Photo: Kia
Compared to the Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Polo, and Renault Clio, the Kia Rio couldn’t call itself a proper challenger to the European supermini status quo. But now it can, and then some.
Cue the 2017 Kia Rio. For the fourth generation of Kia’s best-selling model, the Rio grows in size, gets modern tech, and a much prettier physique. Let’s start with the looks. Up front, the U-shaped LED light signature thrones above all else. The front bumper also adds dynamicity to the exterior design, but what does it for me is the much slimmer and prettier tiger-nose grille.
At the rear end of the Rio, the arrow-shaped light signature of the taillights draws inspiration from the Kia Sorento. From the side profile, I can see bits of Mercedes A-Class and VW Polo. Taken as a whole, the styling of the all-new-for-2017 Kia Rio is a huge departure from what the third gen had to boast.
The progressive design is complemented by size. Standing 4,065 mm long, 1,725 mm wide, and 1,450 mm high, the 2017 Kia Rio is larger in every way except for height. The 10 mm longer wheelbase (2,580 mm) is the highlight, though, because this means more legroom for the rear passengers. The broader stance also helps. The shape, as well as the way the near-vertical integration of the rear windscreen, will pay dividend in terms of rear visibility.
Even though the cabin is void of premium materials, Kia has done its best to imbue the interior with modern touches. The concave dashboard, the no-nonsense HVAC controls, the little touchscreen infotainment system, the trapezoidal shape of the air vents, everything is nice and tidy. What’s more, the analog gauges have a bit of Volkswagen to them, as does the center-mounted TFT multi-function display flanked by the said gauges.
There’s no official information whatsoever is available on what kind of engines or what kind of transmissions will be offered, but the Hyundai i20 can give us a few clues about that. If the 1.0 T-GDI with 120 PS and 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 to 4,000 rpm is in the offing, along with the six-speeder stick shift, then the all-new Kia Rio is a winner in the making.
At the rear end of the Rio, the arrow-shaped light signature of the taillights draws inspiration from the Kia Sorento. From the side profile, I can see bits of Mercedes A-Class and VW Polo. Taken as a whole, the styling of the all-new-for-2017 Kia Rio is a huge departure from what the third gen had to boast.
The progressive design is complemented by size. Standing 4,065 mm long, 1,725 mm wide, and 1,450 mm high, the 2017 Kia Rio is larger in every way except for height. The 10 mm longer wheelbase (2,580 mm) is the highlight, though, because this means more legroom for the rear passengers. The broader stance also helps. The shape, as well as the way the near-vertical integration of the rear windscreen, will pay dividend in terms of rear visibility.
Even though the cabin is void of premium materials, Kia has done its best to imbue the interior with modern touches. The concave dashboard, the no-nonsense HVAC controls, the little touchscreen infotainment system, the trapezoidal shape of the air vents, everything is nice and tidy. What’s more, the analog gauges have a bit of Volkswagen to them, as does the center-mounted TFT multi-function display flanked by the said gauges.
There’s no official information whatsoever is available on what kind of engines or what kind of transmissions will be offered, but the Hyundai i20 can give us a few clues about that. If the 1.0 T-GDI with 120 PS and 172 Nm (127 lb-ft) of torque between 1,500 to 4,000 rpm is in the offing, along with the six-speeder stick shift, then the all-new Kia Rio is a winner in the making.
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