Rio has certainly been in the sporting headlines recently and now Kia is picking up the baton as its all-new fourth-generation Kia Rio prepares to make its world premiere at next month’s Paris motor show.

The car’s new exterior and interior design was led by Kia’s design centres in Germany and California, in close collaboration with the company’s main design centre in Namyang, Korea.

Straight lines and smooth surfacing give the Rio a distinctive new character, while a longer front overhang and bonnet provide a more confident and balanced appearance than its predecessor.

Kia says the newcomer will offer buyers class-leading practicality and safety technology, the latest connectivity features, and more assured and engaging ride and handling characteristics.

The Rio is the Korean manufacturer’s global best-seller with more than 473,000 sold around the world in 2015. UK prices will be announced closer to launch.