First glimpse: 2012 Kia Rio

Sophisticated Family hatchback
Peter Schreyer’s design language translating well into small cars

Korean carmaker Kia released the first set of two photographs showing hteir all-new Rio, which is set to debut at the Geneva Autosalon in two weeks time alongside the Picanto.

The Rio sits between the Picanto and Forte in terms of size and in this incarnation, it has gained a lot of maturity and confidence, thanks to the decisive, if slightly busy lines of the head designer, Peter Schreyer.

The obvious family resemblance is in the tiger face grille and intersecting lines and surfaces which work together to create a dynamic look.

Interesting feature creases on the flank and a pronounced wedge-shaped profile are combined with a generous glass area to create a pleasing overall styling.

The large rear combination light and unique rear screen shape adds further interest to the Rio’s aesthetics.

The new model features a wheelbase extended by 70 mm (to 2,570 mm) and promises greater passenger space and comfort, together with increased cargo capacity to 292 litres for the hatchback. 

Inside, the new model will deliver a high level of quality previously associated with larger models – together with a wide selection of trim options.

In Europe Kia's B-segment newcomer will be offered with an extensive range of fuel-efficient and low-CO2 petrol and diesel engines, depending on market – including a 1.1-litre diesel unit generating 70 ps, with CO2 emissions from as low as 85 g/km. An all-new, high-performance 1.2-litre Turbo Gasoline Direct Injection (GDI) will also be available from 2012.

Soon-Nam Lee, Director of Overseas Marketing, Kia Motors Corporation, commented: "This new model is a big step forward. The Rio has always been successful, and with this new incarnation we have a car that people will want to buy for its looks." 

Since its launch in 2005, global sales of the current-generation Rio have totalled more than 860,000 units. It was the company's third best-selling vehicle in overseas markets during 2010 with sales of more than 219,000 units. UK sales from launch total 52,626 units.

2012 Honda Civic leaked by Brazilian site

This is the first of a set of photographs of the 2012 Honda Civic that has appeared on Noticias Automotivas ,  Brazilian auto news site.

for more photos and the rest of our analysis, please follow the jump

The styling of the new Civic is quite adventurous but quite clearly it is a major departure from the current design, but underneath they are keeping with the current chassis philosophy.

For more photographs of the all-new Civic, please click HERE

Via Noticias Automotivas

Merc C-Class coupe photos leaked ahead of Detroit reveal

These are the first pictures of the upcoming Mercedes-Benz C-Class coupe that is slotted for reveal at the Detroit Show next week.

The car has the updated look of the C-Class and will take the place of the old CLK, the car that looked like an E-Class coupe but was actually built on the C-Class platform

There are no other details about the car but expect it to have similar engine line-up or at least have the same engines that are offered in the saloon

The interior has similar design to the C-Class except for some details, more info will come next week at the actual reveal