Kia Rio 2019 pricing and specs revealed
The GT-Line scores an Australia-first three-cylinder turbo and seven-speed dual-clutch transmission for Kia.
Kia Australia has revealed its updated and simplified Rio line-up, with the introduction of a new engine and transmission in the newly added flagship GT-Line version.
The existing mid-spec Si has been replaced by a new 'Sport' grade, while the GT-Line model takes the place of the previous SLi variant. The base-model S grade remains unchanged and still starts from $16,990 drive-away.
The entry-level S and new Sport grades will maintain the current 1.4-litre 74kW/133Nm four-cylinder engine. Both are offered with a six-speed manual, however the ‘Sport’ grade benefits from a new six-speed torque-converter automatic over the four-speed in the S.
Meanwhile, the GT-Line scores a completely new drivetrain, consisting of a 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbocharged engine producing 88kW/172Nm driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual clutch automatic transmission. The GT-Line is also the first Rio to score a stop-start system.
The GT-Line is priced at $21,990 drive-away and also scores a better safety suite, with auto emergency braking (AEB) and lane keep assist (LKAS) as standard. That safety gear isn't offered, even optionally, on the lower-grade S and Sport variants.
The GT-Line adds to the standard specification a bespoke body kit, leather steering wheel and gearknob, carbon-look interior trim as well as LED DRLs, fog-lamps and rear light clusters.
All Rio variants maintain the 7.0-inch multimedia touchscreen which supports Bluetooth connectivity as well as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus a reversing camera. Other standard items for all Rio models include two ISOFIX points for the rear seats and reverse parking sensors.
Kia Rio 2019 price
| 6-speed manual | 4-speed auto | 6-speed auto | 7-speed DCT | |
| Rio S | $16,990 | $17,490 | -- | -- |
| Rio Sport | $17,990 | -- | $18,990 | -- |
| Rio GT-Line | -- | -- | -- | $21,990 |
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