After releasing teaser sketches just one week back, Kia has officially revealed the new Rio hatchback, which will make its world debut at the Paris Motor Show.
The fourth-generation Kia Rio wears the latest evolution of the Korean brand’s tiger-nose grille. The headlamps, meanwhile, project a new U-shaped LED light signature.
Kia says the changes to the front of the car, including moving the foglamps outwards within the front bumper, were “designed to add greater visual width for a more stable overall look”. In reality, though, the new Rio is just 5 mm wider than its predecessor.
The hatchback also features a longer front overhang, a 10 mm longer wheelbase (at 2 580 mm), a thinner C-pillar, and a shorter rear overhang. Overall, the new car is 15 mm longer than its forebear at 4 065 mm.
Inside, the new dashboard is angled towards the driver, and at its centre is a new infotainment system. The Rio is set to be available with a choice of black or grey cloth seat upholstery, or with black or grey artificial leather.
The fourth-generation model will enter production towards the end of 2016 for Europe, with Kia saying “production timings for other regions [will] announced closer to launch in 2017”. From what we understand, though, Kia Motors South Africa is aiming to introduce the new Rio to the local market in the second quarter of 2017.
