Kia Rio nearly missed the show

…of the last half decade at the Motor Show.

Kia Motors Australia spokesman Kevin Hepworth says they flew out two of the upcoming new Rio models at the 11th hour for the show.

"We're lucky to have a car here because production has been delayed and has only just started, so we air-freighted them out."

Lucky they did as the light cars are show-stoppers with their muscular and aggressive stance, motorcycle-style instruments and impressive list of features you would expect in more luxurious and expensive cars such as cornering headlights and LED daytime running lights.

The new Rio goes on sale in September with the five-door hatch. For the first time it will also be available in three and four-door variants, arriving early in 2012.

On show in Melbourne is a top-spec model with low-profile tyres and all the kit, plus a base car with blacked-out windows because it is a "mule car" fitted inside with "development plastics" instead of the final production trim.

"We weren't prepared to not have it on show, so we grabbed what we could and flew it out," Hepworth says.

Kia Motors Australia CEO MK Kim says customers "will want to buy for its looks, as well as its environmental credentials".

The Rio is powered with a choice of 7.9kW/135Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine or 103kW/167Nm 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol engine.

Kia claims a 13 per cent power boost in the 1.6L engine while lowering emissions.

The new Rio model is 55mm longer, 25mm wider and 15mm lower with a 70mm longer wheelbase to improve passenger space and cargo capacity, as well as give it a purposeful and sleek stance on the road.

It will arrive with a choice of 10 body colours. Inside are centrally-located toggle switches reminiscent of the Mini.

Features available include MP3 compatibility, aux, iPod and USB connections, Bluetooth hands-free, cruise-control and climate-control air-conditioning.

Like the Sorento, Cerato, Sportage and Optima, the new Rio's suspension and running gear have been tested in Australia and tuned to our conditions.

On the safety side, it comes with stability control, ABS, electronic brake force distribution, emergency brake assistance, hill-start assistance, up to six airbags and the option of cornering headlights.