The new Rio draws design cues from across the Kia range, with the company's 'Schreyer Line' family grille design, large angular headlights and a front bumper styled in line with the recently-revealed Picanto city car.

Depending on the market and specification, the new Rio will be offered in five- and three-door hatch styles, along with a four-door sedan version.

At Geneva, Kia will display the five-door variant shown here, with its three- and four-door versions set for global unveilings in the following months.

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

The new Kia offers a wheelbase 70mm longer than its predecessor, promising greater cabin space for front and rear passengers. The cargo capacity has also grown, now measuring 292 litres for the five-door hatch (rear seats up) and 390 litres for the sedan.

(*Vehicle show is a EURO model. Australian Model comes with only 5 Year Warranty)