Kia Releases Sketch on Redesigned Rio

SEOUL – Kia Motors Corp. will unveil its completely new 4-door Rio B-segment sedan at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit in January.

The company released sketches and some sketchy specifications to try to whet consumer appetites.

The Rio has been fully redesigned, features a longer wheelbase, wider track and more powerful engines than its predecessor.

Based upon the Kia Sport concept car that was shown at the Paris auto show in September, the Rio has more front and rear legroom than the current model.

Rio will be built at Kia’s Sohari, South Korea, plant.

It will be available in the U.S. with a 4-cyl. 1.6L engine that has more torque and horsepower than the current model.

It will be offered in Europe and other regions with a 1.4L and 1.6L gas engine. A 1.5L diesel also will be available in Europe.

Six airbags – including full-length side-curtain airbags – will be standard.

The car will be made at Kia’s Sohari, South Korea, plant.

Kia Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Kim Yong-Hwan says Kia will introduce a 5-door version of the new Rio at the Geneva auto show in March.