Kia Motors could begin Indian operations with the Kia Rio sedan - Reports

Kia revamped the sub-compact sedan this year.

Kia Motors announced its entry into the Indian market last month. Hyundai's sister brand will start production in the country by the end of 2019 at a brand new factory in Andhra Pradesh. Reports that followed the announcement speculate that the company could boot-up Indian operations with the Kia Rio Sedan.

The Kia Rio Sedan recently entered its fourth generation with the all-new model displayed at the 2017 New York International Auto Show last month. It is designed by the company's European and U.S. design studios in collaboration with the design base in Namyang, South Korea.

The new generation Kia Rio rides on an all-new platform. With a length of 172.6 inches (4,384.04 mm), it's 0.6 inches (15.24 mm) longer now. The wheelbase has increased by 0.4 inches (10.16 mm) to 101.6 inches (2580.64 mm). Designers have reduced the width and height to give the car a more balanced and athletic stance.

The 2017 Kia Rio Sedan is powered by the Gamma 1.6-litre GDI four-cylinder petrol engine that produces 130 hp and 109 lt.-ft. (147.78 Nm) of torque. Power is sent to the front wheels through either a 6-speed manual transmission or a 6-speed automatic transmission. 15-inch alloy wheels, 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB), Electronic Stability Control (ESC), Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) and Hill-Start Assist Control (HAC).

Also Read: Kia Motors to launch small car, sedan and SUV in India

The Indian spec Kia Rio Sedan will have a diesel engine option and a high level of localisation as it will share components with the all-new Hyundai Verna that is confirmed to launch in India in the second half of the year.

It's a little too early to talk about the pricing, but the Maruti Ciaz & Honda City rival could start between INR 7-9 lakh (ex-showroom).