Kia Rio Sedan previewed in China by the new K2

Kia introduced the all-new, fourth-generation Rio supermini at the Paris Motor Show almost two months ago and now the hatchback is being joined by the four-door sedan body style. However, what we have here is not the 2018 Rio Sedan as it’s the China-spec K2, but nevertheless the Rio-badged version should look a lot like this.

The “tiger nose” grille won’t be as glitzy as the K2’s since it will eschew those chrome fins in favor of a glossy back look identical to the five-door hatch. As a matter of fact, chances are the supermini’s entire front fascia will be transplanted, so the bumper won’t look as sporty as it does on the Chinese version. Moving at the back, the new Kia K2 for the People’s Republic draws inspiration from the very pretty Cadenza / K7, but with a red strip instead of a chrome bar connecting the wide taillights.

More significant differences between the new Rio supermini and its Chinese sedan counterpart are noticeable on the inside where the K2’s infotainment screen is better integrated in the center console whereas in the Rio it’s more tablet-like. In addition, there’s a glossy black piece of trim across the dashboard and we are also able to notice the shape of the vents has been modified as well.

With the new supermini growing in size, it’s no surprise that its sedan companion also boasts an increased footprint. It now stretches at 4400 mm in length, 1740 mm in width, and with a 1460-mm height. For the sake of comparison, the outgoing Rio Sedan is 4365-mm long, 1720-mm wide, and 1455-mm tall.

The CN-spec K2 will be powered by a naturally-aspirated 1.4-liter gasoline unit with 100 horsepower and by a larger 1.6-liter rated at 123 hp. The former will be hooked up to either a standard six-speed manual or an optional six-speed automatic whereas the latter is going to be auto-only. It seems the K2 won’t be getting the Rio’s turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-liter unit bound to be offered in Europe in 100 hp and 120 hp flavors.

Expect the European-spec Rio Sedan, if there’s actually going to be a new one, to debut sometime next year.