New Kia Rio and Picanto Debut In Geneva

Kia Rio

Kia’s all-new fourth-generation Rio, revealed at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show, boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the latest model into line with the rest of Kia’s striking design-led product range.

Tasked with the difficult job of improving upon the international sales success of the previous generation model, Kia’s engineers and designers have created a new Rio which appeals to consumers’ aesthetic tastes. However, new Rio will also drive sales through its low running costs and class-leading CO2 emissions – with target figures for the model range starting at just 85 g/km.

Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the third-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units, sales in the UK total 52,626 units.

The new Rio model is longer by 20 mm, wider by 25 mm, and lower by -15 mm and features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm to 2,570 mm – greatly enhancing passenger space and cargo capacity.

Manufactured for the first time with a choice of 5-door and 3-door bodystyles, the new Rio is set to completely redefine its position and Kia is confident of capturing a larger share of the growing B-market segment.

To lower fuel consumption and help achieve Rio’s class-leading emissions, Kia engineers have carried out an extensive programme to shed weight across a broad range of components. As a result, although new Rio is a significantly larger car than the third-generation model with extra equipment, its weight-gain has been kept to a minimum.

The 5-door version of new Rio will go on sale in the UK from September with the all-new 3-door model on sale from early 2012. Both versions will be manufactured exclusively at Kia’s Sohari plant in Korea.

‘Premium presence’ for compact new car

This new car is no evolution of its predecessor, it is a revolution. The bold and distinctive personality of the new Rio represents a complete departure from its predecessor and fits perfectly into the revitalised new family of Kia products.

Viewed head on, new Rio has its own unique interpretation of the Kia corporate grille which is integrated with the front lamps to create a new twist on the Kia family look. In this latest form, the Kia logo now sits above the grille. Below the grille, the treatment of the front bumper and spoiler again shows signs of the Kia design DNA. In profile, the ratio of body to glass and the car’s strong wedge form give Rio a dynamic stance.

The Rio shows its connection with the Sportage, too, through its strong and stable rear, flowing C-pillar and dominant high shoulder. The coupe-like roof-line contrasts dramatically with the rear bumper and gives a power and solidity to the rear view.

This bold but elegant appearance is strengthened by the distinctive feature line which adds tension to the flanks and accentuates the dynamic stance of the car. The careful balance of window graphic, wheelbase and overall proportion give Rio a refined and premium presence.

To maximise the impact of Rio´s striking appearance is a fresh new palette of 10 body colours. Kia’s colour and trim team have developed a spectrum of exclusive colours for Rio which underline its stylish character.

With the introduction of the new Rio, the Kia product portfolio has just taken the next important step towards becoming a family of vehicles which has an attractive and coherent brand style but still manages to retain individual product character.

Sophisticated and spacious interior

To complement the striking exterior, Rio’s interior design has also been transformed, with a clean sophisticated theme. The concept follows the corporate Kia interior philosophy with the characteristic horizontal instrument panel, accentuating the feeling of width and space.

As in other recently-launched Kia models, the signature interior architecture – with its ‘three cylinder’ instrument cluster, precise instrument graphics and clear functionality – has been retained. New for Rio, however, are the centrally-located toggle switches, which are neatly integrated into the central heater unit, and control some of the secondary functions.

The sophistication of this interior concept is also reflected in the breadth of trim options which give the car a genuine premium feel. The bespoke feel of the interior underlines the new focus for Rio as a mature and compact premium car.

The current trend towards downsizing of vehicles which is being seen across Europe means that cars in the B-segment require more refinement, more features and higher quality but above all more choice and distinctive design is in demand.

The radically-new Rio is Kia´s answer to these new market conditions, and numerous ‘big car’ comfort and convenience features will be offered to consumers when new Rio goes on sale in Europe.

Optional features available on new Rio cars for the UK market will include smart-key entry system, RDS radio CD player with MP3 compatibility plus AUX, iPod and USB connections, Bluetooth® handsfree (with voice recognition available from December 2011), climate-control air-conditioning, heated front seats and LED daytime running lights.

The new Rio’s cabin is more spacious. The base of the windscreen is moved forwards by 156 mm and up by 18 mm, while the 70 mm longer wheelbase and 25 mm wider bodyshell bring space benefits for all occupants and luggage capacity. Front legroom is increased by 45 mm, front headroom by 8 mm.

The boot space is 100 mm wider and the capacity is now 288 litres – a 7% improvement over the previous model. The backrest of the rear seat is split 60/40 for maximum versatility. Users can fold the backrest down, to create an almost flat-floored load area.

Cabin storage includes a larger, 15-litre glove box, a larger centre console with 3-litres of extra capacity and pockets to hold a 1.5-litre bottle in the front doors and a 0.5-litre bottle in the rear doors.

Four highly efficient engines with 70-to-109 ps output

In the UK the new Rio will offer customers a choice of four highly efficient three- and four-cylinder engines – with a 70-to-109 ps power range – and a CO2 base-line rating from just 85 g/km, plus fuel consumption as high as 88.3 mpg.

In many countries, diesel power is the preferred option in this segment and Rio will be available with two versions of Kia’s ‘U2′ power unit – both fitted with 16-valves and a Waste Gate Turbo. The 1.4-litre generates 90 ps and 216 Nm of torque, while the 1.1-litre produces 70 ps and 162 Nm. Both engines deliver maximum torque from just 1,750 rpm.

Buyers who prefer their new Rio powered by petrol can select from a 1.4-litre Gamma or 1.25-litre Kappa engine.

A well-proven power unit in the Kia line-up, the updated ‘Gamma’ has friction-reducing modifications and dual Continuously Variable Valve Timing, to achieve a responsive performance and competitively modest fuel consumption. With maximum output of 109 ps and peak torque of 136 Nm, this engine powers the fastest Rio – accelerating to 100 kph (62 mph) in 11.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 181 kph (112 mph).

Kia’s advanced ‘Kappa’ family of engines – also appearing in the New Picanto at the Geneva Show – features dual CVVT, a cast aluminium block, off-set crankshaft, maintenance-free timing chain and low-friction ‘beehive’ valve springs. These technologies significantly improve efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. The 1.25-litre engine in Rio delivers 85 ps and 117.8 Nm of torque, while achieving fuel economy of 58.8 mpg.

Rio models will have a CO2 rating of 94-to-124 g/km. In the UK, these figures can be further reduced by specifying Kia’s optional fuel-stretching ISG technologies (automatic stop-start, advanced alternator control, upgraded starter motor and low-rolling resistance tyres) – available on selected UK models.

Equipped with ISG, Rio’s emissions will range from 85-to-114 g/km, so the two diesel models (under 100 g/km) qualify for local emissions-based tax savings, where available. For these models, fuel economy will range from 88.3 to 58.8 mpg, contributing to lower running costs.

Standard transmission for both diesels and the larger petrol engine will be a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.25-litre 85 ps petrol engine has a five-speed box. A four-speed automatic gearbox will be available as an option on the 1.4-litre 109 ps petrol engine.

Improved stability, ride and refinement

Developed from the previous model, the New Rio’s suspension and running gear has been engineered to carry over that popular car’s responsive handling while improving stability, ride quality and refinement – in line with heightened customer expectations.

The electric power-assisted rack and pinion steering now features a combined torque/angle sensor to protect against side wind gusts. It is geared to require 2.8 turns (lock-to-lock) and the steering wheel is adjustable for both height and reach.

Mounted on a sub-frame to isolate road shocks, the MacPherson strut front suspension is largely unchanged, with small alterations to accommodate the new model’s longer wheelbase, wider track and different weight distribution.

The Coupled Torsion Beam Axle at the rear is stiffer therefore reducing under-steer and the strength of the connection between the trailing-arms and the stub-axles is doubled, improving stability. Wheel travel is increased by 10 mm and the geometry is improved to reduce bump-steer and deliver a more compliant ride.

An all-disc braking system – with 256 / 262 mm (front / rear) diameter discs – is standard on all new Rio models fitted with Electronic Stability Control. The performance of the braking system is supported by ABS anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and emergency ‘brake assist’ systems.

Comprehensive ‘active’ and ‘passive’ safety

For new Rio, an all-new bodyshell was created using a higher percentage of high-strength steel than the third-generation model, enhancing strength and rigidity. Special attention was given to strengthening the engine-bay longitudinal side members, floor panel side members, floor level cross-member between the B-pillars and the transverse dashboard bulkhead.

Kia’s engineers are confident that new Rio will achieve a 5-Star safety rating in EuroNCAP crash tests, following the top ratings scored by cee’d, Venga, Soul, Sportage and Sorento.

In the UK, standard safety equipment will include electronic stability control, six airbags and ‘active’ front seat head restraints, to protect against whiplash injury in a rear impact. A new system called Emergency Stop Signal will be available for additional safety. To alert following drivers that the car is slowing rapidly, sensors detect when the driver is braking suddenly and hard, and then automatically flash the brake lights three times.

Measures to minimise NVH include increasing the rigidity of the car’s bodyshell structure with a stiffer steering column support bracket, reinforced panels within the C-pillar, strengthened rear fascia and increased stiffness for the inner and outer skins of the tailgate, plus larger hydraulic mountings for the engine and transmission to dampen vibrations.

THE SMALL CAR, GROWN UP – THE ALL-NEW PICANTO

The all-new Kia Picanto, making its global premiere at the Geneva Motor Show, has been redesigned and re-engineered with stand-out styling to completely redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in the global ‘city car’ A-segment.

With looks that convey a sense of solidity and maturity, new efficient engines and reduced CO2 emissions from 90 g/km, high levels of specification and safety features, the Picanto will be offered for the first time with a choice of 5-door and 3-door body styles.

“Our new Picanto is now a small car, grown-up,” comments Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation. “It is such a complete car, such a high quality package, offering numerous premium features and multiple trim choices, that it will raise the fundamental perception of A-segment models to a higher level.

“We anticipate that global demand for A-segment cars will be in the region of 2.4-million units annually over the next six years and we are confident that new Picanto will enable us to capture a larger share of this market,” adds Mr Lee.

“The first generation Picanto marked our debut in the A-segment in 2004 and went on to achieve more than 1.1 million sales globally over the following seven years, with sales in the UK totalling 77,810. I am sure that this new small Kia will become even more popular than the current vehicle,” concludes Mr Lee.

UK consumers will benefit from the next generation Picanto’s greatly reduced CO2 emissions, improved fuel economy and reduced ownership costs when the model goes on sale later this year.

More space and more style

The Picanto is the newest member to join the exciting and stylish Kia family. Kia has taken a courageous new step with the latest version of its smallest model. The character of the car has been transformed from ‘cute’ and ‘feminine’ into mature and handsome, designed to turn heads on the high street, thanks to its good looking, sexy proportions and dynamic design language. With a greater sense of stability and strength which is emphasised by the muscular wheel arches and wide set alloy wheels.

Up front, the face of the Picanto expresses the same assertive vigour and refinement as its bigger brothers, the Venga and the Sportage, and shares with them the same signature ‘tiger nose’ grille. Picanto’s daylight running lights emphasis the high level of design and high tech sophistication.

This bold front end is supported by a strongly-sculpted and dynamic body which embodies the strength and maturity of the Picanto and gives the vehicle a real ‘premium presence’ on the road. The strong body feature line along the flank brings a dynamic tension to the car’s profile and beautifully integrates the exterior door handles. This is just another example of the attention to detail which will set the new Picanto apart from its competitors.

Looking from the rear, the Picanto’s new design theme emphasises modernity, with its large rear window framed by the unique rear lamp graphic and supported by a strong purposeful bumper.

The 3-door model, with its unique treatment to C-pillar, bumpers and grille, offers an exciting exterior theme which will broaden the Picanto’s appeal to a wider audience when it goes on sale later in 2011.

The graphic composition of the 3-door Picanto’s front face has been subtly moulded to increase the sporty characteristics of the vehicle. The expression is more aggressive, the message is livelier – this car is looking for action! Likewise from the rear, the contrasting bumper insert emphasizes the car’s width and strength. It’s all finely tuned to create a car with a distinctly different character to the 5-door model.

While becoming more stylish, the new 3.6-metre long Picanto will also remain an extremely practical car. On the outside, overall vehicle length has increased by 60 mm, and the wheelbase has grown by 15 mm. These increases, and some clever interior packaging, have enhanced the cabin space for people (front legroom is up by 36 mm), and for luggage, with boot capacity increased by 27% to 200 litres.

Attention to small details of the exterior design have improved the new Picanto’s aerodynamics, reducing its drag figure to just Cd 0.31 – better than the vast majority of A-segment cars.

Projection-style headlamps and LED rear lamps will be available, together with a choice of steel or alloy wheels up to 15 inches – bringing added sophistication to the exterior appearance.

Kia expects the new 3-door model to account for around 30% of Picanto sales. The sportier-looking 3-door will be key in driving ‘conquest’ sales to new, younger consumer groups.

Raising the benchmark with ‘big car’ comforts

Manufactured exclusively at Kia’s Seosan plant in Korea, Picanto’s new found maturity is also reflected in the interior design, which sets a new benchmark in its class for material quality and trim choices, new Picanto will be presented in the UK with a wide range of six exterior colours.

New Picanto’s sophisticated interior will offer buyers numerous ‘big car’ comfort and convenience features – many of them fitted for the first time on a car in this segment.

The interior architecture shows the same chic functionality as the exterior with major controls arranged in an attractive and easy to use layout which emphasises the width and space of the interior. The thick rimmed two-spoke steering wheel and the signature Kia ‘three cylinder’ instrument cluster with its clear and precise graphics, reflect the consistency with which the new design philosophy is being used throughout the Kia product line-up.

New Picanto will also be available with automatically controlled air-conditioning, electronic and heated folding door mirrors with side repeaters, automatic light control with ‘escort’ and ‘welcome’ modes, steering wheel mounted audio controls, retractable dual cup holders,

Other new features available include smart-key entry system with engine start/stop button, AUX, iPod and USB connections for the RDS radio CD player with MP3 compatibility, Bluetooth® hands-free with voice recognition, heated front seats and Intelligent Stop and Go that further enhances fuel economy.

Highly efficient engines deliver great fuel economy

In Europe, every new Picanto will come with a highly efficient Kappa engine that helps lower this model’s CO2 base-line to just 95 g/km and improves fuel consumption to as much as 67.3 mpg.

Three versions of the Kappa will be offered – two in the UK. A four-cylinder, 1,248 cc engine that generates 85 ps and 121 Nm of torque tops the line-up. Two three-cylinder, 998 cc units will present customers with a choice of petrol or Bi-fuel technologies (LPG + petrol) – Bi-fuel is available in selected countries but not the UK. The petrol engine produces 69 ps and 95 Nm of torque. The Bi-fuel unit delivers 82 ps and 94 Nm of torque.

Made in Korea, the Kappa family of engines share many common characteristics, including dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing), a cast aluminium block, off-set crankshaft, maintenance-free long-life timing chain and low-friction ‘beehive’ valve springs.

This combination of advanced technologies means that exhaust emissions have been significantly reduced, so that the new, petrol only, Picanto line-up will have a CO2 rating of 99 to 125 g/km. Fuel economy will range from 67.3 to 42.2 mpg, contributing to lower running costs.

Selected models will also be available with Kia’s fuel-stretching EcoDynamics technologies (automatic stop-start – ISG, advanced alternator control, upgraded starter motor and low-rolling resistance tyres), cutting emissions even further – to between 95 and 102 g/km.

The standard transmission for all engines in new Picanto will be a 5-speed manual, while a 4-speed automatic gearbox will be available as an option on the 1.25-litre 85 ps engine.

Improved ride, stability and braking

New Picanto’s suspension and running gear has been developed from the previous model to retain that car’s responsive handling while improving ride quality and refinement.

The MacPherson strut front suspension features an increased castor angle of 4.1 degrees, for enhanced straight-line driving stability, 12% softer springs and longer wheel travel with 20mm shorter bump-stops.

At the rear, the Coupled Torsion Beam Axle is 60% stiffer to reduce under-steer, with 29% softer springs, 15 mm shorter bump-stops and larger trailing-arm bushes for improved stability and a more compliant ride.

The Picanto’s all-disc braking system, which is standard on all models fitted with Electronic Stability Control, is backed up with standard ABS anti-lock, electronic brake force distribution and emergency ‘brake assist’ systems. Stopping distance from 100 kph (62 mph) is among the class-best at 41.0 metres.

Enhanced safety for occupants and pedestrians

The all-new bodyshell created for the Picanto uses a higher percentage of high-strength steel and incorporates ring-shaped reinforcing loops within the B- and C-pillars, plus additional bracing at the front between the cowl and suspension towers for improved rigidity.

For greater side-impact protection, the B-pillar and side sills are reinforced with high-tensile steel plates, the anti-intrusion door-beams are extended to overlap the B-pillar and polyurethane pads are fitted within the front door trims.

Available safety equipment will include up to six airbags, electronic stability control and hill-start assist.

For additional safety, an Emergency Stop Signal system is standard in Europe. Sensors detect when the driver is braking suddenly and hard, and then flash the brake lights three times to alert following drivers that the car is slowing rapidly.

Pedestrian safety has also been improved by fitting a new cross-member below the front bumper, creating a deformable cowling ahead of the windscreen and off-setting the hood striker by 50 mm from the car’s centre line.

NVH counter-measures include larger hydraulic mountings for the engine and transmission, a triple-layer dashboard bulkhead sound-deadening panel, dual door sealing strips, and two measures to reduce wind noise – sound-blockers within the door mirror mounts and moving the radio antenna towards the rear of the roof.