THE first official sketches of the next generation Kia Rio show a bold design that marks ‘the next big step’ in the company’s ongoing design revolution.

Longer, lower and wider than the existing Rio, the new model is designed to inject emotional appeal into the B-segment, targeting consumers who want a stand-out design.

Described by as ‘sporty and elegant’, the newcomer has a swept-back profile and a character line rising out of the front wheel which gives it a sense of movement and fluidity, even when stationary.

Inside, new Rio will offer a feeling of quality typically associated with larger, more expensive models.

Kia’s chief design officer, Peter Schreyer, 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.” The new Rio will make its global debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.

The current model was the company’s third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets last year, with sales of more than 205,000 units.