Paris show: Kia’s Rio grows up

KIA has confirmed its fourth-generation Kia Rio light hatchback will be a little bigger in most critical dimensions when it starts rolling off the production line late this year.

Fresh images released in Seoul today ahead of the car’s debut at the Paris motor show late this month also show that the little car will be wider looking thanks to design tricks across the grille and lamps.

Sitting on a platform new to the South Korean motoring group, the Rio’s wheelbase has been stretched 10mm, to 2580mm, while the overall length has grown 15mm, to 4065mm. Width grows 5mm, to 1725mm.

While the front overhang is longer, delivering a longer bonnet, the rear overhang has been cut shorter.

The “glasshouse” gets a boxier look, thanks to a more upright rear hatch glass and thinner, more upright C pillars.

The headlamps now incorporate U-shape LED daytime running lights, while at the back, the tail-lamps are described as “more sculpted”.

Inside, the dashboard is more angled towards the driver. The Euro-style “floating” infotainment touchscreen cuts the number of buttons on the centre console.

Upholstery will be offered in cloth or leather, depending on the specification, with both in a choice of black or grey, mated with gloss black and metallic trim. A Red Pack with startling faux leather seats will also be available.

The Rio will be revealed at the Paris show on September 29.

Kia Motors confirmed that production will start in late 2016, with the Australian launch set for the first quarter of 2017, most likely at the Kia-sponsored Australian Open tennis tournament.