Kia has announced pricing and specifications for the 2019 Rio, a refreshed version of its light hatchback.
The range has been mostly overhauled, with most of the changes coming at the top of the range, where there are new variants and a peppy three-pot turbo.
The range opens with the S, priced from $16,990 plus on-roads or $17,990 drive-away based on transmission. Standard equipment includes rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, six-speaker sound system and a 7.0-inch infotainment touchscreen with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and Bluetooth. Unfortunately, there’s no autonomous emergency braking on the base grade, nor climate control or in-built satellite navigation – the latter two items have actually been completely omitted from the entire range for 2019.
The S is powered by the same 1.4-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder petrol from the outgoing range, producing 74kW of power and 133Nm of torque. It drives the front wheels through either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic, with the latter being the more expensive of the gearboxes.
Above the S in the range is the Si-replacing Sport, priced from $17,990 drive-away for the six-speed manual or $18,990 drive-away for the all-new six-speed auto (still connected to the S’ atmo 1.4). Extra equipment consists of cruise control, 17-inch alloy wheels, leather steering wheel and gear shifter as well as electric folding mirrors.
The new range-topper is the GT-Line, replacing the SLi, priced from $21,990 drive-away. It gets an all new 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine, which generates 88kW of power and 172Nm of torque – it’s connected solely to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission that drives the front wheels. Additional kit includes a sporty GT-Line body kit, LED daytime-running lights, LED position lights, LED taillights, LED fog lights and auto stop/start tech. There has also been a massive improvement in safety tech too, with autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist coming as standard on the GT-Line – it’s the first time these technologies have featured on a Kia Rio.
All Rios take advantage of Kia’s seven-year, unlimited kilometre warranty.
The 2019 Kia Rio enters dealerships soon.
GT-Line models pictured throughout the article.
Redline 