First glimpse: 2012 Kia Rio

Sophisticated Family hatchback
Peter Schreyer’s design language translating well into small cars

Korean carmaker Kia released the first set of two photographs showing hteir all-new Rio, which is set to debut at the Geneva Autosalon in two weeks time alongside the Picanto.

The Rio sits between the Picanto and Forte in terms of size and in this incarnation, it has gained a lot of maturity and confidence, thanks to the decisive, if slightly busy lines of the head designer, Peter Schreyer.

The obvious family resemblance is in the tiger face grille and intersecting lines and surfaces which work together to create a dynamic look.

Interesting feature creases on the flank and a pronounced wedge-shaped profile are combined with a generous glass area to create a pleasing overall styling.

The large rear combination light and unique rear screen shape adds further interest to the Rio’s aesthetics.

The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres for the hatchback. 

Inside, the new model will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models – together with a wide selection of trim options.

In Europe 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.

Kia Magentis replacement still nameless; new engine confirmed

Kia’s marketing department has yet to decide on what to call the Magentis replacement, due to debut at the Paris motor show in October.

The nameplate ‘Optima’, which is the U.S name, won’t be used in Europe, so an all-new name is likely. Company insiders were originally debating between ‘K5’, as it’s known in South Korea and ‘Optima’.

Name decision aside, well-placed Kia sources have revealed that a downsized 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine will be one of the engine choices, producing 150bhp.

The newcomer is longer, wider and lower and sits on a longer wheelbase than the Magentis. This has drastically increased both cabin and luggage space. Kia admits that the Magentis will never likely to be a major seller in Europe, but believes the mid-sized saloon segment is one in which it must compete in, as a volume manufacturer. However, the real demand for the car will come from the U.S and South Korea, where its enhanced styling and dynamics should hold appeal for buyers.

The same well-placed source also revealed that an estate version of the car will be built. When asked about this body style, chief designer Peter Schreyer said, “I would love to do station wagon and coupé versions of the car. The station wagon would only really work for Europe but the coupé would work in the U.S.”

When the car arrives in the UK mid-2011, it will arrive with a range of petrol and diesel engines and transmissions. Luxury amenities like heated steering wheel, bi-xenon headlamps, keyless entry and ventilated front & rear seats will unlikely be available in the UK, however, do expect a panoramic glass sunroof, heated front seats with leather interior, 18" alloy wheels, auto-dimming rear-view mirror to be standard on certain grades. Prices will increase to around £20,000 from the current £18,995.

Kia Magentis replacement still nameless; new engine confirmed (EU)

Kia’s marketing department has yet to decide on what to call the Magentis replacement, due to debut at the Paris motor show in October.

The nameplate ‘Optima’, which is the U.S name, won’t be used in Europe, so an all-new name is likely. Company insiders were originally debating between ‘K5’, as it’s known in South Korea and ‘Optima’.

Name decision aside, well-placed Kia sources have revealed that a downsized 1.2 litre turbo petrol engine will be one of the engine choices, producing 150bhp.

The newcomer is longer, wider and lower and sits on a longer wheelbase than the Magentis. This has drastically increased both cabin and luggage space. Kia admits that the Magentis will never likely to be a major seller in Europe, but believes the mid-sized saloon segment is one in which it must compete in, as a volume manufacturer. However, the real demand for the car will come from the U.S and South Korea, where its enhanced styling and dynamics should hold appeal for buyers.

The same well-placed source also revealed that an estate version of the car will be built. When asked about this body style, chief designer Peter Schreyer said, “I would love to do station wagon and coupé versions of the car. The station wagon would only really work for Europe but the coupé would work in the U.S.”

When the car arrives in the UK mid-2011, it will arrive with a range of petrol and diesel engines and transmissions. Luxury amenities like heated steering wheel, bi-xenon headlamps, keyless entry and ventilated front & rear seats will unlikely be available in the UK, however, do expect a panoramic glass sunroof, heated front seats with leather interior, 18" alloy wheels, auto-dimming rear-view mirror to be standard on certain grades. Prices will increase to around £20,000 from the current £18,995.

Officially Unveiled: Kia Forte

After a series of teaser pictures, Kia released today the first official pictures of its new Forte sedan. Spectra's successor's appearance is close to the Kia KOUP concept.

The Forte sedan is the first production model to carry Kia’s new corporate look, which includes some new design elements like the new corporate grille and striking side lines. The H-shapped grille is set to become a Kia trademark in the future.

Kia will introduce the Forte with two gasoline engines. When the car hits Korean showrooms in August, it will be available only with the new 1.6L four cylinder rated at 124hp. A more powerful 2.0L engine, will be available soon after the official launch.

Gallery: Kia Forte Sedan






(Thanks to Kia-World for the tip.)

Officially Unveiled: Kia Forte

After a series of teaser pictures, Kia released today the first official pictures of its new Forte sedan. Spectra's successor's appearance is close to the Kia KOUP concept.

The Forte sedan is the first production model to carry Kia’s new corporate look, which includes some new design elements like the new corporate grille and striking side lines. The H-shapped grille is set to become a Kia trademark in the future.

Kia will introduce the Forte with two gasoline engines. When the car hits Korean showrooms in August, it will be available only with the new 1.6L four cylinder rated at 124hp. A more powerful 2.0L engine, will be available soon after the official launch.

Gallery: Kia Forte Sedan






(Thanks to Kia-World for the tip.)