PARIS MOTOR SHOW: Kia Rio arriving in January

Kia's brand new Rio will step out at the Paris motor show late this month, introducing autonomous emergency braking with pedestrian recognition – a first in Rio's class, Kia claims.

Additionally, the light hatch will boast Apple/Android smartphone integration, a roomier cabin with 325-litre luggage capacity, plus a ride/handling balance aimed at those who enjoy driving.

The new car's design was a joint effort by product development teams in Germany, California and South Korea. Kia will build the new Rio at its Sohari plant in Korea, and the car is expected to launch locally in January, around the time of the Australian Open, which is sponsored by Kia. It's likely the on-sale date will follow shortly after that.

It's uncertain what engine and trim options will be available for the Aussie market, but of the four petrol engines and one diesel, the 1.4-litre four-cylinder and high output (88kW) 1.0-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder would seem the most likely.

The 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine will power the new Rio in two states of tune. The turbocharged and direct-injected unit will produce peak power of either 73kW or 88kW, although torque is the same for both, 172Nm. An idle-stop system should see both engines achieve CO2 emissions below 100g/km, which is important in Europe.

Other petrol engines will consist of 62kW 1.25-litre and the 73kW port-injected 1.4-litre four-cylinder powerplants. Another engine unlikely for Australia is the 1.4-litre diesel, rated at 52kW or 66kW. Standard transmissions are five-speed manuals for the 1.25-litre four-cylinder and lower-output 1.0-litre three-cylinder, or six-speed manuals for 1.4 and 88kW 1.0-litre three cylinder. A four-speed automatic will be available as an option.

Suspension comprises MacPherson struts up front and a torsion beam at the rear. Kia claims that the added rigidity for the new body shell has allowed a more compliant ride without detriment to cornering ability.

Fitted with standard autonomous emergency braking and a lane departure warning system, the Rio is anticipated to achieve a five-star safety rating after assessment by Euro NCAP. Six airbags are complemented by ISOFIX child safety seat mounting. The manufacturer has boosted the percentage of Advanced High Strength Steel content from 33 per cent to 51 per cent for the new car.

Inside the new Rio, the heating and cooling switchgear below the infotainment screen has been simplified. The dash layout is oriented towards the driver and the infotainment interface is operated through a 'floating' tablet-style device mounted from the centre fascia. Lower-grade variants come with a 5.0-inch touch screen, but higher grade models will move to a 7.0-inch unit that displays satellite navigation maps. The standard audio system will be a six-speaker unit. Kia is claiming a first in the class, offering the new Rio with USB ports in the rear seat as well as in front.

Bottleholders in the front doors will accommodate 1.5-litre bottles and there are two cupholders in the centre console, plus two more 500ml can/bottle holders in the rear doors. As well as a sunglass holder in the overhead console, there's an open double tray in the centre console for accommodating mobile phones and other loose items.

Depending on trim level, the new Rio will be offered in black or grey cloth, or with black or grey synthetic leather.

Appearing on the new Rio's equipment list will be items such as keyless entry/start, heated seats/steering wheel, rain-sensing wipers and automatic headlights. Automatic Cruise Control with a speed limiter will also be available, as will Rear Park Assist with reversing camera.

A thinner version of the 'tiger grille' motif was selected by the new Rio's stylists. In combination with the longer bonnet and the slimmed-down 'bi-function' headlights, the new design removes some of the chunkiness of the current model's front end.

For an improved field of vision, the new Rio boasts thinner C pillars, and Kia's designers have relocated the door mirrors to the base of the A pillars. A lower beltline and kidney windows in the rear doors also help reduce blind spots.

The wheelbase has been stretched 10mm – to 2580mm – and the new Rio is 15mm longer overall (for a measure of 4065mm). Legroom has been enhanced as a consequence.

Eight exterior colours will be on offer when the new car reaches the market, with three alloy wheel designs measuring between 15 and 17-inch diameter.

"The Rio is an important car for Kia, as our best-selling model worldwide," says Michael Cole, COO for Kia Europe.

"The B-segment is one of the most hotly-contested areas of the new car market, and the third-generation Rio helped introduce more people to the Kia brand than ever before.

"As a gateway to the brand, the Rio has typically offered an attractive design, low running costs and a practical nature. It’s for these reasons that the current model has sold in record numbers around the world. The new model will build on these key strengths, with higher desirability, a more enjoyable drive and the most advanced safety features in its class."