2019 Kia Rio adds sporty GT-Line turbo to the range

Kia has added a sporty GT-Line variant to top of the Rio light-hatch range that’s powered by a gutsy 1.0-litre turbocharged petrol engine to better complement the Rio’s well-controlled ride and steering.

Priced at $21,990 drive-away, the Kia Rio GT-Line lines up nicely against other sporty small hatches, including the Toyota Yaris ZR and Renault Clio GT-Line. It is the first Aussie Kia to come with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission, and the first Rio to feature autonomous emergency braking (AEB).\

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The GT-Line’s 3-cylinder turbo produces 88kW and 172Nm, which puts it lineball with its rivals for performance. As well as being more powerful than the 1.4-litre engine already in the range, it’s more economical too, sipping 5.4L/100km compared to the bigger engine’s 6.2L/100km.

The ageing 1.4-litre engine, which was carried over from the previous model, is now available with a six-speed automatic gearbox, as well as the standard four-speed, to get more out of its 74kW/133Nm output and reduce fuel economy a little to 6.0L/100km.

Each engine runs on regular unleaded (RON91) petrol.

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The introduction of the new powertrains has seen the Rio range overhauled, with sharp driveway pricing introduced that brings the overall cost down.

The entry-level Rio S remains unchanged, with the original 1.4-litre engine and six-speed manual/four-speed automatic options, and standard features including 15-inch steel wheels, reverse parking sensors, dusk-sensing headlights, reversing camera, six-speaker sound system with Bluetooth, and Apple Carplay and Android Auto smartphone mirroring.

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As before the Rio S manual starts at $16,990 before on-road costs, while the auto is now priced at $17,460 drive-away, which is $1600 less than the former retail price.

The Rio Si and SLi versions are no more, replaced by the new Rio Sport that’s also powered by the 1.4-litre engine, but with a choice of six-speed manual and the new six-speed auto.

Rio Sport features include 17-inch alloys, cruise control, leather trim on the steering wheel and gear shifter and electric folding mirrors.

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It does lacks several key features that were in the Si and/or SLi though, including satellite navigation, digital radio, climate control air-conditioning, and electric sunroof, however this is reflected by a significantly lower drive-away price of $17,990 and $18,990, for the manual and auto respectively.

The first-ever Rio GT-Line adds sporty trim and suspension tune and is safest-ever Rio with AEB and lane-keeping assist. It will also stand out aesthetically from the others, with a body kit, LED daytime running lights and position lamps, LED fog-lamps, and LED rear combination lights.

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The 2019 Kia Rio range is now available in showrooms, and is covered by the brand’s seven-year warranty, capped price servicing and roadside assistance.

2019 Kia Rio pricing

• Rio S, manual - $16,990 (RRP)
• Rio S, 4-speed auto - $17,490 (drive-away)
• Rio Sport, manual - $17,990 (drive-away)
• Rio Sport, 6-speed auto - $18,990 (drive-away)
• Rio GT-Line, 7-speed DSG - $21,990 (drive-away)