Kia reveals new Rio adapted for the Chinese market

Kia has revealed a new model designed and engineered specifically for the Chinese market at the Shanghai Motor Show. Based on the all-new Rio due to arrive in Europe in late summer, the new K2 gives us a strong indication of the style and look of the new Rio ahead of its appearance in European showrooms.

Set to enter production with Kia’s joint venture partner Dongfeng Yueda Kia, the K2 will be produced at the latter’s manufacturing facility in Jiangsu province starting in June.  A 5-door hatchback of version of the K2 will commence production in August of this year.

K2 will be positioned as a premium small car with advanced styling and upgraded levels of quality and performance, and is expected to be a highly competitive offering in a segment that accounts for 16 per cent of all new car sales in China.

K2 represents the next phase in Kia’s strategy to better satisfy customers in various regions of the world by developing and marketing products that reflect local tastes and needs. Following the introduction of the cee’d family of C-segment vehicles and Venga B-segment MPV, which were designed and engineered specifically for European customers, the new K2 is a clear sign of Kia’s commitment to become a leading automotive brand in China.

Speaking at the Kia press conference at the Shanghai Motor Show, Hyoung-Keun Lee, Vice Chairman of Kia Motors, said: “We are confident that this all-new model for China will provide the momentum needed for Kia not only to remain as one of China’s fastest growing automotive brands but also to become a top 10 automaker in the local market in terms of quality and customer satisfaction.”

While sharing the same technical underpinnings as the all-new Rio, the K2 has been completely redesigned for the Chinese market, drawing on styling cues from the popular K5 sedan (known as ‘all-new Optima’ in many markets), including sophisticated lines that create a dynamic, bold and sophisticated exterior appearance.

The front view features Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ radiator grille and features a bold look thanks to the innovative fog lamp design, large air intake and dynamic swept back headlamps. A side character line, side air vent and trunk edge line add to the sporty image of the K2 while the rear view features a two-tone bumper and modern combination lamps.

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The driver-focused futuristic interior conveys a spacious and comfortable feeling and drivers will enjoy a 3-cylinder supervision instrument cluster, cloth lined door panels, leather steering wheel, engine start-stop button and smart key.

Measuring 4,370 mm (overall length) by 1,700 mm (overall width) by 1,460 mm (overall height), the K2 is longer, wider and lower than the previous generation Rio and boasts the longest wheelbase (2,570 mm) in its class. The expanded dimensions allow K2 to claim best-in-class interior space and ample luggage capacity of 500 litres (VDA). Space utilisation is further enhanced thanks to the 60:40 split rear seat.

K2 will be available to Chinese customers in six trim levels with either a 1.4-litre or 1.6-litre Gamma petrol engine mated to a manual or automatic transmission.

Author: Faye Sunderland, April 19th, 2011
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