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A Rio GTI is only a question of time and there is also likely to be a genuine Kia sports car as a motor show hero in 2012 before full-scale production in 2013 or 2014.
The new moves are virtually confirmed by Kia's design guru, Peter Schreyer, at the unveiling of the Rio four-door sedan and updated Soul at the New York motor show.
"I think it would be nice to add some spice to what we've done now," Schreyer tells Carsguide. "We are doing good design and it is a good feeling. All the new cars are coming out now."
The key to the GTI program is an upcoming 1.6-litre direct-injection petrol turbo engine, which will be part of a new family of force-fed engines led by the 2.0-litre motor already fitted to the Sportage and Optima in the USA.
Kia tells Carsguide the turbos are part of its solution to the need for more power with reduced emissions and fuel consumption, which is already taking it into stop-start technology and an on-demand alternator in the upcoming replacements - three and five-door hatches, with a four-door sedan - to the current Rio.
Schreyer is not giving any firm details, but confirms work is underway on both a hot hatch and a true sports car. "Either, or, it's not so very far away," Schreyer tells Carsguide.
Insiders expect one or both cars to be previewed at the Detroit Motor Show next January, with the GTI as the most likely starter. But there could be a problem for Australia, as Schreyer - who is based at Kia's design studio in Germany - says hot hatch work is currently focussed on the C'eed, a car not available downunder.
"I think the GTI is probably best . . . to do on the next C'eed. I have to do something (else) for you in Australia."
Kia has had sports car concepts in the past but, under Schreyer and with billions to splash on new-model development, a production program is a near certainty.
"In my opinion, it would be a nice addition. Not a supersports car, but a small, honest little car. We have to see, we have to see," he says.
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