2006 Kia Rio5 Preview

Much the same can be said about the car's tail, which has also been toned down. The scalloped tailgate, deemed too bold for

The radical backend of the concept car has been seriously toned down for the production model. (Photo: Kia Canada)

production, was replaced with a flatter panel, while the waterfall LED tail lamps were ousted for red-and-white tinted tail lamps. Also changed is the rear portion of the upper window line, which has been filled in with black plastic to form a complete arch. A thin lip spoiler on the upper ledge of the liftback replaces the concept's wild wing, rounding out the cheerful looking compact.

Where the Sport Concept featured a high-performance 200-horsepower turbocharged engine, we regret to inform you that the mass-produced version will be offered with dramatically less-powerful motors. Kia will offer three engines - two gasoline powerplants, and a new common-rail turbodiesel motor. The diesel, developed by Hyundai, is a first for the Rio, and will be a vital component to its success in European markets. As usual, it's unlikely that we'll get this economical inline-four due to poor quality fuels and a general lack of demand.

As for petrol-power, Kia will serve up the Rio5 with a choice between a

The Rio5 will be available with two gasonline engines in North America, and a third diesel version for Europe. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, Canadian Auto Press)

1.4-litre and a 1.6-litre inline four. The former is a new, high-efficiency 16-valve design which develops around 97 horsepower and 95 lb-ft of torque, impressive figures for its pint-sized (OK, three pint) displacement. The other motor is also an all-new design, featuring variable valve timing to improve performance and fuel economy. Peak performance for the larger motor is 110 horsepower and 107 lb-ft of torque. While it's uncertain whether the smaller engine will make it to North America, the larger one has already been confirmed, making it the most powerful car in its class.