There is definitely no shortage of superminis that can put a smile on your face, but Kia feels that the next-generation Rio could tackle this segment.
Speaking on the subject with AutoExpress during a South Korean event, the brand’s engineering chief, Albert Biermann, has disclosed the company’s plans to develop such a model, which, if green lighted, could use a 3-cylinder turbocharged engine.
“We have a very good base with the Rio, and it would be interesting to have a sport small car. We have a very nice three-cylinder turbo out there. I love this engine, it feels like a six-cylinder with the sound and vibration it delivers sometimes. I would love to make a crazy car with this engine“, Biermann said.
Kia has yet to pursue this idea or to make an official decision when it comes to building it, but if it will hit the market, then it will lend its powertrain to the Hyundai i20 N, as both vehicles are underpinned by the same platform. However, expect its Hyundai cousin to be more hardcore, since it will be part of the new N performance division.
The regular supermini, on the other hand, is expected to make its first appearance in 2017 and it could set the basis for a subcompact crossover to slot below the current Niro hybrid.
Note: Next-gen Kia Rio prototype pictured
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