2004 Kia Review

Specifications

Could the Sport Concept Be Kias Next-Generation Rio RX-V?

Theres no better word that can be used to describe the improvements that Kia has made over the past twelve months than “amazing”. It took Hyundai the better part of the past two decades to lift its image from lowest on the list to one of respect and credibility, but Kia has turned around in a quarter of the time (see automotive news for Aug 14, 2004: Industry Report: Kia to Phase in New Corporate Identity).

Of course, to be fair to Hyundai, most of Kias turnaround has been on the back of the Korean giant. Hyundai purchased Kia lock, stock and barrel recently, and all of its new models are architecturally based on next-generation Hyundais. Not a bad position for the economy class car company to be in.

The compact 2005 Spectra, 5-door Spectra5 and upcoming Sportage compact SUV are probably the best examples of Kias modern, well-built vehicles, with other models such as the brands Sorento SUV and Sedona minivan extremely impressive. Still, not all Kias have been updated to Kias new standards, the subcompact Rio and Rio Cinco especially.

Its no secret that time is running out for the somewhat antiquated Rio, but what will its replacement be like? Kia dropped a major hint with the ambiguously named Sport Concept, which it recently unveiled at this years Paris Motor Show. The screaming yellow pocket rocket is said to be a “dramatic trailer” of a new B-segment vehicle (subcompact) which is expected to make a worldwide debut come spring, 2005.

The Sport, and next generation Rio (if it ends up being called such) shares its underpinnings with Hyundais Getz. It provides a much more rigid “platform” to build on than the Rio, with a European-tuned strut and torsion beam setup. Its more than unlikely that a production version will receive the Sports five-spoke 18-inch alloy wheels and performance rubber, or the extreme sport-tuned springs and pavement-scraping ground clearance of the concept car.

Where Hyundais Getz is tall and upright, with an enlarged passenger cabin and a short hood, the Sports body is sleeker, leaner and easier on the eyes. With its large, flat-topped jewel-like headlamps, narrow grille and layered front fascia, the styling is pleasant, if not a bit generic, seemingly imitating the latest designs from Toyota and Lexus, most of which arent exactly original either. The rear end of the Sport is seamlessly drawn together with a mildly tapered hatch, embossed hatch lid partition and wraparound LED taillamps.

To spark interest with the younger generations, Kia has injected the Sport concept with a dose of street culture by means of an aggressive body kit and rooftop spoiler. Massive fender extensions with integrated cooling vents give the 5-door a widebody look, while sill extensions on the lower valance and a rear bumper featuring center-mounted squared exhaust tips gives the general impression that this is no ordinary economy car. What was presented in Paris will be produced, albeit with a toned down appearance in entry-level trim.

Judging by its exterior, it might be easy to dismiss the Sport as all show, no go, but this is quite far from the truth. Kias team of concept-car builders cranked up the power by installing a new turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-four thats capable of producing 200 horsepower. A five-speed automatic gearbox has been chosen to link the motor to the front wheels, unorthodox being that such athletic performance is usually accompanied by a manual gearbox.

Like the Rio, the upcoming Kia subcompact will be available in a stylish four-door sedan and a sporty yet practical five-door hatchback, that latter of which should mimic the Sport Concept in size at least. The Sport is 163.3 inches long, which is 3.5 inches shorter than either the 5-door Cinco or 4-door Rio sedan, interesting considering its 98.4 inch long wheelbase is 3.5 inches lengthier than the Rio. Also, at 57.9 inches high the new Sport is 1.2 inches taller than the Rio. While its shorter dimensions and increased height should make the Sport appear taller, as previously mentioned it looks lower to the ground and sleeker. The shorter, taller exterior is contrasted by 70.9 inches in width, over 5.0 inches wider than the Rio.

The driver-focused interior of the Sport is a complete world away from mass-produced Kias. Nearly all surfaces of the surprisingly rooming cockpit are swathed in a mix of orange and dark gray leather, including the door panels, upper and lower dashboard and even the steering wheel. Polished metal trim harmonizes with the sporty theme, used to accent the steering wheel, pedals, shift-knob and the center console, the latter with its DVD navigation, climate control and large-format LCD screen.

“The bold, bright Kia Sport concept car is another milestone in Kias journey to become a top 5 global car maker,” commented Jean Charles Lievens, Vice President of Kia Motors Europe. The Sport was designed specifically to attract European customers who are in their 20s and 30s, who live active lifestyles. Such a vehicle would definitely increase Kias presence in Western Europe, and at least be as fitting in North America, especially considering a recent onslaught of European-inspired Asian subcompacts.