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.
Tom White

Deputy News Editor

2 min read

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The existing mid-spec Si has been replaced by a new 'Sport' grade, while the GT-Line model takes the place of the previous SLi variant.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.

The GT-Line is the first Kia to score a seven-speed automatic and a start-stop system in Australia.
The GT-Line is the first Kia to score a seven-speed automatic and a start-stop system in Australia.

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.

Inside there is leather and carbon-look trim for the GT-Line.
Inside there is leather and carbon-look trim for the GT-Line.

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 manual4-speed auto6-speed auto7-speed DCT
Rio S$16,990$17,490----
Rio Sport$17,990--$18,990--
Rio GT-Line------$21,990

Does the new three-cylinder turbo and safety kit justify the over-$20k cost of the GT-Line? Tell us what you think in the comments below.

Tom White

Deputy News Editor

Tom’s way into motoring journalism was anything but straightforward despite annoying his parents to no end as a child by identifying makes and models with ease, and acquiring a large collection of Matchbox models. Other interests took over in the intervening years, including tinkering with electronics and computers, and an interest in the past, which eventually culminated in a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University Of Sydney with a major in Ancient History. During this time, Tom was exposed to all sorts of cars by working as a valet and eventually the Bell Captain at The Star casino in Sydney. He then went on another side-quest, studying law at Macquarie University before applying for a job at CarsGuide. After being hired Tom worked his way up the ranks in a variety of roles and refined his craft, now serving as CarsGuide's Deputy News Editor, with special interests in new technologies and electric vehicles, as well as emerging trends from China. Tom has been recognised by his peers as the EV Journalist of the Year at the 2026 Newspress Australia Awards. He’s personally owned a selection of wheels from a 1981 Holden Gemini to a 2009 Ford Falcon, through to his current 2011 Subaru Forester and many others in between. You can find Tom on LinkedIn and Instagram. Education Bachelor of Arts and Sciences | The University of Sydney | 2010 - 2014 Graduate Certificate of Laws | Macquarie University | 2015 - 2016 Awards 2026 Newspress Australia EV Journalist of the Year Featured Publications CarsGuide | 2016 - present
About Author

Comments