“Although nothing has yet been confirmed in terms of engines, we’re likely to go down the route that Skoda took with the first Fabia vRS,” said a company employee in an interview with AutoExpress.
The cee'd and Rio will probably receive high-performance diesel engines, an all-new 180 hp 2.0-litre for the cee'd and a 150 hp 1.7-litre engine in the Rio, sourced from the new Optima.
To complete the sporty package, a stiffer suspension and a race-inspired body kit and interior will be fitted onto the two hatchbacks for improved handling and wind dynamics, as well as a striking visual impression. The Rio will probably be the first to arrive within the next two years and the cee'd will follow in a short time.
While these two compact racers are almost a certainty, rumors of a Mazda MX-5 rival are starting to seem doubtful. Even though Kia design boss Peter Schreyer clearly said that he'd love to make a two-seater, this hearsay will probably be forgotten, as there wouldn't be any customer demand for such a model.
"One of the biggest growth areas is China," said the Kia employee for AutoExpress “And while they have a voracious appetite for new products, they only want sports cars from established makers."
"However, it will be interesting to see what happens with sister firm Hyundai’s Veloster coupe."
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