The appearance of the new Rio is defined by straight lines and smooth surfacing, giving the vehicle a distinctive, confident new look, according to Kia.
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Unsurprisingly, Kia’s signature “Tiger Nose” grille is present and correct, although thinner and wider than before.
At the front end integrated bi-function projection headlamps project a new U-shaped LED light signature, while the rear section of the Rio is now more upright, with a near-vertical rear windscreen and a shorter overhang. Two more character lines can be seen on the lower half of the doors.
The new Rio is slightly larger than its predecessor, with overall length having grown by 15mm and width by 5mm, while in line with the modern trend towards more low-slung designs, overall height has been reduced by 5mm. The front grille is slimmer than before for a more dynamic look, and the rear window is more upright than the one on the current-generation Rio. Like the wider-looking “face” of the auto, the rear design of the new Rio gives it a stronger overall appearance.
The official pictures reveal a new interior with an improved, more upmarket layout, again relying on straight lines to increase the impression of width.
This new touchscreen has allowed Kia to reduce the number of buttons in the new Rio and the few left mostly sit below the screen and control the air-con. It is a high-resolution touchscreen that handles the Rio’s audio, navigation and new connectivity systems.
Black or grey upholstery is available inside along with black or grey artificial leather while a new Red Pack brings along red accents throughout the inside. This adds faux red leather trimming for all the seats, while the dashboard and the rest of the interior is trimmed in gloss-black and metallic-finish plastics.
A hot hatch GT model is also likely at some point in 2017, most likely using a 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol engine that Kia unveiled in 2015.
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Kia’s 2016 Mondial de l’Automobile press conference will start at 14:45 CET on 29 September.
