2018 Kia Rio vs 2019

What's the difference?

When the current generation Kia Rio launched back in 2017, it looked fantastic.

But, when it came to the experience behind the wheel, the car was hampered by a less-than impressive engine and lacklustre transmission options. 

It was such a shame. Now though, the powers that be over at Kia have imbued the Rio with new life. It has new transmissions and a new engine, and at the top of the pecking order is the car reviewed here, the GT-Line.

So, has Kia finally explored the Rio’s potential? Is the GT-Line as hot as it looks? Read on to find out.

Over four generations, the Kia Rio has cemented its place in the Australian small-car landscape.

It now enjoys a market share on par with the Honda Jazz, but is bested by its fleet-friendly cousin, the Hyundai Accent, as well as the Suzuki Swift, Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris.

Now that it’s an established player, though, could it aim for a bigger slice of the small-hatch pie? Could it become one of Australia’s most beloved small-car nameplates?

We’ve driven the entire updated 2019 Rio range to find out.