Kia reveals its all-new Rio 11 | 02 | 2011

KIA'S MARCH to transforming its range will take another significant step at the Geneva Motor Show when it unveils its new Rio supermini. This first image shows the new car which is based on the same group platform as the Hyundai i20.

Kia knows it has to get the Rio right if it is to capture sales in Scotland's, and the UK’s, biggest market-segment. Penned by design chief Peter Schreyer, the new Rio is characterised by dominant headlamps, aggressive lower air vents and new ‘pinched’ treatment of the corporate grille.

Importantly, the new model is thankfully larger than the outgoing car. With larger dimensions of length, width and wheelbase, which boost interior space and on-road stability, while the roofline is slightly lower to improve the styling. Inside is a new quality interior, designed in the company’s west coast US studio.

We'll have to wait until the unveil on March 1 for the full engine line-up, but it’s likely to centre on new group 1.4 and 1.6 petrol and diesels, also shared with Hyundai, and mated to five- and six-speed manual transmissions or a five-speed auto.

Don't be surprised if the Rio also gets a new 68bhp 1.1-litre four-cylinder diesel and a 1.2-litre soft-turbo petrol with direction injection.

When enters Kia's Scottish dealerships in September the five-door hatch will be the sole body variant; the three-door follows in December.

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Jim McGill