Rio takes shape

Kia has released the first picture of its new Rio, which is due to go on sale in mid-2005.

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Kia has released the first image of its new Rio, which is due to go on sale in 2005.

The four-door car makes its debut at the Detroit Motor Show in January 2005 and has been unveiled in sketch form today.

Although the saloon is not expected to make it to the UK, the five-door hatchback version of the car will, with sales scheduled to start around the middle of 2005.

The hatchback will be unveiled at the Geneva show in March 2005 and is based on the Sport concept seen this year.

Slotting into the Kia range between the Picanto city car and the Cerato small family car, the Rio will be sold with a choice of three engines. Petrol power comes from a 1.4- or a 1.6-litre unit, and there will be a 1.5-litre diesel engine.

Prices are still some way from being set but expect to pay from £7000 to £7500.