While the new Spectra received the exact same engine as the current Elantra, which at 138-horsepower was deemed adequate to
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| If the production 2006 Rio is similar to the concept, it should be a hit with the sport compact tuner crowd. (Photo: Kia Canada) |
Therefore, we can expect either a significantly upgraded or entirely new 1.6-liter engine, which will be shared between the Rio and Accent.
In Europe, base Rios will come with a 1.4 liter four-cylinder, with upgraded models receiving the 1.6. A diesel will also be available, displacing 1.5 liters. There is no mention of the diesel being offered in North America after 2006, when diesel fuel is to be upgraded in order to pass new, more stringent emissions standards.
Yet even with a single engine choice, as the car is offered now, it should be popular in Canada and the U.S.
"Kia is excited about the prospects of the new Rio as it offers a complete package of driving excitement, quality and value,
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| If the new Rio will end up as attractive as the Sport concept the brand showed in Paris, it should do extremely well despite the competitive market segment. (Photo: Kia Canada) |
The B-segment, or subcompact class, is growing in Canada, mind you, with Chevrolet's new Korean-made Aveo stealing sales from Kia and Hyundai, and Toyota's new Echo Hatchback the segment sales leader. Suzuki also offers its Sprint+, based off the same Daewoo architecture as the Chevy Aveo, which also spawned the new Pontiac Wave.
Kia is a brand that most people consider good value, however, which in some ways gives it an advantage at the low end of the market. If the new Rio will end up as attractive as the Sport concept the brand showed in Paris, it should do extremely well despite the competitive market segment.