Fourth-generation Rio set for Paris Motor Show debut
The fourth-generation Kia Rio will make its world premiere at the 2016 Paris Motor Show, bringing an updated exterior and interior design and new technology.
The next generation Rio will enter production towards the end of 2016 for the UK.
Kia Rio is the Korean manufacturer’s best-selling model globally, with more than 473,000 sold around the world in 2015.
The next generation Rio will enter production towards the end of 2016 for the UK, with production timings for other regions to be announced closer to launch.
Design of new Rio was led by Kia’s design centres in Germany and California, in close collaboration with the company’s global design headquarters in Namyang, Korea.
At the front, Rio wears the latest evolution of Kia’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille, now thinner in height and wider across the front of the car. Integrated bi-function projection headlamps project a new U-shaped LED light signature.
New Rio displays a long bonnet and longer front overhang, a 10mm longer wheelbase (up to 2,580 mm), a thinner, more upright C-pillar, and a shorter rear overhang. Overall, the new car is 15mm longer than its predecessor (now 4,065mm long), and 5mm lower in height (to 1,450mm).
The straight line of the rear section runs from the grille, through the headlamps and along the top of the doors. Sculpted rear lights now feature a new arrow-shaped LED light signature.
Inside, new Rio offers a modern new cabin design, featuring a more ergonomic layout. The dashboard itself is now angled towards the driver, and at its centre is a new infotainment system, a ‘floating’ HMI (human-machine interface), with a high-resolution touchscreen to power the Rio’s audio, navigation and new connectivity systems.
The new HMI has allowed Kia to reduce the number of buttons on the centre console.
A choice of black or grey cloth seat upholstery, or with black or grey faux leather is available. A ‘Red Pack’ for the Rio gives the option of black with red faux leather-trimmed seats throughout the cabin. The cabin itself features gloss black and metallic trim throughout, for a more modern finish.
Katie Beck
Katie joined Fleet World in 2012 as an editorial intern, following the completion of an English and American Literature BA from the University of East Anglia. She accepted a full-time position as an editorial assistant at the end of the internship period, and was promoted to the role of features editor in 2014. She works across the magazine and website portfolio, and administrates the social media channels.
