2011 Geneva Preview:2012 Kia Rio

The 2012 Kia Rio will be at the International Motor Show in Geneva in a few weeks.

The latest car to be revealed by Kia boasts a far slicker exterior design than the current Rio bringing it in line with the rest of South Korean company's passenger model range. There are no photos of the interior, but Kia says its newcomer "will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models" along with a wider selection of trim options.

Available in 3- and 5-door body styles, the Rio "combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that communicates Latin flair." While we're not so sure about the latter statement, the redesigned model has a sportier front fascia, distinctive headlights, and a prominent C-pillar.

Kia confirms that 2012 Rio will go on sale in the U.S. in the third quarter of 2011. Pricing and range details will be announced closer to launch.




Press Release

First photos of all-new Kia Rio released

• Korean spice and Latin flair for Kia's B-segment newcomer
• Available in 3- and 5-door body styles in Europe
• Offered with wide range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 engines
• New Rio to be unveiled at Geneva Show, alongside new Picanto

Frankfurt, 11 February 2011 - Kia Motors Corporation has today revealed the first official photos of the forthcoming next generation Rio, which boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the newcomer in line with the rest of Kia's striking design-led model range.

Tasked with the difficult job of improving upon the remarkable international sales success of the previous generation model, the new Kia Rio will be available in 3- and 5-door body styles in Europe, and has been designed to appeal to customers all around the world.

New Rio has its own interpretation of Kia's signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. In profile, the body to glass ratio and its strong wedge form give new Rio a dynamic sporty stance. The balance of the window graphic, wheelbase and overall proportions generates a �premium presence' which is rare in this segment. Overall, new Rio combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that communicates Latin flair.

The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres (hatchback) and 390 litres (sedan). Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width) to enhance the feeling of sportiness.

Inside, the new model will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models - together with a wide selection of trim options.

Kia's B-segment newcomer will be manufactured with an extensive range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 gasoline and diesel engines - including a 1.1-litre diesel unit generating 70 ps, with CO2 emissions from as low as 85 g/km. An all-new, high-performance 1.2-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available from 2012.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, commented: "This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car which is extremely attractive, that people will want to buy for its looks." Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company's third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units.

The world premiere of the new Kia Rio will be celebrated at the Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 - alongside another all-new product for Kia, the next generation Picanto city car - during its press conference, taking place at 16.15 (CET) on the Kia stand in Hall 6. Also being displayed at Geneva, and making its European debut, is the innovative hybrid version of Kia's stunning Optima sedan, scheduled to go on sale in the US market later this year.