The New Kia Rio Hatchback
The all-new Kia Rio Hatchback looks sportier than before, thanks to a more upright rear and sculpted front headlamps. It’s bigger than the previous model with its lengthened hood and a 0.6-inch longer wheelbase, allowing for a storage capacity of 11.5 cubic feet.
The interior layout has the dash angling towards the driver for improved ergonomics. As far as engines go, the Rio Hatchback has a new 1.0-liter three-cylinder gasoline turbo engine that has lower emissions. Safety-wise it has upped its game by becoming the first vehicle in its class to have Autonomous Emergency Braking with pedestrian recognition.
While exact specs for the U.S. model haven’t been released, it’s fair to assume that it will include different tech feature options.
New Kia Soul Upgrades
The newest version of the Kia Soul is just as bold and sporty as ever, thanks to the remodeled rear and front bumpers and the metallic skid plate. New color options include Mysterious Blue, Wild Orange, and Russet Brown.
Inside, the color touchscreen HMI system is now compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The cabin has a sophisticated color palette of glossy black and metallic highlights. New safety features include Blind Spot Detection and Rear Cross Traffic Alert.
Kia hasn’t revealed which updates it will include in the U.S. models, but if it wants to keep up with its competition it should definitely keep the safety features and HMI system upgrades.
New Kia Soul SX Variant
The upcoming SX variant has a new 204 ps 1.6-liter turbo gasoline direct injection engine that goes from zero to 62 mph in 7.5 seconds. It is paired with a new seven-speed double clutch transmission that is available exclusively for the SX model. It has Eco, Normal, and Sport modes that can change gears rapidly, making for smoother handling.
The exterior differs slightly from other Soul models. It has twin rear exhaust pipes, red highlights on the side sills and front bumper, and 10-spoke 18-inch aluminum alloy wheels.
Again, there aren’t any official specs for the U.S. models. However, emission standards are such a hot topic that it’s highly likely the Eco mode will come to the U.S. market.
The Kia Carens
There are small changes to the new Carens exterior; it has a redesigned bumper, a tiger-nose grille with polished chrome surround, and new aluminum alloy wheel designs. The newest color option is Mysterious Blue.
New technology features include TomTom satellite navigation and the infotainment system that is now compatible with Apple CarPlay. It has a new Eco Pack with a stop-start function and a Speed Limit Information function. In Europe, the new Carens has an Eco pack variant 1.7-liter diesel engine.
It’s hard to say which features will carry over to the U.S. market, but consumers value tech so highly that the updated infotainment system will probably be included.
Kia gave consumers a lot to think about at the Paris Auto Show. The newest models should come to the U.S. sometime in 2017, so keep your eyes open for any more news that Kia might release.
Image via Kia.com