The Once-Lowly Kia Rio Comes Into Its Own

Steph Willems
by Steph Willems

The next-generation Kia Rio will receive styling to match its confidence as the brand’s best-selling vehicle.

The automaker released design renderings of the looming 2017 Rio today, in advance of the model’s world premiere at the Paris Motor Show on September 29. The sad sedans that once populated the back of used car lots are now a distant memory.

For the next-generation Rio, Kia tapped the talent of its U.S., German and Korean design studios for a top-to-bottom revamp of the subcompact hatchback.

If you haven’t noticed, straight lines are back, baby, and the Rio adopts them with enthusiasm. A longer hood and front overhang, flat surfaces, and upright C-pillar give the hatch some swagger, while the restyled front end now belongs in the “angry grilles” category.

Kia doesn’t elaborate much on the model’s content, but does say that the next Rio will contain “class-leading” safety and connectivity features, as well as upgraded handling and sportier ride characteristics.

There’s no mention of an updated drivetrain. Currently, the Rio sports a 137-horsepower direct-injection 1.6-liter four-cylinder.

Production of the Europe-bound Rio begins late this year. The automaker will announce production dates for other markets closer to the launch date.

Kia sold 473,000 Rios around the world last year, but sales slid in the North American market as the model — last updated for the 2012 model year — grew stale.

[Images: Kia Motors]

Steph Willems
Steph Willems

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  • Bswanny Bswanny on Aug 24, 2016

    If they put their 1.4L turbo out of the Eco models into this. Wow. Granted they would have to have talent in the handling area which no Kia/Hyundai product even remotely possesses. Oh well

  • Eggsalad Eggsalad on Aug 24, 2016

    Currently, if you want a Rio, you have to choose between cruise control and a clutch pedal. Kia USA will not sell you a Rio with both. Dunno why, but that knocked Kia straight off my list when I was shopping.

  • ToolGuy North America is already the greatest country on the planet, and I have learned to be careful about what I wish for in terms of making changes. I mean, if Greenland wants to buy JDM vehicles, isn't that for the Danes to decide?
  • ToolGuy Once again my home did not catch on fire and my fire extinguisher(s) stayed in the closet, unused. I guess I threw my money away on fire extinguishers.(And by fire extinguishers I mean nuclear missiles.)
  • Carson D The UAW has succeeded in organizing a US VW plant before. There's a reason they don't teach history in the schools any longer. People wouldn't make the same mistakes.
  • B-BodyBuick84 Mitsubishi Pajero Sport of course, a 7 seater, 2.4 turbo-diesel I4 BOF SUV with Super-Select 4WD, centre and rear locking diffs standard of course.
  • Corey Lewis Think how dated this 80s design was by 1995!
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