2017 Kia Rio (Hyundai i20 equivalent) revealed ahead of Paris debut

8 years, 2 months ago - 6 September 2016, Indian Autos blog

Kia has revealed the fourth generation 2017 Kia Rio ahead of its world premiere on 29 September at the 2016 Paris Motor Show. The 2017 Kia Rio will likely be offered as a more upscale alternative to the Hyundai i20 in Europe and other markets where the latter is also sold.

The fourth generation Kia Rio's design was created in collaboration by the company's design centres in Germany, USA (California) and South Korea (Namyang). The all-new Kia Rio is 15 mm longer with a length of 4,065 mm, 5 mm wider with a width of 1,725 mm and 5 mm lower with a height of 1,450 mm. The wheelbase also has been extended by 10 mm to 2,580 mm now. The fourth generation Kia Rio is based on the same platform as the second generation Hyundai i20.

Bi-function projector headlamps which project a new U-shaped LED light signature, new 'tiger-nose' grille and redesigned taillamps with arrow-shaped LED light signature form the 2017 Kia Rio's exterior highlights. Inside, the cabin has been completely changed with redesigned door panels, dashboard, instrument cluster, centre console and gear tunnel. At the centre of the dashboard there's a new 'floating HMI (human-machine interface) infotainment system with a high-resolution touchscreen display. Seat upholstery choices include black or grey cloth and black or grey leather.

The 2017 Kia Rio is expected to be offered with an array of petrol and diesel engines with displacements as low as 1.0-litre, in conjunction with 4-speed automatic, 5-speed manual, 6-speed manual and 6-speed automatic transmissions. It will enter production towards the end of 2016.