Kia Motors Corporation has revealed the first official photos of the forthcoming next generation Kia Rio, which boasts a bold and distinctive personality, bringing the newcomer in line with the rest of Kia's striking design-led model range.

Tasked with the difficult job of improving upon the remarkable international sales success of the previous generation model, the new Kia Rio will be available in three body styles (with 3-, 4- or 5-doors, depending on market), and has been designed to appeal to customers all around the world.

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New Rio has its own interpretation of Kia's signature grille, integrated with the headlamps to give a new twist on the Kia family look. In profile, the body to glass ratio and its strong wedge form give new Kia Rio a dynamic sporty stance. The balance of the window graphic, wheelbase and overall proportions generates a 'premium presence' which is rare in this segment. Overall, new Kia Rio combines European finesse with Korean spice to create a form language that communicates Latin flair.

The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres (hatchback) and 390 litres (sedan). Exterior dimensions changes include: +55 mm (overall length), -15 mm (height) and +25 mm (overall width) to enhance the feeling of sportiness.

Inside, the new model will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models - together with a wide selection of trim options.

Kia's B-segment newcomer will be manufactured with an extensive range of six fuel-efficient and low-CO2 engines - from a 1.1-litre diesel unit generating 51.5 kW in Europe, up to a 1.6-litre GDI gasoline engine producing 103 kW for North America - with the powertrain selection tailored to best suit individual markets and local consumer preferences. An all-new, high-performance 1.2-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available in Europe from 2012.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, added: "This new model is a big step forward. The Kia Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car which is extremely attractive, that people will want to buy for its looks."

Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Kia Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company's third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units.

The world premiere of the new Kia Rio will be celebrated at the 2011 Geneva International Motor Show on Tuesday, March 1, 2011 - alongside another all-new product for Kia, the next generation Picanto city car. Also being displayed at Geneva, and making its European debut, is the innovative hybrid version of Kia's stunning Optima sedan.