Kia today released images of the 2012 Rio. The wedge-shape Rio will come in three versions (three-, four- and five-door), and will be available worldwide.
Kia is offering six engines for the new Rio including a 1.1 liter, 70 hp diesel in Europe; a 1.2-liter turbocharged direct-injected engine also for Europe; and a 1.6 liter gasoline engine, which puts out 140 hp, for the North American market.
The revamped Rio is 2 inches longer, 1 inch wider, and about a half an inch shorter than the outgoing model. The wheelbase has increased by about 3 inches, which should give backseat passengers a roomier ride.
"This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car which is extremely attractive, that people will want to buy for its looks," said Soon-Nam Lee, Kia's director of overseas marketing.
The Korean automaker has sold more than 860,000 Rios globally since its launch in 2005.