Kia Previews New Rio Ahead Of Paris Debut


Kia is set to reveal its all-new Rio hatchback in a little over a month from now, with its debut now confirmed for the Paris Motor Show. Previewed here in a trio of teaser renderings, the fourth-generation Kia Rio looks poised to grow more aggressive and sporty in appearance compared to the version it is slated to replace.

Its design was lead by the company's studios in Germany and California, with taught lines stretched over a longer wheelbase and a longer nose. Expect it to be offered once again (on a global basis) in both three- and five-door hatchback bodystyles, with the four-door likely to return, particularly for the North American market. Propulsion will likely come from an array of three- and four-cylinder engines, with a performance-oriented Rio GT due to join the mix as well.

The Rio is a vital model for the Korean automaker, ranking as its top-selling line worldwide. Last year alone it sold nearly half a million of them around the world. So Kia will need to get this one right if it wants to keep up that kind of volume and fend off advances from competitors like the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo.




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