Kia Sports Hot Hatch Rio

According to Kia's outgoing Australia distributor, Ateco Automotive (the Korean car-maker takes over distribution here from March 1), the Rio-based Kia Sport, first seen at last year's Paris motor show has been signed-off for production.

The turbocharged 2.0-litre hot hatch also will debut a new five-speed automatic transmission.

Sporting 18-inch alloy wheels, deep front air-dam, pumped guards, dual exhausts and a roof-mounted rear wing, the bright yellow Paris show concept was given the Euro-style treatment in-house at Kia.

Inside, the concept mixes leather with painted and bare metal surfaces. Seats, door trims and centre console are trimmed in yellow and dark leather.

Equipment includes satellite-navigation, DVD player and climate control air-conditioning.

The Kia Sport will give the Korean car-maker a "hero" car that will make younger buyers - Kia says 20-30 year-olds - and not just budget buyers, sit up and take notice.

Expect a late next year, or 2007 Melbourne motor show launch.

The even sportier car said to be based on the Kia KCV-III roadster first shown at the 2003 Frankfurt motor show will give the brand even credibility - and a genuine "halo" car. However, Ateco's spokesman wouldn't be drawn on a possible launch date, or if the roadster would come here.

Kia said at its 2003 unveiling that the concept gave clues to its future style direction and adaptation of new technologies. In terms of its styling, the show car borrows heavily from contemporary European trends.

Mind you, the concept was powered by a 2.0-litre engine, which on the face of it wouldn't earn a production version all that much credibility among sports car aficionados. But perhaps would give it more appeal to budget-minded buyers...