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Kia Hits Paris with Stylish Sport Concept

Could the Sport Concept Be Kias Next-Generation Rio RX-V?

Theres no better word that can be used to describe the improvements that Kia has made over the past twelve months than "amazing". It took Hyundai the better part of the past two decades to lift its image from lowest on the list to one of respect and credibility, but Kia has turned around in a quarter of the time (see automotive news for Aug 14, 2004: Industry Report: Kia to Phase in New Corporate Identity).

Of course, to be fair to Hyundai, most of Kias turnaround has been on the back of the Korean giant. Hyundai purchased Kia lock, stock and barrel recently, and all

Kias Sport Concept hints at the next-generation Rio Cinco, what will be a critical model for the Korean automaker on its road to becoming one of the worlds top five car manufacturers. (Photo: Kia Motors America)

of its new models are architecturally based on next-generation Hyundais. Not a bad position for the economy class car company to be in.

The compact 2005 Spectra, 5-door Spectra5 and upcoming Sportage compact SUV are probably the best examples of Kias modern, well-built vehicles,

Hyundais compact Getz donated the Sports vital organs on the way to forming Kias concept subcompact. (Photo: Kia Motors America)

with other models such as the brands Sorento SUV and Sedona minivan extremely impressive. Still, not all Kias have been updated to Kias new standards, the subcompact Rio and Rio Cinco especially.

Its no secret that time is running out for the somewhat antiquated Rio, but what will its replacement be like? Kia dropped a major hint with the ambiguously named Sport Concept, which it recently unveiled at this years Paris Motor Show. The screaming

The Getz is taller, narrower and stodgier than the lithe Sport concept. (Photo: Kia Motors America)

yellow pocket rocket is said to be a "dramatic trailer" of a new B-segment vehicle (subcompact) which is expected to make a worldwide debut come spring, 2005.

The Sport, and next generation Rio (if it ends up being called such) shares its underpinnings with Hyundais Getz. It provides a much more rigid "platform" to build on than the Rio, with a European-tuned strut and torsion beam setup. Its more than unlikely that a production version will receive the Sports five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and performance rubber, or the extreme sport-tuned springs and pavement-scraping

Even without the turbocharged 200 horsepower 4-cylinder engine, bright yellow paint and flashy body kit, the Sport appears like an attractive yet sensible vehicle. (Photo: Kia Motors America)

ground clearance of the concept car.

Where Hyundais Getz is tall and upright, with an enlarged passenger cabin and a short hood, the Sports body is sleeker, leaner and easier on the eyes. With its large, flat-topped jewel-like headlamps, narrow grille and layered front fascia, the styling is pleasant, if not a bit generic, seemingly imitating the latest designs from Toyota and Lexus, most of which arent exactly original either. The rear end of the Sport is seamlessly drawn together with a mildly tapered hatch, embossed hatch lid partition and wraparound LED taillamps.

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