Kia Readying Compact Crossover to Rival Mazda CX-3, Honda HR-V
Kia is reportedly readying a compact crossover model that will compete with the Mazda CX-3 and Honda HR-V.
Speaking to Motoring, Kia Australia COO Damien Meredith spoke about a new model that will be aimed directly at the CX-3 and HR-V and could possibly make a debut at the 2016 L.A. Auto Show or 2017 Detroit Auto Show. The compact crossover will be based on the Kia Rio, and Meredith admits that it’s possible it will cannibalize sales of the Rio, much like how the CX-3 killed off the Mazda2 in North America. “We’ve got to be very strident about what effect it will have on Rio,” he said. “It needs to fit into the market and do what it needs to do in the CX-3 and HR-V segment. As long as the aggregate is more than we lose, it’s OK.”
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The model currently doesn’t have an official name yet, but it is believed to draw inspiration from the Kia Provo concept that debuted at the 2013 Geneva Motor Show.
Given that the new compact crossover could even affect Soul sales in the U.S., Meredith noted that the Soul will be repositioned when it receives its midcycle refresh that will include a turbocharged variant as previously teased.
The next-generation Kia Rio is rumored to make its debut at the 2016 Paris Motor Show in October, so the new crossover shouldn’t be far behind.
[Source: Motoring]
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Jason Siu began his career in automotive journalism in 2003 with Modified Magazine, a property previously held by VerticalScope. As the West Coast Editor, he played a pivotal role while also extending his expertise to Modified Luxury & Exotics and Modified Mustangs. Beyond his editorial work, Jason authored two notable Cartech books. His tenure at AutoGuide.com saw him immersed in the daily news cycle, yet his passion for hands-on evaluation led him to focus on testing and product reviews, offering well-rounded recommendations to AutoGuide readers. Currently, as the Content Director for VerticalScope, Jason spearheads the content strategy for an array of online publications, a role that has him at the helm of ensuring quality and consistency across the board.
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The Rio platform is not good enough to compete with those 2 or even the Trax. If Kia wants to get in the game they need to improve their suspensions and riding dynamics