Geneva 2011: 2012 Kia Rio falls in line with the rest of its swoopy family

[Rania Elhoseny]

The fourth-generation 2012 Kia Rio has made its world debut in front of the 2011 Geneva Motor Show crowd. From the subtle swooping body lines to the front grille, the all-new Rio now resembles the rest of the Kia family.

For the 2012 model year, the Kia Rio has become longer (3/4-inch), wider (1-inch) and lower (1/2-inch). Kia has pushed the wheelbase out to 101-inches, an increase of nearly three-inches over the outgoing Rio.

Available as a five-door or three-door, the 2012 Rio is offered with a choice between four engines and three transmissions. The two gas-burning options are a 1.25-liter inline-4 producing 83 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 87 pound-feet of torque, or a 1.4-liter four-cylinder that produces 108 hp and 100 lb-ft of torque. Two turbocharged diesel options are available; a 1.1-liter triple that generates 81 horses and 69 pound-feet of torque or a 1.4-liter unit producing 89 hp and 159 lb-ft. Both diesel burners and the 1.4-liter gas engine are paired with a six-speed manual while the 1.25-liter gas-sipper gets a five-speed manual transmission. The 1.4-liter gasoline engine is also available with a four-speed automatic.

No word yet on which engines and door configurations are headed to the States, but we do expect for this much better looking hatchback to supplant the aging Rio here in North America soon. While you're waiting, check out our galleries below and the official presser after the jump.