Kia has revealed its all-new Rio saloon model at the New York International Auto Show, as well as an upgraded Soul.
The new Kia Rio will go on sale in the autumn and will come to the UK as a five-door hatch model, while USA customers will also be offered a four-door saloon. A new stop-start system will be used in the Rio to improve fuel economy and reduce emissions.
Kia has yet to confirm trim levels and final specifications for the European Rio, but it will come with a new 1.6-litre direct injection petrol engine. It uses six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes and has 135bhp.
The Rio's styling follows on from the look already seen on the latest Sportage and Kia says the new Rio will have a well equipped cabin. Standard features are set to include air conditioning, mp3 connectivity and CD stereo with satellite navigation as an option.
Underneath the body, the Rio uses an all-new platform that is longer and wider than the previous model. All cars will come with ESP, as well as Hill-start Assist to prevent the Rio from rolling backwards during hill starts.
Kia has also been busy with the Soul, revising its looks and engines. The same 1.6-litre direct injection petrol engine from the new Rio is now available in the Soul with 135bhp. A new 2.0-litre engine is also on display at the New York show with six-speed manual and automatic transmissions offered.
The revised Soul now has LED daytime running lights, a new bonnet and front and rear bumpers. Prices for the facelifted Kia Soul in the UK will be released soon.
Alisdair Suttie - 23 Apr 2011