Kia Rio GT
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.
Source : Carscoops
