If you live in Australia and are interested in a cool and small car, then the newly-introduced 2019 Kia Rio is the perfect choice when it comes to fuel-economy, great acceleration and a plethora of high-tech enhancements.
It is available in three models, the entry-level Rio S, mid-entry Rio Sport and the top of the line Rio GT-Line. Prices start at $16,990 for the Rio S 1.4 6spd manual and go all the way up to $21,990, for the topper Rio GT-Line 1.0T 7spd automatic. There is also the Rio S 4spd at $17,490 or Rio Sport 1.4spd auto, available at $18,990.
Kia Motors Australia COO Damien Meredith also said about the new Rio that the model “has always been a foundation stone of the Kia brand” and still is with the new visual enhancements and engine lineup.
“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,“ Meredith also concluded.
Visually, the entry-level model received a series of new goodies, like cruise control, leather-wrapped gear lever and steering wheel, electric-folding mirrors and 17-inch alloy wheels at the exterior. On the other hand, the GT-Line is more equipped with LED fog lights, new alloy wheels, LED headlights and taillights, as well as a range of safety features like autonomous emergency braking, stop-start button or lane keep assist.
Standard equipment also comprises rear parking sensors, touch-screen media system with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity, six-speaker sound system or rear-view camera.
Powering the new 2019 Kia Rio is the brand-new 1.0-liter turbo three-cylinder engine, which is added to the range. The engine equips the top of the line GT-Line and develops 88 kW and 172 Nm of torque, thanks to a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. There is also the classic 1.4-liter naturally aspirated flat-four engine equipping the rest of the lineup and which develops 74 kW and 133 Nm of torque. This one comes with a six-speed manual as standard or a four-speed auto as optional.
