Kia slow tease hints at new Rio

Kia’s all-new Rio is promised a global debut at March’s Geneva auto show and the Korean manufacturer has released a few sketches that provide hints at the new car’s styling.

Kia refers to the Rio’s design as the “next big step” in the company’s design revolution, spearheaded by chief designer Peter Schreyer, responsible for gems such as Audi’s signature first- generation TT.

The sketches indicate the new car will be lower, longer and wider than the car it replaces and should add a sense of “wow” to the B-segment. It is described by Schreyer as being “sporty and elegant”.

Inside, Kia says the car will offer equipment and options more familiar to those piloting larger, more upmarket cars.

Soon-Nam Lee, Kia’s director of overseas marketing, said: "Downsizing is becoming more and more of a trend these days and a B-segment car as attractive as all-new Rio, with its driver-oriented cabin and interior trim options, will no doubt help consumers to be more comfortable making that switch.

TRACKING TRENDS: The next Rio is expected to be thoroughly modern and is described by Kia as the company's next big step in design.

"New Rio is the 'next big step' in Kia's design revolution and we anticipate this model becoming even more popular than the current vehicle."

We’ll probably be teased to death before the car is revealed on March 1 at the 2011 Geneva auto show, where technical specifications will be made available, too.

Although the car teased is a hatchback model, a four-door sedan traditionally completes the Rio range.