Kia Rio sketches out

Longer, lower and wider than the existing Rio, the new model is designed appeal to “progressive, energetic consumers who want a stand-out design.”

Kia describes the new Rio as the next big step in the company’s ongoing design revolution. As with all new Kias, the newcomer was overseen by the firm’s Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer. The new car features the firm’s trademark tiger’s snout grille, swept-back headlights like those on the current Sportage, and a sculpted crease which runs back from the front wheel up the car’s side.

Inside, Kia has worked to up the level of quality of the trim in a bid to attract customers who are downsizing from larger, plusher models.

The Rio will be powered by revised versions of the 1.5-litre diesel and 1.4-litre petrol engines used in the current car, while a downsized 1.2-litre turbo petrol unit joins the range. 

Despite coming to the end of its life, the current Kia Rio remains the company’s third best-selling vehicle, selling more than 205,000 units worldwide in 2010. As far as the new model is concerned, the five-door model arrives first, going on sale here in September, while a sportier three-door arrives at the start of 2012.