Kia releases first sketch of new Rio 13 | 01 | 2011

KIA HAS revealed this first sketch of its new Fiesta rival, the Rio. The drawing highlights what the manufacturer calls its “next big step” in the company’s design evolution. Penned by design chief Peter Schreyer, and the sketches reveal it has the now familiar ‘tiger eye’ front grille seen on all recent Kias. Schreyer describes the Rio as being “sporty and elegant”.

There's no denying the new look is a quantum leap from the current Rio which looks dated, cramped and rather unattractive. The newcomer, meanwhile, has a sleek, almost coupe-like profile, with a narrow sculpted glasshouse and detailing in the side doors reminiscent of Vauxhall’s ‘blade’ design from its Astra and Insignia models.

“Downsizing is becoming more and more of a trend these days," Soon-Nam Lee, Kia Motors Corporation director of overseas marketing, said, "and a B-segment car as attractive as the new Rio will no doubt help consumers to be more comfortable making that switch.”

Scheduled to be launched at the Geneva Motor Show in March, alongside the new Picanto city car, the new model replaces the current Rio which as the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 205,000 units.

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