Kia Motors and its Chinese joint venture partner, Dongfeng Yueda Kia, unveiled the K2 B-segment sedan today at the 2011 Shanghai Motor Show – heralding the all-new Kia Rio due to arrive in Europe in the late summer.

The model is based on the platform of the all-new Rio, and has been jointly produced by Kia Motors and its Chinese partner Dongfeng Yueda Kia. The K2 will enter production at Dongfeng Yueda Kia's manufacturing facility in Jiangsu province starting this June, with a five-door hatchback version starting production in August.

The K2 enters a highly competitive segment in China that accounts for 16% of all new car sales. The model will be positioned as a premium small car with advanced styling and upgraded levels of quality and performance.

Kia says that the model forms part of its strategy to develop bespoke products for local markets and is a 'clear sign of Kia's commitment to become a leading automotive brand in China'. It follows the introduction of the cee'd family of C-segment vehicles and Venga B-segment MPV, which were designed and engineered specifically for European customers.

Speaking at the Kia press conference at the Shanghai Motor Show, Hyoung-Keun Lee, vice chairman of Kia Motors, said: 'We are confident that this all-new model for China will provide the momentum needed for Kia not only to remain as one of China's fastest growing automotive brands but also to become a top 10 automaker in the local market in terms of quality and customer satisfaction.'

K2 will be available in six trim levels with either a 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engine mated to a manual or automatic transmission.