New York 2017: Kia Rio Sedan And Hatch Make U.S. Debut

Kia Motors America has launched the fourth-generation of the Kia Rio, in both sedan and hatchback versions, at the ongoing 2017 New York Auto Show. Kia’s popular B-Segment offering was first unveiled at the 2016 Paris Auto Show, and could be among the nominees for a local introduction in Malaysia later this year.

The fourth-generation Kia Rio has been designed to exude a more elegant and sporty look over the previous generation, brandishing the latest iteration of Kia’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille at the front. The newly designed headlights are swept back further, while the fog lamp surrounds have been moved outwards, creating greater visual width.

The rear of the Rio is now more upright thanks to shorter overhangs and thinner taillights. Like the front-end, the rear view of the car is also wider, giving the car a sporty stance. For the U.S. market, EX trim variant receives 15-inch wheels.

The Rio sedan has grown 16mm in length, now measuring 4384mm while the hatchback also grows by 16mm, now 4064mm. The wheelbase now measures 2580mm, up by 10mm over the previous model.

The interior is now more spacious, the U.S market’s top-tier EX variant receives a seven-inch floating touchscreen interface, UVO3 voice recognition infotainment system and smartphone integration through Android Auto and Apple CarPlay. A six-speaker sounds system and rear-view camera system is also included as standard.

Globally, the Rio is powered by a range of gasoline and diesel engines including the company’s latest three-cylinder 1.0-liter T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection) engine. 

However, the U.S. market receives the Gamma 1.6-liter GDI four-cylinder engine, carried over from the previous generation, albeit updated for better fuel efficiency and low-end torque response. The engine produces 130hp and 161Nm of torque. Buyers can choose between a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission in both the sedan and hatchback models.

Standard safety features include six airbags, Electronic Stability Control (ESC), ABS with EBD, Hill-start Assist Control (HAC) and Vehicle Stability Management (VSM).

The 2017 Kia Rio goes on sale in the U.S later this year.