Australia’s sales growth, so expect a significant local market launch.
A creation of Kia’s North American styling studios in Irvine, California, the all-new Rio certainly looks the part, with some cues to the stylish Optima mid-size sedan and Sportage compact SUV. The front is highlighted by a slim-line version of Kia’s new signature grille and large, radically-curved headlights.
With a wheelbase of 2570mm, the all-new Kia Rio is slightly larger than the current model and this translates into enhanced space in the handsome interior with its contemporary three-cylinder instrument cluster and two-tone trim colours. North American models run a UVO/Microsoft hands-free communications and entertainment system and comprehensive options packages called ‘Convenience’, ‘Eco’ and ‘Premium’.
Under the bonnet, all-new Kia Rio features a 1.6-litre direct injection petrol engine with 100kW of power (a major improvement over the current model’s 82kW engine) and drives through six-speed manual and automatic transmissions. Despite the extra performance, Kia says the new Rio returns fuel consumption as low as 5.8l/100kms – helped by standard auto stop/start.
Kia Australia will announce the local details closer to Australian launch
