Kia is heavily revamping its small car lineup, beginning with the Picanto, and now, the Rio B-size hatchback. The current 2005 model has sold more than 860,000 units, so it’s one of the company’s bread-and-kimchi models. Kia says that Rio will have “a bold and distinctive personality.” The styling is certainly more attractive than the previous, anonymous generation, thanks to the attention of styling chief Peter Schreyer (poached from the VW group). The new hatchback has that Ford Kinetic design vibe.
The wheelbase has been extended by 70mm to improve passenger space, with 292 liters of cargo space for the hatchback. Engine choices will include a 1.1-liter diesel with 69 bhp, and—get this—a 1.2-liter turbo gasoline direct injection for a “performance” model. We can only wish that Columbian Autocar (Kia Philippines) will make those options available.
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