Kia Rio Sport 2019 review: snapshot
The Rio Sport is the middle-tier of a three-variant line-up, sitting above the entry-level S and below the top-spec GT-Line.
Browse over 9,000 car reviews
The range-topping model in the two-strong MG3 range is the Excite, which lists at $18,490 drive-away (MSRP/RRP).
The Excite builds upon the Core model’s standard spec offering, with 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels and a body kit, body-coloured mirrors, vanity mirrors in the sun-visors, and synthetic leather trim on the seats with contrast stitching.
The Excite runs the same 8.0-inch touch screen media system with USB connectivity, Apple CarPlay smartphone mirroring (no Android Auto), as well as AM/FM radio and Bluetooth phone connectivity - but also includes sat nav as standard, and steps up the sound system to be a six-speaker unit with “Full Vehicle Yamaha 3D Sound Field”.
That’s in addition to auto on/off halogen headlights with LED daytime running lights, electric windows, electric mirrors, a leather steering wheel with audio and cruise control buttons. There’s a space-saver spare wheel, too.
Colour choices for the MG3 include white, black and yellow at no extra cost, and blue, red and silver metallic options that’ll cost you $500 more.
The standard safety equipment list isn’t a long one: there is a reversing camera, rear parking sensors, six airbags (dual front, front side and full-length curtain), and electronic stability control. But unlike some budget rivals, there’s no active safety tech like auto emergency braking, lane keeping assist, blind spot monitoring or rear cross traffic alert.
The MG3 Excite is powered by a 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine with 82kW of power and 150Nm of torque. It comes as standard with a four-speed automatic transmission and is front-wheel drive. Fuel consumption is claimed at 6.7L/100km.
One of the big selling points of the MG3 is its ownership potential: there’s a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, with the same cover for capped price servicing and roadside assistance.
Vehicle | Specs | Price* | |
---|---|---|---|
Core | 1.5L, PULP, 4 SP AUTO | $12,320 – 16,500 | 2020 MG 3 2020 Core Pricing and Specs |
Excite | 1.5L, PULP, 4 SP AUTO | $14,080 – 18,590 | 2020 MG 3 2020 Excite Pricing and Specs |
$14,080
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data