NEW YORK: KIA’s new fourth-generation Rio in sedan and 5-door hatch formats are the latest additions to the model line-up of Kia Motors America (KMA).
The cars have been penned at the Korean carmaker’s European and U.S. design studios in collaboration with its design base in Namyang, Korea.
They have been touted to have a combination of impressive fuel efficiency, innovative technology, advanced safety features, everyday convenience and a fun-to-drive character for value-conscious consumers.
The cars get crisp lines crisp lines and smooth surfaces, providing sophistication and a sporty look over its predecessor, while rolling on 15-inch wheels.
The front end wears the latest iteration of Kia’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille, integrating newly designed headlights that are swept back for a more aggressive appearance.
In addition, the Rio’s fog lamp surrounds have been moved outwards, creating greater visual width to the front fascia and a lower window line around the cabin provides the driver and passengers with a better all-round view.
Significant changes for both the sedan and hatcback include a longer wheelbase at 2,580mm (+10mm) and measuring 4,384mm-long (+16mm), while the hatchback is now 4,064mm-long (+15mm).
They also have more upright A-pillars to match the lower and wider stance over its predecessor as well as a well-creased shoulder line that runs from front to back.
The rear of the Rio is also more upright due to the shorter overhangs and thinner taillights and, like the front-end, the rear view of the car is now wider.
Inside, it’s not only more spacious, but also modern and upscaled with an improved instrument panel, ergonomic layout and upgraded materials.
Horizontal lines run the width of the dashboard and mimics the exterior design, giving the cabin a wider and more expansive look and feel.
For convenience, the centre console offers a bi-level tray to better accommodate items such as smartphones and tablets.
Front occupants will enjoy more head room, leg room and shoulder room while those in the second row will benefit from greater leg- and shoulder room.
SUch improvements are the result of the re-profiled door trims, new material for the headliner and a reshaping of the dashboard.
The boot will be able to hold 493 litres (hatchback – 388 litres) or 1,034 litres (hatchback – 929 litres) with the rear seats folded down for a flat cargo floor.
The front seats now feature a slimmer design with more cushion and padding, while high-tech equipment such as Bluetooth hands-free functionality, six-speaker sound system with satellite radio and a reverse camera system come as standard.
The range-topping EX trim is the only one that has a 7.0-inch floating touchscreen interface, UVO3 voice recognition infotainment system and smartphone integration through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay – all of which are not typically found in the subcompact segment.
In total, there will be three trims available – starting with the entry-level LX, S and EX, which is being powered by a 130hp Gamma 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder engine that spins the front wheels via a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.
A new suspension system made up of fully-independant MacPherson struts (front) and a rear torsion beam for ride and handling for the sub-compact that weighs (kerb) in at 1,201kg (manual transmission) and 1,231kg 2,714 (automatic).
Stopping power comes from the front pair of 11.0-inch disc brakes and rear drum brakes, however, the EX model uses 10.3-inch disc brakes at the rear.
There’s also extensive use of advanced high strength steel to increase durability, collision test performance and torsional stiffness, while also reducing weight, for improved handling and ride quality.
For reduced noise, vibration and harshness (NVH), the Rio uses body sealing and bonding adhesives to dampen sound pathways throughout its construction.
The all-new Rio is targeting the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick designation and a 5-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Standard safety features include six airbags, side-impact door beams, electronic stability control, four-wheel anti-lock braking system, hill-start assist control and vehicle stability management.
“Value has always been a core tenet for the Kia brand and the all-new Rio sedan and 5-door continue to underscore our commitment to those buyers looking for an entry-level vehicle but desire more than what the sub-compact segment currently offers,” said KMA vice president (product planning) Orth Hedrick.
KIA Rio 5-door hatchback
KIA Rio sedan
Keyword: 2017 New York Auto Show: Fourth-gen KIA Rio headed for American market