Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
Celebrating the Art of Italian Coachbuilding
The Kia Rio Sedan designed by I.DE.A Institute.
The first-generation Kia Rio, internally designated as the “DC” series, was introduced in November 1999 as Kia’s inaugural independently developed subcompact model. This marked a significant departure from the company’s previous reliance on rebadged vehicles. To ensure a competitive and appealing design, Kia collaborated with the Italian design firm I.DE.A Institute, renowned for their work on models such as the Fiat Tipo and Alfa Romeo 155. The design was led by Justyn Norek, resulting in a straightforward and functional aesthetic that aligned with the vehicle’s economical positioning . Available in both four-door sedan and five-door station wagon configurations, the Rio was engineered to offer practicality and affordability. The vehicle featured a front-engine, front-wheel-drive layout, with a wheelbase measuring 2,410 mm. Its suspension system comprised MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam axle at the rear, providing a balance between ride comfort and cost-effectiveness . Under the hood, the Rio offered a range of inline-four gasoline engines, varying by market. These included a 1.3-liter SOHC engine producing 75 horsepower, a 1.5-liter DOHC engine delivering 96 horsepower, and a 1.6-liter DOHC engine with an output of 104 horsepower. Transmission options consisted of a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic gearbox . In 2002, the Rio underwent a facelift that introduced subtle exterior and interior design updates, as well as mechanical enhancements. These improvements included revised suspension tuning and upgraded braking systems, aiming to address earlier criticisms regarding ride quality and handling . Despite its modest performance and basic features, the first-generation Kia Rio played a pivotal role in establishing Kia’s presence in global markets. Its combination of affordability, practicality, and distinctive design contributed to its recognition as a significant model in the evolution of the subcompact segment.
I.DE.A Institute – short for Institute of Development in Automotive Engineering – was founded in Turin, Italy in 1978 by Italian entrepreneur Franco Mantegazza together with famed architect Renzo Piano (designer of the Pompidou Centre). Renzo Piano’s structural engineer partner Peter Rice served as Vice President.
