Kia Rio Sedan And Hatchback Debuts Stateside

First revealed at the 2016 Paris Auto Show last year, Kia has finally debuted the fourth-generation Kia Rio at the 2017 New York Auto Show.

Both the 2018 Rio sedan and 5-door models were on display, sporting larger frames than their predecessors and a lot more features. The increase in length, 172.6 inches in the sedan and 160.0 inches with the hatch, can be attributed to the longer 101.6-inch wheelbase they both ride on. To improve the Rio’s handling and balance, the cars were designed to sit lower and wider than before.

Other exterior changes includes the recognizable tiger-nose grille, more upright A-pillars and new headlights.

Kia Motors America exec, Orth Hedrick was quoted by CarScoops saying "This fourth-generation Rio makes significant improvements over its predecessor in design, technology and passenger comfort, resulting in an even better value proposition for our customers, while raising the bar in the small-car segment.”

Compared to the previous gen models, the new Rio comes with plenty of cabin tech upgrades including Bluetooth hands-free functionality, six speaker stereo with satellite radio and a rear-view camera system. Of course there are additional equipment included in the higher trim levels, more specifically the EX trim, such as a 7" floating infotainment screen, UVO3 voice recognition infotainment system and smartphone integration.

No matter which trim you choose, be it LX, S or EX, they will all come with the same standard safety features as the Kia Rio is aiming for the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) Top Safety Pick award and a five-star rating from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). For buyers, that translates into six airbags, side-impact door beams, ESC, a four-wheel ABS, Hill-start Assist Control and Vehicle Stability Management.

Prices have not been released yet, but the Rio should go on sale later this year.