Thanks to Alex’s recent road test and my first drive at the launch last year, we already know that the latest Kia Rio is a stark contrast to its predecessor, being a genuinely interesting, high-value alternative to a Ford Fiesta.However, we’ve only driven the rather lacklustre 1.4 petrol, so we were keen to see what the 1.1-litre three-cylinder diesel was like. This is the most impressive engine in the Rio range, as it boasts 85g/km emissions, which according to Kia, are the lowest of any non-electric vehicle on sale in the world.
A stark contrast to the model preceding it, the Mercedes A-Class shown at Geneva follows a much more conventional hatchback style. Out on its own in the manufacturer’s model range, it is now a direct rival to the Golf GTI, BMW 1 Series and Audi A3.
Designed with ‘dynamism’ in mind, it will be promoted to a younger audience and offers some neat styling cues like a floating grille and curvy lines.
Four powerplants will be mated to either a 6-speed manual or a 7-speed dual-clutch auto transmission. The base model will be a 1.6-litre. At the other end of the scale 211 hp A250 will complete the range, with an AMG expected later this year.
It’s also got green credentials; every engine comes equipped with stop-start and the 1.6-litre will feature CAMTRONIC, which reduces consumption through reducing the amount of fuel used under partial throttle.
Check out the video to see the radical new design for yourself.
The launch of the latest i30 is a significant one, as it is the first of Hyundai’s i models to be replaced.The first-generation i30 was launched four years ago and proved to be in CEO and President of Hyundai UK Tony Whitehorn’s words to be ‘relatively successful’ with over 15,000 sold in its peak year – 2010.
