The Kia Rio is set for an overhaul in 2017, with the all-new model due to be revealed in full at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in September. Kia has now given us our first look at the car, however, with a new set of design sketches showing the supermini's design.
The pictures show a sporty-looking makeover for the Rio, with a lower and wider look thanks to a version of the Kia 'Tiger Nose' grille design that stretches out to touch the headlights. The lights themselves have a slimmer look and are angled downwards, with a distinctive light signature. The lower grille also seems much bigger than before, and the bonnet appears to be longer.
The new Kia Rio will have a longer wheelbase than the current Rio and when combined with the sculpted doors, higher shoulderline and large alloy wheels in the sketch, it certainly gives the new car a sportier edge. At the back there are new taillights, plus more upright C-pillars and even a small roof spoiler. It remains to be seen how these details will translate into the production car though.
An interior sketch shows that the new car will feature a simplified dashboard with few buttons and dials, plus a large display screen for the infotainment system. Kia says the new Rio will feature "the latest connectivity features," which means Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are on the cards. It's sure to get an automatic version too, given the gear selector on display in the picture.
This new Kia Rio will go into production at the end of 2016, though it's not clear when cars will be coming to the UK just yet. We expect that Rio prices will start from around £11,000 - similar to those of the current car.
It will be based on a new platform for the brand, which will also be used to support a new B-segment Rio SUV that we'll see in 2017. Albert Biermann, the brand's new engineering boss, recently told us that he'd love to see a warm three-cylinder GT version of the new Rio as well, though there's no official plan in place just yet.
What do you think of the new Kia Rio? Let us know in the comments below...