Kia is testing the fourth generation of the Rio near the Arctic Circle.

Kia is testing the fourth generation of the Rio near the Arctic Circle.

We have received fresh spy shots of the prototype during testing, and the car has shed some of its camouflage. As you can see, the upcoming Kia Rio will change its profile with a new window line. If we look at the rear doors, they seem to have larger windows, while the A-pillar has lost its small window.

The car’s body seems larger, meaning more room for passengers and their luggage. If we take a closer look at this early prototype, we notice new side mirrors, new designs for the bumpers, and a possible change of the profile of the doors.

The Kia Rio’s roof has a different slope to it, as it seems more inclined towards the doors, in a look that mimics the silhouette of a coupe, adapted to a hatchback body.

The design modifications described above are typical for a car that receives a new generation. The major update to the Rio range will bring new engines, an updated technical platform, improved ride comfort, and more technological features.

We expect Kia to follow the route its sister brand, Hyundai, set with its i20 model. The two sister brands share technologies, engines, and platforms. However, Hyundai and Kia are differentiating themselves through design, each division being given a separate identity by Peter Schreyer.

Mr. Schreyer is the Korean group’s design director and is famous for developing the first generation Audi TT, among other creations. In the Kia range, his mark is the clear-cut “tiger nose,” a feature that gives these cars an identity and makes them stand out.

Kia is expected to start selling the fourth generation of the Rio in 2017. Until then, the brand’s engineers are busy testing prototypes. In the case of the one spotted near the Arctic Circle, the car was being driven hard, showing that the Korean company might put a stronger accent on the driving dynamics of this model.

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