This is one of our underdogs in the city car category: the Kia Rio. Distributed in Europe since 2000, this model is particularly suited to customers on the continent, and even more so in France, where sales in the B segment have historically been largely dominant. But how to exist in front of a trio of French women, to which Dacia is now added? Just look at the sales charts in France for 2022. Peugeot 208, Renault Clio, Dacia Sandero and Citroën C3 was pulled by a steam locomotive. It is difficult for Rio to exist, especially since it has to face very strong competition (especially European). volkswagen polo, Ford Fiesta (RIP), Opel Corsa, Seat Ibiza, Skoda Fabia. And even its cousin Hyundai i20! Currently in its fourth generation (restyling in 2020), Kia Rio will, according to some corridor rumors, condemned to disappear in Europedue to lack of sufficient sales…

All-new Kia Rio for Europe?

Anyway, that’s what Dutch AutoWeek journalists suggested in a report published a few months ago. But I saw it excellent health of the Hyundai-Kia automotive group, it is hard to imagine how a global manufacturer like Kia could simply abandon such a vibrant segment, especially in such an important market as Europe. Even if in his defense, most automakers are trying to make these small models profitable, with high costs that are difficult to compensate with tariffs. If Rio were to return in an all-new version, what could we expect? The brand has just introduced the new generation of its sedan K3 (segment B) in Mexico. It will replace the Rio sedan in this market and may influence our future European model…

New Kia K3, driver

As on the Picanto, Sorento and EV9, this new K3 features Kia’s new design called ‘Tiger Nose’, with L-shaped headlights and taillights interconnected by a light strip, and 100% LEDs. Personal and more exclusive appearance compared to the current K3 (also called the Forte or Cerato, which dates back to 2018). On board, we recognize a linear instrument panel equipped with Kia’s new steering wheel (installed on the EV6). She is dressed solid and foamed materialsand go large digital touch screen, common for driver information and multimedia system. Two fuel units are available: 1.6 L with a capacity of 123 horsepower and 2.0 L with a capacity of 152 horsepower (reserved for GT-Line version). Its sale in the country is planned for the end of the year, and from next year the export will begin in stages. Its shortened version, without a trunk and with five doors, is an analogue of our Riowill be presented in the coming months.

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