Kia has been working harder than anyone to show the world that great cars can come from Korea. With the Amanti, the Spectra (and Spectra5 variant), and the reborn Sportage, the company has been storming almost every recent auto show with a new model release. They are finishing off their new product line this year in Detroit with a completely redesigned Rio. Kia promises more space and power, better handling, and increased safety in the form of six standard air bags, including full-length side curtains. The current model has a sub-$10,000 base price, and if the new model retains such a small price tag, all those air bags with surely make it a major player in the entry-level market. The new Rio is not only important for the U.S. market, but also for Europe, Japan, and especially the emerging Chinese market, where entry-level cars are king. The 2006 Rio will arrive on the showroom floor this summer.