After seeing what Kia is now able to accomplish in the styling and design department, we were anxious to see what their next subcompact Rio would look like. We've shown you a couple of pictures of the hatchback model a couple of weeks ago, and now here's a little more information on the car.
The 4th-generation, 2012 Rio will be longer (+55 mm), wider (+25 mm) and lower (-15 mm) than the outgoing model. In addition, it will ride on a longer wheelbase, up by 70 mm or almost 3 inches. Kia claims much-improved passenger space and trunk volume (up 8 percent to 292 litres), while weight-saving efforts results in a bigger car that is marginally heavier than the old Rio.
A totally redesigned interior will boast higher-quality materials, while the European models will offer features such as keyless entry and start, a CD/MP3/USB stereo, cruise control, automatic climate control, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition will also be available at the end of the year, while certain markets will get dash pre-wiring to accept a portable navigation system.
Four engines will be offered in European versions of the Rio as well as an optional start/stop system.
No word on which engine will find its way under the hood of the North-American versions of the Rio, although it's unlikely that it will be one of the four mentioned here. For now, we'll assume it will borrow the 1.6L, 138-hp engine from the 2012 Hyundai Accent and Veloster.
Other highlights include electric-assist power steering, available four-wheel disc brakes with electronic stability control, backup sonar, an adjustable speed limiter, xenon headlights, LED driving lights and taillights as well as six airbags.
In Canada, a 5-door hatchback and a sedan will initially be introduced, followed by a 3-door version in early 2012.
The 4th-generation, 2012 Rio will be longer (+55 mm), wider (+25 mm) and lower (-15 mm) than the outgoing model. In addition, it will ride on a longer wheelbase, up by 70 mm or almost 3 inches. Kia claims much-improved passenger space and trunk volume (up 8 percent to 292 litres), while weight-saving efforts results in a bigger car that is marginally heavier than the old Rio.
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| Photo: Kia |
A totally redesigned interior will boast higher-quality materials, while the European models will offer features such as keyless entry and start, a CD/MP3/USB stereo, cruise control, automatic climate control, heated seats and a heated steering wheel. Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition will also be available at the end of the year, while certain markets will get dash pre-wiring to accept a portable navigation system.
Four engines will be offered in European versions of the Rio as well as an optional start/stop system.
- 1.1L diesel 3-cylinder, 70 hp, 119 lb-ft, 6-speed manual, 4.0 L/100 km (or 58 US mpg)
- 1.4L diesel 4-cylinder, 90 hp, 159 lb-ft, 6-speed manual, 4.6 L/100 km (or 51 US mpg)
- 1.25L gas 4-cylinder, 85 hp, 87 lb-ft, 5-speed manual, 4.9 L/100 km (or 48 US mpg)
- 1.4L gas 4-cylinder, 109 hp, 100 lb-ft, 6-speed man or 4-speed auto, 5.1 L/100 km (or 46 US mpg)
No word on which engine will find its way under the hood of the North-American versions of the Rio, although it's unlikely that it will be one of the four mentioned here. For now, we'll assume it will borrow the 1.6L, 138-hp engine from the 2012 Hyundai Accent and Veloster.
Other highlights include electric-assist power steering, available four-wheel disc brakes with electronic stability control, backup sonar, an adjustable speed limiter, xenon headlights, LED driving lights and taillights as well as six airbags.
In Canada, a 5-door hatchback and a sedan will initially be introduced, followed by a 3-door version in early 2012.
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| Photo: Kia |