Road test: Kia Rio GT-Line 2019 review

There has been a shuffling of standard equipment with big pluses and a couple of losses to balance the cost. The GT-Line, in a first for Rio, comes with autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist as standard, plus an ‘Idle Stop and Go’ system to help reduce emissions. Navigation, however, now requires mobile phone connection, instead of the excellent built-in system in the previous Si and SLi grades. Manual heating and air-conditioning controls also replace the more upmarket climate-control system. Less disappointing is the absence of the sunroof which was standard on the SLi.

Like the S, the Sport is powered by a 1.4-litre engine, still with the option of a six-speed manual, but the automatic is a conventional six-speed unit. It’s the smartly dressed GT Line that really steps up the pace with a more sophisticated 1.0-litre direct-injected, turbo-charged petrol engine driving the front wheels via Kia’s seven-speed automatic-shifting, dual-clutch transmission.  

Although smaller in capacity, the 1.0-litre, three-cylinder, turbo-charged engine produces a handy 88kW of power at 6300rpm and 172Nm of torque from 1500 through to 4000rpm. Having an extra 14kW and 39Nm not only means the GT-Line is quicker, but the broad spread of peak torque delivers much stronger driveability for everyday use.  

In the past we’ve described the performance of the 1.4-litre Rio with its hard-working four-speed auto as lacklustre, but the extra grunt of the 1.0-litre turbo and additional gears puts it right up among the best of the mainstream models in its class. The GT-Line we drove coped easily with city and suburban traffic, cruised comfortably and had plenty in reserve for the hills or safe passing. Rio’s new stop-start function, however, wasn’t always as smooth as expected.

Not only is the GT-Line a more enjoyable drive, it also uses less fuel than the 1.4-litre versions under similar operating conditions. Official fuel consumption is 5.4L/100km, while on test, mainly around town, we averaged 7.8L/100km.

Kia’s Australian-tuned suspension has been a standout feature of the Rio for some time now and continues to deliver a good balance of surefooted handling, well-controlled ride and light, accurate steering. The brake pedal feel can be a little touchy and may take some familiarisation, but the system provides good stopping power.

In keeping with other Kia models, the GT-Line is easily recognised by its smart-looking body kit, radiator grille, unique rear diffuser and twin exhaust.  

For a light car, the functional cabin space is good, although not class leading. It has an open, inviting feel with the GT-Line’s satin silver trim giving the Rio’s familiar, user-friendly layout a premium, subtly sporty look. Well-shaped front seats, with a little extra side bolstering, provide better comfort and support than the average pews in this class.  

There is enough rear-seat width to accommodate two adults or three children in relative comfort, with plenty of headroom and adequate, rather than abundant, leg room. Boot space is also relatively good, and the 60/40 split-folding rear seat adds versatility but doesn’t fold flat. Beneath the boot floor, Rio carries only a temporary-use space saver spare wheel.

As this is not an all-new model, the five-star ANCAP rating for the previous version is carried over.

The verdict

In a revised Rio range, the smartly dressed GT-Line is the star of the show. Its stronger performance and general driveability plus added safety features are worth the extra few dollars.