For new Kia Rio, an all-new bodyshell was created using a higher percentage of high-strength steel than the third-generation model, enhancing strength and rigidity. Special attention was given to strengthening the engine-bay longitudinal side members, floor panel side members, floor level cross-member between the B-pillars and the transverse dashboard bulkhead.

Kia's engineers are confident that new Rio will achieve a 5-Star safety rating in EuroNCAP crash tests, following the top ratings scored by cee'd, Venga, Soul, Sportage and Sorento.

In Europe, standard safety equipment will include up to six airbags, 'active' front seat head restraints (to protect against whiplash injury in a rear impact).

Available optional safety equipment will include electronic stability control (standard in some markets), hill-start assist (to prevent roll-back when moving off on gradients), new front 'cornering' lamps, an adjustable speed-limiter, rear parking sensors, and tyre pressure monitoring system.

A new system called 'ESS' (Emergency Stop Signal) will be available for additional safety. To alert following drivers that the car is slowing rapidly, sensors detect when the driver is braking suddenly and hard, and then automatically flash the brake lights three times.

Night time driving is made safer by the availability of Xenon projection headlamps, new front 'cornering' lamps, and LED daytime running lights and LED lights rear lights.

Measures to minimise NVH include increasing the rigidity of the car's bodyshell structure with a stiffer steering column support bracket, reinforced panels within the C-pillar, strengthened rear fascia and increased stiffness for the inner and outer skins of the tailgate, plus larger hydraulic mountings for the engine and transmission to dampen vibrations. Overall, Kia is confident that new Rio will be a class-leader in the B-segment for refinement.