All you need to know about Kia’s new B-segment hatchback
On sale globally during the first quarter of 2017, the fourth-generation Kia Rio will be available in Europe as a five-door model only, with a choice of four gasoline and two diesel units, mated to five-speed/six-speed manual transmissions and a four-speed automatic.
The Rio gets Kia's latest three-cylinder 1.0-liter T-GDI turbo gasoline engine, available in two states of tune (98 hp/100 PS or 118 hp/120 PS). Both units are expected to deliver sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions.
The gasoline engine lineup also includes two naturally-aspirated 1.25-liter and 1.4-liter MPI units, with 82 hp (84 PS) and 99 hp (100 PS), respectively. Both engines are expected to deliver CO2 emissions of under 120 g/km.
Kia also offers a 1.4-liter diesel engine, producing either 69 hp (70 PS) or 88 hp (90 PS). Diesel-powered Rios will deliver the lowers CO2 emissions in the lineup, with engineers targeting under 90 g/km CO2 with the Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system.
The all-new Rio is significantly roomier than its predecessor, thanks to a 10 mm longer wheelbase and 15 mm longer body. Kia says there's more legroom both in the front and in the rear, as well as more shoulder room. Furthermore, despite a 5 mm drop in body height, the Rio offers more headroom for both rows of seats.
Cargo volume grows by 37 liters to 325 liters, with the Rio featuring a split-level boot floor, and split-folding rear seats. Storage spaces are more generous than before, with bottle holders in every door, two larger cupholders in the center console, and an optional armrest adding storage capacity.
New technologies include keyless entry and ignition, heated seats and steering wheel, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, and automatic headlamps. The new Rio is also available with Automatic Cruise Control, with a speed limiter, and Rear Park Assist with a rear view camera.
Arriving in Europe in the first quarter of 2017, the Rio will be available with eight exterior colors and three aluminum alloy wheel designs (15- to 17-inch).