The Kia aesthetic resurgence continues, as these first official images of the new Rio supermini testify to. This is pretty much the most stylish thing Kia has ever done.
Already the new Rio looks like it's effortlessly made the leap from budget Korean also-ran to proper Ford Fiesta rival. It maintains the design language that makes the Kia cee'd a looker, but adds a rakish twist.
The five-door goes on sale later this year, following its Geneva debut next month, then hits showrooms as a three-door model early in 2012. No prices yet, but it's likely to be more than the outgoing car in keeping with a bump in quality and image.
It's 70mm longer than the current version too and a little taller, so it's more spacious, while its boot grows to 292 litres in capacity. That's not too far off a family hatchback's cargo area.
The entry level engine will be a 1.1-litre petrol with 70hp and CO2 emissions 'from as low as 85g/km'. That's remarkable, but we can't get too excited because Kia hasn't confirmed which engines are coming to Ireland as yet.
"This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car that people will want to buy for its looks," says Soon-Nam Lee of Kia.