Although five-door versions of most B-segment cars are more popular in most markets, in order to satisfy those customers that don’t need the practicality of the two extra doors and prefer a more dynamic look, Kia launched a three-door version of its new Rio at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show. Like its more practical sibling, with which it shares the same dimensions (4,045mm long, 1,720 mm wide, 1,455mm tall and with a wheelbase of 2,570 mm), the Rio 3d has been designed with the European consumer in mind. In most markets, the 3-door Rio will be available with the same range of powertrains, equipment and options as the five-door model. Buyers will be able to choose from four three- and four-cylinder engines delivering between 75HP and 109HP. The most powerful engine accelerates the new Rio from 0-100 km/h (0-62 mph) in 11.5 seconds and offers a top speed of 183 km/h (114 mph). The most efficient model in the range is the new EcoDynamics diesel that boasts an extremely low average fuel consumption of 3.2 lt/100 km (equal to 88.2mpg UK, 73.5mpg US) and an industry-leading CO2 emissions figure of just 85 g/km. Kia expects the three-door version to account for nearly 20-25% of the Rios total European sales.
The all-new Kia GT Concept that will make its first public outing tomorrow at the 64th IAA is the South Korean company's first ever attempt to create a rear-wheel drive model. It is also the most powerful thanks to a 3.3-liter turbocharged V6 engine that delivers an output of 390HP and 534 Nm (393.8 lb-ft) of torque that are sent to the rear wheels via an 8-speed automatic gearbox. Even though development of the concept began less than a year ago, in November 2010, Kia’s European design team has been considering a rear-wheel drive car for quite some time. The South Korean manufacture's chief designer Peter Schreyer explains: “This concept allows us to explore exciting new design directions, as using a rear-wheel drive layout creates very different proportions compared to a front-wheel drive car. The classic front-engined, rear-wheel drive layout of a performance saloon has distinct appeal not just for the domestic Korean audience, but also for the European and American markets.” According to Kia, the GT Concept draws inspiration from the 2007 Kee concept and the iconic GTs of the 1970s. Schreyer’s goal was to make sure that the GT’s proportions could not be mistaken for anything other than a rear-wheel drive performance saloon, that is why he pushed the front wheels as far front as he could, placed the cabin further back and created a short rear end. Now all this sounds to us like Kia is paving the way for a production version. Schreyer’s comments about the four-seater sedan reinforces this impression: “One of the great things about working on this project was that this is a very real car. It felt good to work on a car that could roll down the road tomorrow,” says Schreyer. So does this mean that Kia is actually mulling a production model? Schreyer certainly hopes so. “It would be a dream to put it into production," says Kia's head designer. "It has a logical layout, with four seats and good luggage space, and it’s also engaging and dynamic and makes a strong statement.” The last statement of the man who transformed Kia’s design is even more revealing about the chances of a production RWD saloon from Kia: “This is exactly the kind of car Kia should be making.”
The all-new 4th generation Rio will reach Kia's UK showrooms on September 1 with on-the-road prices starting from £10,595 for the entry-level 1.25 "1" and reaching £14,895 for range-topping 1.4 CRDi "3" EcoDynamics. The Rio will be available at launch only as a five-door model but a three-door bodystyle will be added to the range early next year. The South Korean automaker's proposal in the highly popular in Europe B-segment will go against the likes of the Ford Fiesta, Vauxhall Corsa and Fiat Punto EVO. The Rio will be available with four engines including two petrol and two diesel units. The entry-level petrol engine is the 1.25-litre Kappa unit that develops 83bhp and 121Nm of torque, while the second option is Kia’s 1.4-litre Gamma engine, generating 107bhp and 137Nm of torque. The two diesel engines are a 1.1-liter CRDi unit producing 74bhp and 170Nm of peak torque while returning up to 88.3mpg UK (73.5 mpg US or 3.2 lt/100km), and a 1.4-liter CRDi delivering 89bhp and 220Nm with a combined fuel consumption of up to 70.6mpg UK (58.8mpg US or 4.0lt/100km). All diesel models are fitted with Kia’s EcoDynamics suite of fuel-saving technologies including Intelligent Stop & Go engine technology, low rolling resistance tyres, a drag-reducing front grille, gearshift indicator and rear spoiler. There are three available trim grades with the entry-level "1" featuring front electric windows, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, two-way steering column adjustment on the petrol model (height-adjustable only on the entry level diesel), trip computer, split folding rear seats, and an MP3-compatible RDS radio and CD player with USB and AUX ports as standard. Bluetooth is also standard on the petrol entry model, and on all versions with other trim grades. The ‘1 Air’ grade simply adds air conditioning to the mix, while the level ‘2’ models receive 16-inch alloys, front fog lights and a chrome radiator grille surround, along with bespoke interior trim, rear electric windows, a cooling glove box, electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors with side repeaters, leather steering wheel and gearshift, and a centre console armrest. Finally, the level ‘3’ specification adds 17-inch alloys with low-profile tyres, LED daytime running and rear combination lamps, automatic air conditioning rain sensing wipers, cruise control, automatic headlights, heated front seats and six speakers in lieu of four.
Although five-door versions of most B-segment cars are more popular in most markets, in order to satisfy those customers that don’t need the practicality of the two extra doors and prefer a more dynamic look, Kia launched a three-door version of its new Rio at the 2011 Frankfurt Motor Show.
The all-new Kia GT Concept that will make its first public outing tomorrow at the 
The all-new 4th generation Rio will reach Kia's UK showrooms on September 1 with on-the-road prices starting from £10,595 for the entry-level 1.25 "1" and reaching £14,895 for range-topping 1.4 CRDi "3" EcoDynamics.
