Kia Rio GT Hot Hatch Spied Testing a Sporty Front End
Kia is readying its Ford Fiesta ST fighter.
The Kia Rio GT is expected to launch around 2018, riding on a new platform that saves weight and offers improved driving dynamics. Spy photographers have caught a prototype testing, and although it’s sporting a lot of camouflage, we can see that Kia isn’t shying away from aggressive styling for its sporty model. The front end also features LED daytime driving lights, another indication that this will be an upmarket variant. In the back, it also appears Kia will be using LED tail lights.
The new standard Kia Rio is set to debut late this year or early 2017 and it will feature a new body along with some new powertrain options that will join the lineup alongside the existing 1.6-liter engine.
SEE ALSO: Kia Reportedly Planning Fiesta ST Fighter
The mind behind the Kia Rio GT is reportedly Albert Biermann, a former head of BMW’s M division. Expect power output to be around 180 horsepower for the GT model, coming from a turbocharged 1.6-liter engine.
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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