The Rio is the latest car to be revealed by Kia, boasting a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the newcomer in line with the rest of Kia’s striking design-led passenger car range. The Rio will be on sale in the UK from September as a 5-door version and a 3-door will be available from early 2012. Pricing and full range details will be announced nearer the on-sale date.
Kia’s B-segment newcomer will be offered with an extensive range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 petrol and diesel engines, depending on market – including a 1.1-litre diesel unit generating 70 ps, with CO2 emissions from as low as 85 g/km. An all-new, high-performance 1.2-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available from 2012.
Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, commented: “This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car that people will want to buy for its looks.” Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units. UK sales from launch total 52,626 units.