Turbocharged Kia Rio added to NZ line up
By Kia Motors New Zealand Sep 17th 2018
Kia has turbocharged its latest addition to the Rio hatchback with the introduction of a sporty GT Line model.
Featuring a 1.0-litre T-GDi (Turbocharged Gasoline Direct injection) engine and dual-clutch 7-speed transmission, the new top-of-the-range Rio GT Line is all set to deliver lively performance and fun motoring.
The responsive powertrain is matched with engaging handling characteristics thanks to its lightweight, enhanced by a sports styling package that sets the Rio GT Line apart from the rest of the Rio range.
“Rio has become one of our best-selling cars since the fourth generation model was launched last year and the new GT Line specification serves to enhance its desirability,” says Todd McDonald, General Manager of Kia Motors New Zealand.
“We expect the GT Line to boost Rio sales in 2018 and beyond, thanks to its sporty style and performance, as well as the range of comfort and advanced safety features.”
The five door Rio GT Line stands out from the rest of the Rio range with a number of new styling cues, including a gloss black and satin chrome tiger nose grille, unique 17 inch alloy wheels and quad LED fog lights. The sporty exterior is further enhanced by twin exhaust tips, chrome window trim, a gloss black roof spoiler and sill highlights.
The interior merges the Rio's modern styling and ergonomics with a series of unique GT Line features, creating a cabin to match the distinctive exterior. The seats are finished in black leather and cloth with contrasting grey stitching. Highlighting the sporty theme is a new D-shaped leather steering wheel, similar to that on the Stinger GT Line model.
The cabin is further lifted with new metallic trim surrounds on the door switches and gear lever, while the dashboard complements this effect with a new carbon fibre-effect finish.
With one of the most spacious cabins in its class, the Rio GT Line also provides a luggage capacity of 325 litres (VDA), making it both spacious and practical.
The Rio GT Line also ads a number of new advanced safety features, including Autonomous Emergency Braking, Lane Keep Assist, Blind spot detection. Other technologies such as Smart Proximity Key, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, SatNav on a 7” touch screen and reversing camera are among its standard features.
But it’s what is under the bonnet that will interest many buyers of the new Rio GT Line.
In place of the standard 1.4 litre petrol engine is a lightweight, compact three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine. This engine provides the Rio GT Line 88kW (118hp) at 6,000rpm, with the 171Nm of torque available from 1,500 to 4,000 rpm for maximum flexibility in all driving conditions. Paired with Kia’s 7-speed dual-clutch transmission which adds to the, sportier driving experience and reduced fuel consumption
The relatively low mass over the front axle ensures the Rio remains fun to drive, with minimal inertia providing responsive and engaging handling.
The Kia Rio GT Line is not only fun to drive, the new technology turbo engine is also capable of returning a very impressive 5.4L/100km and reduced CO2 emissions of 143 g/km.
The Rio GT Line is now on sale in New Zealand at a recommended $28,990 plus on-road costs and, like all new Kia passenger vehicles, it comes with a 5-year / 100,000km warranty package, including 24-hour roadside assistance.