Like most modern-day Kia vehicles, the Kia Rio has morphed from a no-frills and rather quirky number into one of the more stylish nameplates in the subcompact class. As it enters its fourth and latest generation, the little Rio gets a more eye-catching stance, a whole lot of tech, and is more upscale overall.
The all-new Kia Rio, which debuts at the New York International Auto Show, is larger in every dimension, yet still retains its subcompact classification. The added inches are emphasized by the new Tiger Nose grille, upswept headlights, foglamps that have been placed towards the outer edges of the front bumper, a lower window line, and a sporty-looking rear end.
The larger outer flanks translate to an equally spacious cabin. There’s added leg- and shoulder room, as well as generous cargo volume for both sedan and hatchback. The increased width is complemented by horizontal lines and a more stylish dash. And the more premium feel is enhanced by tech goodies like an available 7-inch touchscreen, UVO3 voice recognition, and Android Auto and Apple CarPlay mobile device integration and mirroring.
Riding on a new Global Platform, the al-new Kia Rio that will be sold in the US market will be powered by a 1.6-ltier direct-injection four-cylinder mill that puts out 130hp and 161Nm of torque. Motivation is channeled to the front wheels by either a 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic gearbox. Both are designed to bring out adequate thrust and efficient driving at all times.
And while it may be a subcompact, the Rio is still loaded with safety kit that would keep occupants protected in any situation. Six airbags, Electronic Stability Control, Vehicle Stability Management, and Hill Start Assist are just some of the standard kit on offer.
The all-new Kia Rio Hatchback and Sedan make their debut at the New York International Auto Show, which runs from April 14 to 23, 2017.
