To complement the striking exterior, Kia Rio's interior design has also been transformed, with a clean sophisticated theme. The concept follows the corporate Kia interior philosophy with the characteristic horizontal instrument panel, accentuating the feeling of width and space. It is a theme which cleverly combines chic modernity with rationality and achieves a calm timeless quality.

The quality and refinement of interior materials and the attention to detail in fit and finish have been design priorities for new Kia Rio.

As in other recently-launched Kia models, the signature interior architecture - with its 'three cylinder' instrument cluster, precise instrument graphics and clear functionality - have been retained. New for Rio, however, are the centrally-located toggle switches, which are neatly integrated into the central heater unit, and control some of the secondary functions.

The sophistication of this interior concept is also reflected in the breadth of trim options which give the car a genuine premium feel, with three trim concepts available. In Kia Rio customers can select from a choice of two-tone interiors, with Cognac Brown or Desert Grey combinations and high quality interior decor. The bespoke feel of the interior underlines the new focus for Kia Rio as a mature, refined, compact premium car.

The current trend towards downsizing of vehicles which is being seen across Europe means that cars in the B-segment are becoming more mature and refined as they are required to satisfy the premium aspirations of more sophisticated customer groups. More refinement, more features, higher quality but above all more choice and distinctive design is in demand.

The radically-new Rio is Kia´s answer to these new market conditions, and numerous 'big car' comfort and convenience features will be offered to consumers on a B-segment Kia for the first time when new Rio goes on sale in Europe.

Optional features available on new Kia Rio cars for the European market will include smart-key entry system with engine start/stop button, RDS radio CD player with MP3 compatibility plus AUX, iPod and USB connections, Bluetooth® handsfree (with voice recognition available from December 2011), cruise control, climate-control air-conditioning, heated front seats and a heated steering wheel. In some markets, the dashboard will come pre-wired to accept the optional portable navigation system.

The new Rio's cabin is more spacious and also feels more spacious. The base of the windscreen is moved forwards by 156 mm and up by 18 mm, while the 70 mm longer wheelbase and 25 mm wider bodyshell bring space benefits for all occupants and cargo capacity. Front legroom is increased by 45 mm, front headroom by 8 mm.

The trunk space is 100 mm wider and the capacity is now 288 litres - a 7% improvement over the previous model. The backrest of the rear seat is split 60/40 for maximum versatility. Users can fold the backrest down, to create an almost flat-floored load area.

Cabin storage includes a larger, 15-litre glove box, a larger centre console with 3-litres of extra capacity and pockets to hold a 1.5-litre bottle in the front doors and a 0.5-litre bottle in the rear doors.

Four highly efficient engines with 70-to-109 ps output In Europe, the new Kia Rio will offer customers a choice of four highly efficient three- and four-cylinder engines - with a 70-to-109 ps power range - and an industry-leading CO2 base-line rating of just 85 g/km, plus fuel consumption as low as 3.2 litres per 100 km.

In many countries, diesel power is the preferred option in this segment and Rio will be available with two versions of Kia's 'U2' power unit - both fitted with 16-valves and a WGT. The 1.4-litre generates 90 ps and 216 Nm of torque, while the 1.1-litre produces 70 ps and 162 Nm. Both engines deliver maximum torque from just 1,750 rpm.

Buyers who prefer their new Kia Rio powered by gasoline can select from a 1.4-litre Gamma or 1.25-litre Kappa engine.

A well-proven power unit in the Kia line-up, the updated 'Gamma' has friction-reducing modifications and dual CVVT (continuously variable valve timing), to achieve a responsive performance and competitively modest fuel consumption. With maximum output of 109 ps and peak torque of 136 Nm, this engine powers the fastest Rio - accelerating to 100 kph in 11.5 seconds and reaching a top speed of 181 kph (112 mph).

Kia's advanced 'Kappa' family of engines - also appearing in the New Picanto at the Geneva Show - features dual CVVT, a cast aluminium block, off-set crankshaft, maintenance-free timing chain and low-friction 'beehive' valve springs. These technologies significantly improve efficiency and reduce exhaust emissions. The 1.25-litre engine in Kia Rio delivers 85 ps and 117.8 Nm of torque, while achieving fuel economy of 4.8 l/100 km.

Regular Rio models will have a CO2 rating of 94-to-124 g/km. In Europe, these figures can be further reduced by specifying Kia's optional fuel-stretching ISG technologies (automatic stop-start, advanced alternator control, upgraded starter motor and low-rolling resistance tyres) - available on all models.

Equipped with ISG, Kia Rio's emissions will range from 85-to-114 g/km, so the two diesel models (under 100 g/km) qualify for local emissions-based tax savings, where available. For these models, fuel economy will range from 3.2 to 4.8 litres per 100 km, contributing to lower running costs.

Standard transmission for both diesels and the larger gasoline engine will be a six-speed manual gearbox, while the 1.25-litre 85 ps engine has a five-speed box. A four-speed automatic gearbox will be available as an option on the 1.4-litre 109 ps gasoline engine.