2010 Kia Rio First Photos

Just as expected, Kia is currently working on a refreshed version of the Rio which will receive a bunch of new features for the 2010 model year. A report published by kia-world.net brought us the very first photos with the 2010 model which is going to bring a new front fascia look, as well as multiple enhancements for the interior.

According to the aforementioned source, the Kia Pride, as it is called in South Korea, will be offered with a restyled center stack featuring new controls plus an uprated audio system with Bluetooth support. Additionally, the 2010 Kia Rio will boast a new steering wheel design and revised gauges.

As for the exterior, many of the changes are easily noticeable in the adjacent photos. A new front bumper, larger air intakes and redesigned fog lights are only some of the new things for the 2010 Kia Rio. There's still no info on the engines but the car will most likely rely on an improved lineup, with more efficient and environmentally-friendly units expected to join the range.

What's interesting is that the South Korean manufacturer, which will debut the 2010 Rio in the domestic market in July or August, also plans to bring the refreshed model in the United States, with the arrival date set for late 2009 or early 2010.

A study conducted by Forbes in late 2008 proved that Kia Rio is one of the least popular subcompacts in the United States. At that time, the Kia brand earned two rings (out of a possible five) in J.D. Power's 2008 dependability study, making it a risky quality purchase for some buyers, as the official reports stated.