Kia Rio Gets Hippy

Automotively speaking, the Koreans are no longer the new kids on the block; their latest cars are mature, coherent designs with solid build quality and (mostly) decent materials.

Kia in particular, since the advent of ex-Audi design chief Peter Schreyer, has produced distinctive vehicles that will not only stand comparison with the best from the east, but also with the best from anywhere.  Schreyer’s “tiger nose” front styling may not be as well-known as a kidney grille or VW’s “flat line” face (yet) but you’ll know a Kia when you see one – and that’s Schreyer’s intention.

He succeeded magnificently with the current-generation Sportage, and now he has extended that look into the B segment with the fourth-generation Rio.

Longer, wider and lower than its predecessor and on a 70mm longer wheelbase with a chunky, high-waisted shape that’s blessed with short overhangs (especially in front: Peugeot take note) and a crisp interpretation of the tiger nose grille that stretches all the way out to big, tilted headlights, makes the Rio feels at home.  Similarly, elegant horizontal lines and leather trim create a sophisticated ambience.

Boot space on the hatch version is increased only 6.6 per cent to 288 litres, however, most of the extra space generated by the 2570mm wheelbase is allocated to rear legroom, with impressive results by B segment standards.  The new Rio is available now as a five-door hatch, with a four-door sedan to come early in 2012, in a choice of two petrol engines and three trim levels.

The base 1.2 model has a 1248cc, four-cylinder mill for which Kia quotes 65kW at 6000 revs and 120Nm at 4000rpm. A five-speed manual gearbox is standard issue, as are 15” steel rims, aircon, power mirrors and windows, and a four-speaker radio/CD/MP3/iPod/USB audio set-up with satellite controls on the steering wheel.

And that’s the new Rio is all about; it’s a grown-up, stylish little car that punches above its weight in several important aspects other than just pricing.