Kia Rio 2017 News

The Australasian New Car Assessment Program (ANCAP) has issued a five-star safety rating to a Chinese-built model, the MG GS, while the Kia Rio range and higher-spec Suzuki Swift has scored five stars

Kia has taken the wraps off the fourth-generation Rio sedan at the New York motor show, but it has been ruled out for the Australian market by the Korean company's local arm.The Korean car-maker offered the previous-generation Rio sedan in Australia, but it was dropped due to slow sales.A number of brands have discontinued their light sedans from the Australian market in recent years, leaving only the Hyundai Accent, Honda City, and Mazda2 sedan as booted options in the segment.The new four-door Rio features improvements already seen here in the Korean manufacturer's popular hatch that went on sale in January this year.Kia's new car is a little bigger, has more refined styling, with similar performance, as well as plenty of extras inside and under the skin.Overall length in the sedan is up 15mm while the wheelbase is 10mm longer than the previous-gen sedan.The exterior has more upright A-pillars and a creased shoulder line running front to back, making the new sedan look a little bigger again than it really is.In the US where the Rio sedan will be sold, it is offered with a 1.6-litre four-cylinder GDI engine delivering 97kW/161Nm matched with either a six-speed manual or automatic transmission.In Australia, the Rio has the same engine as the previous model, a 74kW/133Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder unit mated to either a six-speed manual or optional four-speed automatic transmission.The cabin has been redesigned to align with the hatch to enhance new technologies. The centre console offers a bi-level tray to make storing smartphones and small tablets easier.Other features include a 7.0-inch centre touchscreen for multimedia that includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. A factory-developed satellite navigation system, a digital radio and a USB charger for the rear-seat occupants are optional.Standard safety features include six airbags, 'Electronic Stability Control' (ESC), ABS brakes and 'Hill-Start Assist Control'. The Rio also has a reversing camera, automatic dusk-sensing headlights, daytime running lights and rear parking sensors on all models.

A turbo engine and sports suspension will later this year cap the more subdued Kia Rio light hatchback range that launches this week, featuring in a new, more performance-focused variant.

Kia has unveiled its new weapon in the battle for city car supremacy, pouring critical comfort and technology upgrades into its all-new Rio.

The top end of town has snubbed next week's Paris motor show but the biggest auto event on the European calendar will have plenty of new sheet metal.

The first official images of the all-new Kia Rio have been released, with the Korean city car bigger, boxier and more posh than ever before.