KIA'S all-new Rio four-door sedan broke cover at the North American International Auto Show in Detroit. This North American-only version of the all-new Rio heralds the arrival of the five-door version in Europe at the Geneva Motor Show in March. The completely redesigned Rio will benefit from increased internal space, new engines and transmissions and improved ride, handling and standard safety features.

Although the four-door sedan is not destined for sale in the UK, Paul Williams, managing director of Kia Motors (UK) Limited, said: "The arrival of the Rio sedan in Detroit will get the brand off to a flying start in the New Year after a record 2004 when we sold more than 33,000 cars.

"When the five-door hatch arrives in our market in the middle of the year it will mean the entire range will be less than five years old. And coming on the heels of Picanto and Cerato it will give us a much better market coverage in the UK."