Available in five-door format only, the fourth-generation model is built on an all-new platform that brings a 10mm-longer wheelbase and 15mm-longer body, contributing to larger cabin and boot dimensions. Leg room grows to 1,120 mm in the front and 770 mm in the rear, while the new model offers more shoulder room than most other cars in its class according to the brand – 1,375 mm in the front and 1,355 in the rear. Despite the new Rio being 5 mm shorter in height than the outgoing model, front and rear headroom (1,021 mm and 966 mm respectively) are among the best in the B-segment. 

Luggage capacity has also increased by 37 litres to 325 litres, among the best in class, and the new Rio features a split-level boot floor and comes as standard with split-folding rear seats. 

Updated design, led by Kia’s design centres in Germany and California, brings the latest evolution of Kia’s ‘tiger-nose’ grille, new bi-function headlights, and a long bonnet and longer front overhang. 

The interior brings a more driver-focused design. At the centre of the dashboard is the new infotainment system, housing Kia’s latest HMI (human-machine interface) with a ‘floating’ 5.0-inch touchscreen audio system with six speakers. Buyers can also specify a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and navigation system, with Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay for full smartphone integration. 

Other technologies on offer include keyless entry and ignition, heated seats and steering wheel, rain-sensing windscreen wipers, and automatic headlamps. Also available are Automatic Cruise Control, with a speed limiter, and Rear Park Assist with a rear view camera. 

Engine line-up now includes Kia’s latest three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI petrol engines in 98 or 118PS variants – already seen on the revised Cee’d and expected to deliver sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions. The Rio’s Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system will see emissions reduced even further, pending homologation.

Other petrol engines cover naturally-aspirated 82PS 1.25-litre and 90PS 1.4-litre MPI engines. Pending final homologation tests, both engines are expected to deliver CO2 emissions of under 120 g/km.

The new Rio will also be sold with a 1.4-litre diesel engine, producing either 69 or 88PS  and currently CO2 emissions under 90 g/km with ISG.

Transmissions cover a five-speed manual for 1.25-litre and 98PS 1.0-litre T-GDI gasoline engines or a six-speed manual transmission for the rest of the line-up.

Safety equipment includes Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian recognition – a first in the B-segment. This uses a long-range radar detection system to detect potential collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians and helps bring the car to a halt.

The all-new Kia Rio will go on sale across Europe in the first quarter of 2017 and including Kia’s seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty as standard.