Korean automaker Kia is expected to kick off its Indian innings later this year, but before that the brand has its most popular global model to refresh for 2016. The model in question is the Rio hatchback which will be replaced with the fourth-gen version. The latter will make its global debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show.
The new Rio’s exterior and interior design was led by the brand’s design centres in Germany and California, in collaboration with the main design centre in Namyang, Korea. Looking at the official sketch, those straight lines and smooth surfacing does give the car a distinctive identity. Also, the longer front overhang and upright C-pillar give the car a more balanced look than its predecessor.
The Rio is Kia’s global bestseller, with more than 473,000 units sold globally in 2015. This next generation model will enter production towards the end of 2016 for Europe. It is expected to arrive in the Indian market, alongside the Rio sedan and the Picanto to form Kia India’s line-up.
