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2006 Kia Rio5 Preview

Safe and Reliable Motoring

First, at this years Geneva International Motor Show, and then in New York, Kia introduced its all-new never before seen subcompact, the Rio. Hold on a second. Didnt the South Korean brand already do that at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit? While this is indeed true, the vehicle introduced in Europe and then in the Big Apple was a practical and sporty five-door liftback, a body style that appeals to European buyers and trendy North Americans. The Detroit debut was of the notchback four-door sedan, which is favored by the less trendy on this side of the globe.

The whole notion of separate release dates and international debuts is just a not-so-subtle hint as to how Kia

First at this years Geneva International Motor Show and then in New York, Kia introduced its all-new sporty Rio5. (Photo: Kia Motors America)

is planning to play its future cards in a big way. The South Korean firm, owned and controlled by that countrys other automotive giant Hyundai, wants to project itself into the top five automobile manufacturers in the world by 2010. Theres no better way to get the attention of the public than by releasing its cars to the right audience at the right time.

As with the Sportage SUV, the Spectra compact

The 5-door Rio has been revamped under Kias new corporate strategy. (Photo: Kia Motors America)

and the pocket-sized Picanto (not sold in North America), the Rio has been revamped under Kias new corporate strategy. Bearing the weight of a reputation for building low-quality, bottom-rung vehicles (the worst offender being the original Rio), Kia hopes that the new liftback and sedan will improve the companys and models images in customers minds.

"The new Rio offers customers more space, more power, higher performance, better handling, a smoother ride and enhanced fuel economy," says Mr. Yong Hwan Kim, VP of Kia Motors. Id say thats

Compared to the current 5-door Cinco, the new Rio5 is already shaping up to be a much better vehicle in terms of its design. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

as good a start as any.

From the technical specifications list, the Rio5 doesnt appear to offer anything special. It rides on a small, compact chassis that has MacPherson struts in front and a space-saving torsion beam in rear. Of course, power steering will be standard, but really, this means little as the previous car utilized these readily-available technologies. What will count, however, is the way the car rides, steers and corners. Kias press release beams that the car will deliver "responsive handling and a supple, comfortable ride," but well reserve our comments

The Rio5 is the production version of the Sport Concept that Kia debuted last September at the 2004 Paris auto show. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

until we drive it.

Regardless of how well it drives, the new Rio5 is already shaping up to be a much better vehicle in terms of its design. Space has been used more efficiently by reducing overhangs and creating a cab forward body. At 157.8 inches long, the new Rio5 is both shorter than the Cinco model it replaces, but also the 165.4 inch-long new-generation sedan. The more compact length sees a slight increase of width by 0.6 inches and a whopping growth in height and wheelbase length - an incredible 2.0 inches taller, and 3.5 inches longer, respectively. These increases will, without a doubt, project the Rio from cramped to reasonably spacious.

If the Rio5s styling may

The radical backend of the concept car has been seriously toned down for the production model. (Photo: Kia Motors America)

be familiar to you, this is because the production variant was previewed last September at the 2004 Paris show with the Sport concept. In the transformation to a production model, the concepts sleek, Lexus-like lines and toned figure may have been lost, but the general shape and profile have been maintained. Definitely taller, the Rios facial details including the headlamps and grille have been stretched upwards, while the fascia is finished with black plastic rub strips instead of sleek, wrap-around LED appliqué.

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