2006 Kia Rio5 Preview

From the technical specifications list, the Rio5 doesn't appear to offer anything special. It rides on a

Compared to the current 5-door RX-V, the new Rio5 is already shaping up to be a much better vehicle in terms of its design. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

small, compact chassis that has MacPherson struts in front and a space-saving torsion beam in rear. Of course, power steering will be standard, but really, this means little as the previous car utilized these readily-available technologies. What will count, however, is the way the car rides, steers and corners. Kia's press release beams that the car will deliver "responsive handling and a supple, comfortable ride," but we'll reserve our comments until we drive it.

Regardless of how well it drives, the new Rio5 is already shaping up to be a much better vehicle in terms of its design. Space has been used more efficiently by reducing overhangs and creating a 'cab forward' body. At less than four metres (less than 157.8 inches) long, the new Rio5 is both shorter than the RX-V model it replaces, but also the 4.2 metre (165.4 inch)-long new-generation sedan. The more compact length sees a slight increase of width by 15 mm (0.6 inches) and a whopping growth in height and wheelbase length - an incredible 50 mm (2.0 inches) taller, and 90 mm

The Rio5 is the production version of the Sport Concept that Kia debuted last September at the 2004 Paris auto show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

(3.5 inches) longer, respectively. These increases will, without a doubt, project the Rio from cramped to reasonably spacious.

If the Rio5's styling may be familiar to you, this is because the production variant was previewed last September at the 2004 Paris show with the Sport concept. In the transformation to a production model, the concept's sleek, Lexus-like lines and toned figure may have been lost, but the general shape and profile have been maintained. Definitely taller, the Rio's facial details including the headlamps and grille have been stretched upwards, while the fascia is finished with black plastic rub strips instead of sleek, wrap-around LED appliqué.