Kia is aiming high with the new Kia Rio supermini, get the full details on engines, specs, prices and the UK release date here…
Kia has given us the full lowdown on the new Kia Rio supermini at the car’s public debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. We’ve had a close look at the new Rio and been treated to in-depth details on the car’s engine range, design and technology as it gears up to challenge the Ford Fiesta and Volkswagen Polo in the lucrative supermini market.
The new 2017 Kia Rio is due to go on sale in the first quarter of next year with the prices expected to start in the region of £11,000.
The overall design isn’t a radical departure from the look of the outgoing Rio, but the new model has visibly smoother surfaces and sharper details. Kia’s trademark ‘tiger nose’ grille is thinner and shorter, and flanked by a set of reshaped headlights, which also feature a new U-shaped LED lighting signature.
Changes are less evident around the back, but new rear lights feature an arrow-shaped LED light signature. The rear overhang is also shorter, while the more upright rear windscreen gives an increased sense of size.
Kia Europe design chief Gregory Guillaume said: “It has reached a point where it can be a bit more mature in the impression it gives. The previous Rio was trying to grab your attention. Now the car is more self-confident in its proportions.”
New Kia Rio engine range
In terms of engines, the highlight of the new Rio range is Kia’s 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol turbo, which made its debut in the Cee’d.
The T-GDI unit is available in two states of tune - 99bhp and 118bhp – with both delivering 172Nm of torque. Emissions figures are yet to be finalised, but both are likely to dip below 100g/km.
Two other petrols will be offered - 1.25 and 1.4-litre naturally aspirated MPI units. The former produces 83bhp and 122Nm of torque; the latter 99bhp and 132Nm. Again, emissions figures are still to be confirmed, but Kia is predicting both will be under 120g/km.
Those in the market for a diesel can opt for a 1.4-litre unit, which comes with either 69bhp or 89bhp. This will be the lowest emitting engine in the range, with a figure under 90g/km being targeted.
The drive is said to be much improved too, with a stiffer body shell and more compliant suspension likely to deliver more engaging handling. Insiders say the Ford Fiesta has been benchmarked for handling in the development process, while the Volkswagen Polo was benchmarked for comfort.
Michael Cole, chief operating officer of Kia Europe, acknowledged improving the drive was a key priority. He told Auto Express: “We are a good benchmark on design and a pretty good benchmark on quality. Where we are probably not seen in the industry as a benchmark is in the driving experience. So yes it is an area where we want to be number one.”
Kia Rio dimensions and practicality
Kia is also making some bold claims regarding the new car’s practicality. The rear seats are said to be the most spacious in the class – and when we tried them out, there was certainly adequate room for a six-footer. With a wheelbase that is 10mm longer than its predecessor’s and a body that is 15mm longer, there is more space all round, with legroom increased in the front and rear. Boot space is 325 litres – greater than the Ford Fiesta (290 litres) and VW Polo (280), but behind the Skoda Fabia (330).
Kia Rio technology and safety kit
Kia has made safety a focus of the new Rio, with a five-star Euro NCAP crash test rating in the company’s sights. It will be aided in its quest by the fitting of an optional Autonomous Emergency Braking system with pedestrian recognition – a first for a supermini. The system uses radar to detect potential collisions with pedestrians and bring the car to a halt. A Lane Departure Warning System is also fitted.
The Rio’s tech package includes both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, with a ‘floating’ five-inch touchscreen at the centre of its infotainment system. And buyers will have the option of specifying Kia’s latest nav system, Connected Services, which is powered by TomTom and includes live traffic updates and speed camera alerts. A six-speaker audio system and USB ports front and rear are also fitted.
There’s a noticeable step up in quality inside, too with a cleaner design and better build quality than in the current car. Interior upholstery offerings will comprise black or grey cloth, black or grey artificial leather and a ‘Red Pack’ which features black and red artificial leather seats.
Prices and release date for the Kia Rio
Final UK specs have yet to be confirmed, but the Rio is likely to be sold in Kia’s familiar 1, 2 and 3 gradings, with a well equipped First Edition – as was the case with the Sportage – available at launch.
The model is hugely important for Kia as the company’s global best seller - more than 473,000 found homes across the world in 2015. It will arrive in British showrooms in the first quarter of 2017.
However, those hoping for a hot GT model may well have their hopes dashed. Michael Cole told us: ““It’s not in the plans right now. What we are likely to see would be something like a GT-Line, with the styling of a GT. That’s not confirmed but it is a likely step. After that we might consider it, but at this stage we have no plans.”
Comments
Post a Comment