01 March 2011 by Parkers Team

  • Revised Picanto features more efficient engines
  • Rio is bigger and is expected to start at under  £10,000
  • Optima hybrid shows off new fuel-efficient tech

Kia has taken the wraps off two of its most important cars - the new Picanto and Rio models. To grow the brand Kia invested a lot of money into both new models. The Picanto is a popular car in the UK and its latest generation is sure to fare well.

The new Picanto looks much smarter, its engines are more efficient and if you peep inside it's also more spacious than the car it replaces. The Picanto will be available in three- and five-door variants when it hits UK shores. The line-up will include two petrol engines: a 1.0-litre and a 1.2-litre unit.

The exact timing of the car's arrival in the UK market is yet to be decided.

The new Rio has received a tweaked front end bringing it in line with the other family members and the interior has been given a major rehaul with soft-touch plastics and higher quality switchgear.

Kia has extended the wheelbase of the new Rio by 70mm. Load space has been improved as a result - up from 270 litres in the current model to 292 litres in the latest Rio.

A choice of two engines have been confirmed including a 1.1-litre diesel unit producing 69bhp and emits just 85g/km of CO2. The high-performance 1.2-litre turbocharged petrol engine will also be offered.

Expect a pricetag of less than £10,000.

Kia also showed an Optima hybrid. Scheduled to go on sale in September, the new system promises a mixture of performance and efficiency. 62mph should be possible in 9.2 seconds, top speed is 121mph and fuel economy is 40.7% better than the equivilent petrol-powered car.