Kia Rio refreshed

Kia Australia has upgraded its popular light hatch family, the Kia Rio, with two new model variants including the range-topping new GT-Line (pictured).

Powered for the first time in Australia by Kia’s 88kW/172Nm 1.0-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine matched as standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, the Kia Rio GT-Line tops the 2019 range at $21,990 drive-away.

At the other end of the line-up, the entry-level Kia Rio S with 74kW/133Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and six-speed manual continues to open the range at $16,990 plus on-road costs ($17,490 drive-away with a four-speed auto).

In between, the mid-range Si and SLi have been replaced by a new Sport variant, powered by the carryover 1.4i engine with six-speed manual ($17,990 drive-away) and six-speed auto transmissions – the latter replacing the four-speed and priced at $18,990 drive-away.

The base Kia Rio S comes standard with an anti-lock braking system (ABS), electronic stability control (ESC), reversing camera and sensors, six airbags, three ISOFIX child restraint anchors and six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia Rio Sport models the six-speed auto, 17-inch alloy wheels, cruise control, leather trim for the steering wheel and gear shifter, and electric folding mirrors.

The top-shelf Kia Rio GT-Line adds turbo-triple power and the 7DCT auto plus, in another first the Rio here, autonomous emergency braking (AEB), Lane Keep Assist (LKA) and Idle Stop and Go.

The new Kia Rio flagship also offers a GT-Line body kit, LED Daytime Running Lights, LED Position Lamps, LED rear combination lamps and LED fog lamps.

However, less Rio models still miss out on AEB, while satellite-navigation and climate control have been deleted from the Rio line-up.

“The Rio has always been a foundation stone of the Kia brand and remains so with this latest range of improvements,” said Kia Motors Australia Chief Operating Officer. Damien Meredith.

“Competition in this segment is extremely tough but we have continued to listen to what our customers and the industry commentators say and made improvements based on that feedback.”

The Kia Rio continues to come with the Korean brand’s generous seven-year warranty, capped price servicing and roadside assist programs.

S 1.4i 6M – $16,990 plus ORCs
S 1.4i 4A – $17,490 drive-away
Sport 1.4i 6M – $17,990 drive-away
Sport 1.4i 6A – 18,990 drive-away
GT-Line 1.0T 7DCT – $21,990 drive-away