The new Chevrolet Camaro Turbo AutoX concept combines the LTG 2.0L turbocharged engine with a performance suspension, brake system, air intake and exhaust system. It melds the Camaro's excellent power-to-weight ratio with more agile handling that's ideal for autocross enthusiasts.
"This concept pushes Camaro in a new direction, integrating new performance parts that make the most of the turbocharged Camaro's lightweight dynamics," said Jim Campbell, GM U.S. vice president of Performance Vehicles and Motorsports.
The concept features the Chevrolet Performance suspension lowering kit, which includes stiffer springs and specifically tuned dampers and lowers the ride height up to 0.75 inch (20mm). It is matched with a concept "plus performance" handling kit including larger stabilizer bars and stiffer suspension links. A concept strut tower brace under the hood provides additional chassis stiffness. The whole system contributes to improved roll stiffness and quicker turn-in performance.
AutoX rolls on concept Chevrolet Accessories 20-inch aluminum wheels and Goodyear 285/35R20 performance tires. Engineers added Chevrolet Performance's front brake kit, featuring six-piston calipers and 370mm, two-piece slotted rotors.
Watch This Video: 2017 Chevrolet Camaro Turbo AutoX Concept
For maximum performance lap after lap, a concept cold-air intake system has been fitted to the 2.0L turbo engine and a calibration upgrade to its controller optimizes performance across the rpm band. The turbocharger generates up to 20 pounds of boost and its twin-scroll design helps make the most of the usable power from the engine, practically eliminating turbo lag and helping deliver a broad powerband.
A Chevrolet Performance exhaust system with a polished 4-inch outlet offers a throatier exhaust note and reduces backpressure by approximately 14 percent. An Active Noise Cancellation calibration update is included for vehicles with the Bose® stereo system.
"It's a great engine for an autocross course because the strong torque production means you can hold a lower gear and just run through the cones without constant shifting," said Mark Dickens, director of Performance Variants and Parts. "And with the concept handling package providing amazing handling, this car is simply a blast to drive ― and a real surprise for some of the tuner drivers."
Track-challenging style
"Appearance is very important to the owners of vehicles like this, and the Camaro Turbo AutoX concept was designed to be both race- and show-worthy," said Adam Barry, Chevrolet designer. "The new Shock Yellow color on the concept reaches out to the new generation of enthusiasts and explores how the Gen 6 Camaro looks in brighter, bolder hues."
The Shock Yellow color is complemented with Pearl Nickel hood stripes and satin Carbon Flash Metallic accents on the hood vents, rockers and rear diffuser. The vented hood comes from the Camaro SS, while the rear diffuser and rockers were borrowed from a Chevrolet Accessories ground effects kit. The front splitter is also from the SS model, but is modified for the concept. There's a front tow hook, GoPro camera mount, export side marker lamps and an all-new, accessory rear spoiler that's making its debut on the concept.
The black, leather-trimmed interior mixes style with track-ready functionality, including a suede-wrapped flat-bottom steering wheel and shift knob and boot, and a carbon-fiber instrument panel insert. A bolt-in harness bar mounts a five-point safety harness.
Kia Motors America (KMA) unveiled the 2017 Kia Optima Hybrid (HEV) at
the 2016 Chicago Auto Show. The Optima HEV enjoys the same full
redesign - inside and out - as the conventional gas-powered model, the
all-new fourth-generation Optima sedan, bringing with it a new hybrid
powertrain that targets a 10 percent improvement in fuel economy over
the outgoing model. The enhanced HEV blends modern styling and a premium
driving experience with an even more intense focus on efficiency and is
being introduced under the Kia Motors EcoDynamics environmentally
friendly sub-brand.
"Kia is pursuing a bold initiative to increase
fuel efficiency by 25 percent across our entire model line-up by 2020,
and new models like the Optima HEV and PHEV will be critical to
realizing that vision," said Orth Hedrick, vice president, product
planning, KMA. "The brand's commitment to sustainability, coupled with
our history of delivering premium amenities and value, has never been
more evident than in these all-new hybrid vehicles, which are
world-class examples of green engineering, advanced technology and
design."
Watch This Video : 2017 Kia Optima Review
Enhanced Hybrid Performance
Targeting
a 10 percent increase in fuel economy, the Optima Hybrid replaces the
previous generation's 2.4-liter engine with an efficient and compact
2.0-liter GDI four cylinder - estimated at 154 horsepower - coupled with
a hybrid starter generator and tied to an upgraded, smooth-shifting
six-speed transmission. A 38 kW electric motor and clutch replaces the
traditional torque converter to provide strong off-the-line acceleration
and power assistance to the engine when necessary. Energy flow is fast
and seamless between EV mode and hybrid mode. Total combined output for
the Optima Hybrid is estimated at a robust 193 horsepower at 6,000 rpm.
Also adding to the equation is a new electric water pump and a new
electric oil pump, which help improve overall fuel economy.
Giving life to the electric motor is a more compact, lightweight,
high-density lithium-polymer battery pack with a 13-percent increase in
capacity to 1.62 kWh. With improved packaging, this more potent energy
source now fits neatly underneath the trunk floor without encroaching
into cargo space. The revised battery configuration results in a larger,
more practical load area and allows the integration of 60/40
split-folding rear seats.
All-new Eco-DAS (Driver Assistance
System) features Kia's first application of Coasting Guide. This feature
aims at maximizing fuel economy by essentially coaching the driver on
when to coast and brake via an icon in the Instrument Panel that blinks
for four-seconds and sounds a one-time audible alert.
The Optima
Hybrid features a uniquely engineered body that combines various
high-tensile strength steel alloys, creating a stiffer, more durable
chassis with more than 50 percent Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS)
construction. In addition, a significant increase in hot-stamped
components and greater use of structural adhesive improves NVH and
contributes to structural rigidity. This new body structure helps
provide crash protection and better driving dynamics and is the
foundation for a quieter ride.
Aerodynamic Form and Function
Although
the new Hybrid boasts the same bold styling as the redesigned 2016
Optima, it offers distinctive design features and exterior elements that
differentiate it from the gas-powered models in the Optima range, while
also achieving a coefficient of drag that is among the lowest in the
segment at 0.24 Cd. Featuring an active grille, which automatically
opens and closes at high and low speeds, the Hybrid is able to improve
aerodynamics while optimizing engine bay cooling. Numerous other styling
differences include a model-specific front air curtain, a beveled rear
bumper, a rear diffuser designed to streamline airflow by shrouding the
exhaust tip, and an aerodynamic alloy-wheel design. These are
complemented by modern LED lighting, satin finish accent trim and
special 'EcoHybrid' badging.
Watch This Video : 2017 Kia Optima - Perfect Sedan!!
Intelligent Technology
The
new Optima Hybrid makes intelligent use of technology to deliver a host
of comprehensive driver assistance systems and convenience features.
The HEV now offers Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), which, under
appropriate conditions, will bring the vehicle to a complete stop to
potentially avoid a collision or reduce damage. Other key driver
assistance systems include Blind Spot Detection (BSD), Advanced Smart
Cruise Control (ASCC), Lane Departure Warning System (LDWS) and Front
Collision Warning System (FCWS).
To make life on the road easier
and more enjoyable, the Optima Hybrid brings convenience offerings such
as the Hands-free Trunk Open feature with Smart Key, a Wireless Phone
Charger and Surround View Monitoring (SVM) to aid parking maneuvers.
Kia's
cutting-edge connectivity system with smartphone-projected navigation,
UVO3, comes standard with UVO telematics, and is enhanced with Android
Auto™ and Apple CarPlay®, which allow drivers to access a suite of core
functions from their smartphones. There's also an upgraded AVN 4.0
Navigation system combined with the Harman/Kardon QuantumLogic™ Premium
Surround Sound Audio System, which includes 10 speakers, Clari-Fi™
technology and a 630-watt digital amplifier. Clari-Fi is a patented
music restoration technology that rebuilds audio signals that are lost
in the digital compression process.
Refined Cabin
The
Optima Hybrid's passenger compartment is larger and more comfortable
with an innovative and functional cabin that is well-appointed with
class-up touches. Drawing inspiration from Kia's premium sedans, the
Optima Hybrid features its own model-specific instrument panel gauges
and utilizes more soft-touch materials throughout. Obsessively crafted
with an impressive attention to detail, the interior features real
stitching along the dash and doors.
Overall, the driver-oriented
cabin has been simplified with a cleaner, more unified design than the
previous generation. A stronger horizontal plane and a wider center
console help create a greater sense of space. By grouping and reducing
the number of functional keys and buttons, Kia's already-superior
ergonomics are markedly improved.
The interior design team also
paid particular attention to seat comfort with a stiffer seat frame that
reduces vibration, as well as greater use of soft foam in the headrest
and upper back, and denser, more supportive foam in thigh-support areas.
For extra convenience, heated and ventilated front seats are available
with power adjustable driver and front passenger seats. The 2017 Optima
Hybrid also offers a height-adjustable front passenger seat, a feature
normally found only in premium vehicles.
World premiere of the Volkswagen Atlas in California! The new
seven-seater SUV for the US market was unveiled on the Santa Monica Pier
at the end of historic Route 66. The VW Atlas launches a new chapter in
the company's American history. The new model will be built in
Chattanooga (Tennessee) for the North American market and offers
innovative technology and spaciousness. In addition, the new Atlas
thrills with hallmark Volkswagen driving dynamics and attention to
detail.
Watch This Video: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas - Perfect SUV!!
"This is the biggest and boldest Volkswagen we have ever
built in the United States, delivering the distinctive design and
craftsmanship we're known for, now with room for seven," said Hinrich J.
Woebcken, Volkswagen CEO of North America Region.
The Volkswagen
Atlas opens up an important segment for the brand: midsize SUVs, as the
Americans call them, already formed a tenth of all new registrations in
the USA in 2015. For the first time, Volkswagen's Atlas now offers a
model in this high-volume class in the category between the Tiguan and
the Touareg that is fully tailored to American needs.
Building on
the modular transverse matrix (MQB) from Volkswagen, the Atlas is born
with the latest Volkswagen design DNA. Classic proportions and clean
lines that create a sense of timelessness and precision. Up front,
standard LED headlights and LED Daytime Running Lights combine for a
unique visual signature, with optional LED taillights to complete the
look.
With a length of 5,037 mm (198.3 inches), a width of 1,979
mm (77.9 inches) and a height of 1,768 mm (69.6 inches) the 2018 Atlas
is larger than any other Volkswagen on sale in the USA.
Inside, the VW Atlas makes maximum use of its dimensions to offer
space for seven adults and their luggage. The third row can be easily
reached by an innovative folding seat solution. Clear, driver-centric
displays enhance the driving experience. In addition, the optional
Active Info Display (called the "Volkswagen Digital Cockpit" in the USA)
allows drivers extensive options for configuring the display.
Watch This Video: 2018 Volkswagen Atlas - Perfect SUV!!
2018 Volkswagen ATLAS - World Premiere
Volkswagen
Car-Net offers a wide range of online services, including standard
App-Connect technology that offers integration with the three major
smartphone platforms - Apple CarPlay™, Android Auto™ and MirrorLink®.
The new Atlas model also features a Fender® Premium Audio System
offering a sophisticated sound experience with twelve speakers and a 480
Watt amplifier.
The Volkswagen Atlas offers a selection of
premium SUV driver assistance features. Depending on the equipment line,
these include: Adaptive Cruise Control (ACC); Forward Collision Warning
and Autonomous Emergency Braking (Front Assist); Blind Spot Monitor
with Rear Traffic Alert; Lane Departure Warning (Lane Assist), and
Parking Steering Assistant (Park Assist).
The Volkswagen Atlas is
also the only vehicle in its class to offer the Automatic Post-Collision
Braking System. This automatically initiates a deceleration of the
vehicle when a primary collision is detected by the airbag sensors, thus
helping reduce residual kinetic energy and, in turn, the chance of
additional damage.
The new Volkswagen Atlas arrives with a choice
of two powertrains: a 2.0-liter four-cylinder TSI with gasoline direct
injection and turbo charging with 175 kW / 238 PS and the already
available 3.6-liter VR6 engine with 206 kW / 280 PS. Both engines route
power through an eight-speed transmission.
The Atlas can be
configured either as front-wheel-drive or with 4Motion all-wheel-drive
in combination with the VR6 engine. The 4Motion system has a Driving
Mode Selection feature that allows the driver to select specific
parameters based on driving conditions. US Environmental Protection
Agency EPA fuel economy estimates will be released ahead of the launch
in Spring of 2017.
The 2018 Atlas will be built alongside the
Passat for North America at the Volkswagen Chattanooga assembly plant
(Tennessee). Volkswagen has invested an additional €900 million in the
facility. The Chattanooga plant is the only automotive manufacturing
facility in the world to receive Platinum certification for its
environmental excellence by the U.S. Green Building Council's Leadership
in Energy & Environmental Design (LEED) program.
From the end of 2017 this large SUV will be offered in the Russia and Middle East markets.
The new Kia Rio will make its world debut at the 2016 Paris Motor
Show. The Rio is the Korean manufacturer's global best-selling model,
with more than 473,000 sold around the world in 2015, accounting for 16
per cent of Kia's annual sales. The UK contributed to this with 12,115
Rios sold in 2015, which was 15 per cent of the UK's total sales.
Now
entering its fourth generation, the new Kia Rio will offer B-segment
buyers a compelling package, with an attractive new design, high
practicality and convenience, class-first safety technology, new
connectivity features and more engaging ride and handling.
Michael
Cole, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, commented: "The
Rio is an important car for Kia, as our best-selling model worldwide.
The B-segment is one of the most hotly-contested areas of the new car
market, and the third-generation Rio helped introduce more people to the
Kia brand than ever before.
"As a gateway to the brand, the Rio
has typically offered an attractive design, low running costs and
practicality. It's for these reasons that the current model has sold in
record numbers around the world. The new model will build on these key
strengths, with higher desirability, a more enjoyable drive and the most
advanced safety features in its class."
Designed and engineered
to meet the needs and desires of a wider range of buyers, the new Rio
will play an increasingly important role in the Kia model line-up. The
B-segment is the largest market segment in the European new car market,
and Kia anticipates that the new Rio will attract over 100,000 buyers in
its first full year on-sale. This will place the Rio alongside Kia's
best-selling models in Europe, the Sportage and cee'd.
The new Kia Rio will be manufactured at Kia's Sohari manufacturing
facility in Korea, and will go on sale globally during the first quarter
of 2017.
Exterior design: Defined by straight lines and smooth surfaces
The
Kia Rio's progressive new exterior and interior design was led by Kia's
design centres in Germany and California, in close collaboration with
the company's domestic design base in Namyang, Korea. The appearance of
the new Rio is defined by straight lines and smooth surfacing, giving
the car a distinctive new look and more mature character than its
predecessor.
At the front, the Rio wears the latest evolution of
Kia's 'tiger-nose' grille, now thinner in height and wider across the
front of the car, with a gloss black grille cover. The grille is
integrated with the newly-designed bi-function headlights, more sculpted
for a sharper look, and featuring a new U-shaped LED daytime running
light signature. The Rio's front fog light surrounds are moved outwards
and upwards in the front bumper compared to their position on the
third-generation model, adding greater visual width to the front of the
car for a stronger overall look. The longer bonnet features
bracket-shaped creases that run down from the base of the A-pillars to
the grille and headlights.
In profile, the fourth-generation Rio's
lengthened, more balanced stance is achieved with a long bonnet and
longer front overhang, a 10 mm longer wheelbase (up to 2,580 mm), a
thinner, more upright C-pillar, and a shorter rear overhang. Overall,
the new car is 15 mm longer than its predecessor, at 4,065 mm in length,
and 5 mm lower (now 1,450 mm tall). Straight, clearly-defined lines run
down the full length of the car's shoulder and along its doors, further
stretching the appearance of the car for a more confident look.
The
rear section of the Rio is now more upright, with a near-vertical rear
windscreen and a shorter overhang. The straight line that runs from the
grille, through the headlights and along the top of the doors, continues
around the back of the car, paired with thinner, more sculpted rear
lamps, which now feature a new arrow-shaped LED light signature. Like
the wider-looking 'face' of the car, the rear design of the new Rio
gives the car a stronger overall appearance.
When the new Rio goes
on sale across Europe, it will be available in a choice of eight
exterior colours and a choice of three aluminium alloy wheel designs,
ranging from 15-inch to 17-inch in diameter. The Rio will be sold as a
five door model in Europe.
Interior design: Modern cabin with new floating HMI
The
new Kia Rio features a modern new cabin, with more sculptural forms and
a more ergonomic layout than its predecessor. The interior has also
been designed to accommodate the Rio's new range of technologies.
Like
the exterior, straight lines running the width of the dashboard
characterise the shape of the interior, giving the cabin a wider
appearance and increasing the sense of space for occupants. As well as
long, lateral lines that govern the shape of the dashboard, horizontal
vents further add to the visual width of the cabin, replacing the
vertical vents of the third-generation model. Gloss black trim lines the
central section of the dashboard.
The dashboard itself is now
angled towards the driver, a layout which provides the car with a
sportier, more driver-focused design and a more premium character. At
the centre of the dashboard is a 'floating' HMI (human-machine
interface), available with a high-resolution touchscreen. Below, the
driver-oriented centre console features fewer buttons, with more
ergonomic, concave switches and rotator dials below to control the
heating and ventilation.
The new Kia Rio is available with a
choice of black or grey cloth seat upholstery, or with black or grey
artificial leather. A 'Red Pack' for the Rio gives buyers black with red
artificial leather-trimmed seats throughout the cabin.
New
technologies further boost the appeal of the Rio's cabin. Designed to
improve comfort and convenience for owners, the new model is available
with keyless entry and ignition, heated seats and steering wheel,
rain-sensing windscreen wipers, and automatic headlamps. The new model
is also available with Automatic Cruise Control, with a speed limiter,
and Rear Park Assist with a rear view camera (see 'Safety' for more
information on the Rio's new safety systems).
Practicality: Greater cabin and boot space, with improved all-round visibility
The
Kia Rio will have the most spacious cabin and one of the highest boot
capacities (325 litres) of any car in its class when it goes on sale,
with practicality a key focus for the Rio's development and engineering
teams.
The Rio's 10 mm-longer wheelbase and 15mm-longer body
contribute to larger cabin and boot dimensions. Leg room grows to 1,120
mm in the front and 770 mm in the rear, while the new model offers more
shoulder room than most other cars in its class - 1,375 mm in the front
and 1,355 in the rear. Despite the new Rio being 5 mm shorter in height
than the outgoing model, front and rear headroom (1,021 mm and 966 mm
respectively) are among the best in the B-segment.
These
improvements to space in the cabin have been achieved with a series of
changes to the Rio's packaging. These include re-profiled door trims,
the adoption of new headlining materials, and changes to the shape of
the dashboard, as well as more significant changes to the bodyshell of
the Rio - such as the longer wheelbase.
Furthermore, thinner
C-pillars - reduced in width by 87 mm - and relocated door mirrors
(moved up to the base of the A-pillar) help minimise the size of the
driver's blind spots and improve all-round visibility. A lower window
line around the cabin and new quarterlights at the tail end of the rear
doors also give the driver and passengers a better view out.
The
Kia Rio's cabin offers more storage space than before. At the base of
the centre console is an open double tray to store mobile devices and
other small items, and the overhead console includes an area to store
sunglasses. The glove compartment is also a single-box shape. The new
Rio has bottle holders in every door (to accommodate 1.5-litre bottles
in the front and 0.5-litre bottles in the rear of the car) and two
larger cupholders in the front. The doors also feature closed-bottom
storage holes in the door handles, useful for small items such as a
phone or coins. An optional armrest is available, adding further storage
capacity to the cabin.
Luggage capacity has also increased by 37
litres to 325 litres (VDA; +13 per cent), among the best in class. This
extra space has been achieved in spite of the Rio's rear overhang being
shortened by 15 mm to 655 mm, a key element of the car's new design. The
new Rio features a split-level boot floor, which enables owners to
change the height of the boot floor to fit items under the floor to
prevent objects rolling around, or to keep them out of sight. The Rio is
fitted as standard with split-folding rear seats and a tyre mobility
kit under the boot floor. Buyers can specify an optional spare wheel.
The fuel tank, which is located under the rear bench, is 45 litres in size, two litres larger than the earlier model.
Watch the video below: 2017 Kia Rio Hatchback - Perfect Car!!
Powertrains: Efficient new T-GDI engines with low emissions and instant responses
The
new Kia Rio will be powered by a range of petrol and diesel engines
when it goes on sale in 2017, each offering high efficiency and willing
acceleration.
An increasing customer appetite for downsized,
turbocharged engines has led to the adoption of Kia's latest
three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI (turbo gasoline direct injection)
engines. The lightweight and compact new engine was introduced for the
first time in the upgraded Kia cee'd in 2015 and is expected to account
for the majority of Rio sales when the new model goes on sale. As well
as offering high efficiency and low emissions, the lightweight nature of
the new T-GDI engines benefit the Rio's keen front-end handling, with
less mass and inertia for the car to work against under cornering.
Customers
ordering their Rio with the 1.0-litre T-GDI engine can choose between
98 or 118 bhp power outputs. The 98 bhp engine produces peak power at
4,500 rpm and 172 Nm torque from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm .The higher-powered
118 bhp engine produces the same torque output across the same band of
engine speeds, while power is accessible at a higher 6,000 rpm peak. Now
in the latter stages of testing and development, both engines are
expected to deliver sub-100 g/km CO2 emissions (NEDC, combined). The
Rio's Idle Stop & Go (ISG) system will see emissions reduced even
further, pending homologation.
Alongside the 1.0-litre T-GDI, the
Kia Rio is offered with naturally-aspirated 1.25-litre and 1.4-litre MPI
(multi-point injection) petrol engines. The 82 bhp 1.25-litre engine
produces its peak power at 6,000 rpm and 122 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm; the
1.4-litre produces 90 bhp at 6,000 rpm and 132 Nm torque at 4,000 rpm.
Pending final homologation tests, both engines are expected to deliver
CO2 emissions of under 120 g/km.
For even lower emissions, the new
Rio will also be sold with a 1.4-litre diesel engine, producing either
69 or 88 bhp. Regardless of power output, the 1.4-litre diesel engine
will be capable of producing the lowest CO2 emissions levels in the Rio
line-up - Kia engineers are targeting CO2 emissions under 90 g/km with
ISG.
All engines apply power to the front wheels, either through a
five-speed manual transmission for 1.25-litre and 98 bhp 1.0-litre
T-GDI gasoline engines; or a six-speed manual transmission for the
1.4-litre gasoline engine, the higher-output 118 ps 1.0-litre T-GDI
engine, and both 1.4-litre diesel engines.
Safety: ADAS assistive technologies and a five-star Euro NCAP target
The
new Kia Rio will be one of the safest cars in its class when it goes on
sale, available with a package of Kia's Advanced Driver Assistance
Systems (ADAS). The new Rio is built on high-strength steel body and
features a wide array of passive safety equipment - the car is
engineered to meet the most demanding crash safety test criteria around
the world.
Targeting a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating
when fitted with optional ADAS technology, the Rio will be the first car
in the B-segment to feature Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with
pedestrian recognition. The Rio's AEB system uses a long-range radar
detection system to detect potential collisions with other vehicles or
pedestrians and helps bring the car to a halt. AEB is paired with a Lane
Departure Warning System (LDWS), which alerts the driver if they stray
out of their lane on the road without the use of indicators.
The
bodyshell of the new Rio is made up of a significant proportion of
Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). The extensive use of AHSS in the
body of the Rio is part of a wider effort by Kia to achieve a 5 per cent
reduction in the average weight of new car bodies by 2020 when compared
to 2014, while enabling greater safety and security. 51 per cent of the
new Rio's body is made out of strong, light AHSS, compared to 33 per
cent in the third-generation model.
The higher application of AHSS
has strengthened the passenger cabin 'cell' for greater occupant safety
and more effective distribution of impact forces. The stronger steel
has been used to reinforce the A- and B-pillars, as well as side sills,
roof structure, engine bay and floor pan.
The new Rio is fitted
with six airbags throughout the cabin, as well as ISOFIX child-seat
tether and anchor points for front and rear passenger seats.
Driving: More engaging and stable handling with a comfortable ride
As
well as being incredibly safe to drive, the new Rio seeks to build on
the level of driver engagement offered by the third-generation model.
Kia's chassis development teams have sought to introduce greater driving
appeal, with more agile and immediate handling, while improving ride
comfort. The Rio sits on fully-independent MacPherson strut front
suspension and a torsion beam rear axle.
The development of a
stiffer bodyshell gave R&D teams the freedom to develop a more
compliant suspension system. The new Rio benefits from a revised spring
and damper set-up than the outgoing model, improving the car's
compliance and comfort at all speeds, while facilitating the car's more
enjoyable, engaging handling characteristics.
Compared to the
third-generation model, the modifications to the Rio's chassis include:
more rigid front suspension struts and cross member and a raised rear
torsion beam for high-speed stability; the adoption of new vertical rear
shock absorbers and front shock absorbers with pre-loaded linear valve
technology, both resulting in more linear handling and suspension
response over broken road surfaces; and a repositioned power steering
gearbox, to enable greater 'on-centre' feel through the steering wheel.
The changes to the chassis are designed to endow the Rio with more
immediate handling responses and improve the level of confidence that
the driver has behind the wheel.
On top of the new package of ADAS
technologies, the new Rio is fitted as standard with Kia's Vehicle
Stability Management (VSM) with Electronic Stability Control (ESC). VSM
ensures stability under braking and cornering, detecting a loss in
traction and using ESC to help the driver keep the car on course.
Connectivity: full Android and Apple smartphone integration
At
the centre of the dashboard is the new infotainment system, housing
Kia's latest HMI (human-machine interface). The new Rio is available
with a 'floating' 5.0-inch touchscreen audio system with six speakers.
Buyers can also specify a 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment and
navigation system, with Kia Connected Services powered by TomTom®, as
well asAndroid Auto™ and Apple CarPlay™ for full smartphone integration.
The
Kia Connected Services connectivity package offers drivers a wide range
of up-to-date information, including live traffic updates, speed camera
locations and alerts, local point-of-interest search and weather
forecasts. Available in cars equipped with navigation Kia's Connected
Services will be available free of charge for European buyers for seven
years after the car's purchase.
The Kia Rio's Android Auto™ system
is designed to work with Android phones running 5.0 (Lollipop) or
higher. Available from launch, Android Auto™ connects to the user's
phone and lets them access smartphone apps and functions through the
in-car infotainment system, such as voice-guided Google Maps navigation,
hands-free calls and texts and voice recognition. Android Auto™ also
lets users stream music from Google Play Music™ and other services.
Apple
CarPlay™, for iPhone 5 or newer, will enable full Siri voice control to
control the phone's various functions and apps, including navigation
via Apple Maps, calls and text dictation. Apple CarPlay™ also supports
other audio apps that the user may have downloaded to their iPhone -
such as music streaming or audiobook services.
The Kia Rio will be
the first car in the B-segment to be equipped with USB ports in both
the front and rear of the cabin, enabling users to physically connect a
mobile device to the Rio's infotainment system, and recharge batteries
on the move.
On sale: New Kia Rio arrives in Europe in early 2017
The
all-new Kia Rio will go on sale across Europe in the first quarter of
2017, with the company's unique 7-Year, 100,000 mile warranty as
standard.
