AIMS: Kia Rio makes its local debut

Fresh from its New York Motor Show debut Kia's fourth-generation Rio was today unveiled at the 2011 Australian International Motor Show (AIMS) in Melbourne.

The new model brings Rio into line with the now familar 'family' look of the Kia range.

On display is the five-door hatch variant due to land in local showrooms towards the end of Q3 this year (2011). The range will be bolstered by a three-door hatch and four-door sedan early in the new year.

Longer (+55mm), wider (+25mm) and lower (+15mm) than its predecessor, the new Rio rides on an extended wheelbase (+70mm) which its designers say greatly improves passenger and cargo space.

As well as being bigger, and more aesthetically appealing, the new Kia Rio also boasts a choice of all-new powerplants -- a 1.4-litre petrol (79kW/135Nm) and muscular1.6-litre turbodiesel (103kW/167Nm). Target CO2 emissions for the model range start at just 133g/km, making it a top-15 contender in the government's Green Vehicle Guide.

Like the Sorento, Cerato, Sportage and Optima before it, the new Rio also benefits from suspension optimised for local conditions. Kia says the light car's ride and handling dynamic program included "comprehensive local testing designed to exceed Australian customer's expectations". Rio rides on a MacPherson strut front and torsion beam rear axle arrangement.

The steering system is an electrically assisted rack and pinion arrangement while braking duties are managed by discs all-round. These are supported by stability control, an antilock braking system with brake assist and electronic brake-force distribution, as well as hillstart assist control. These safety systems are supported by the inclusion of six airbags (front, side and curtain) and optional cornering headlamps.

To complement Rio's striking exterior (which incidentally is available in ten different colours) Kia has fitted its signature interior architecture -- the horizontal instrument panel with its 'three-cylinder' cluster, sharp red dials and centre stack familiar to other models in the range.

Equipment includes a single-CD tuner with MP3 compatibility, auxiliary (3.5mm) input, iPod and USB connectivity and Bluetooth telephony and audio streaming, cruise control and climate control.

"The Kia Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car which is extremely attractive with a fresh feeling of sportiness – a car that people will want to buy for its looks, as well as its environmental credentials," said Kia Motors Australia CEO, MK Kim.

Read the latest Carsales Network news and reviews on your mobile, iPhone or PDA at the carsales mobile site