Kia has just launched their all-new Rio compact hatch. The fourth generation of Kia's bestselling model is looking to maintain its sales momentum with some key upgrades. The styling is largely unchanged from the current car, but it still looks fresh in the segment. The grille is wider, the headlights are narrower, and the sides are less rounded than before. The new Rio is also slightly wider and longer than the old one, but has a lower roof height to help emphasize the extra width.
Inside, the materials look upgraded over the old car, with the largest change being what Kia calls a "floating" infotainment screen. Much like the newer Mazda and BMW screens, it looks slightly tacked-on as it protrudes from the dash. Fortunately, they have kept real buttons to augment the touchscreen. The system also gets Android Auto and Apple CarPlay integration.
Kia says that the new interior will be largest in class, and cargo space has increased to 325 L. On the safety front, Kia claims that the new Rio will be the first in class to offer autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition. Engine choices have not yet been announced, but those numbers, along with pricing, should be available closer to the on-sale date in the first quarter of 2017.
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