Kia Rio price leader arrives

A three-door model just over $15k and the new sedan complement Kia's Rio hatch
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Kia has launched a new price-leading Rio light car in Australia in the form of the three-door hatch, at $15,290. Priced just a couple of hundred dollars more than the likes of the Toyota Yaris, Honda Jazz and Nissan Micra, the new three door Rio is also joined by the new four-door sedan version, expanding the Rio range to three models. Full pricing is as follows:

- Kia Rio 3 Door Hatch S 1.4 $15,290 (auto $17,290)
- Kia Rio 3 Door Hatch SLS 1.6 $19,990 (auto $21,990)
- Kia Rio 4 Door Sedan Si 1.6 $19,690 (auto $21,690)

Three gearboxes (one manual, two autos) and two petrol engines are available and the standard feature list is extensive, including six airbags and electronic stability control safety features across the range. Kia says it will target five-star ANCAP ratings for all its vehicles.

Starting at the entry point, the three-door hatch has identical exterior dimensions to the five-door Rio and is offered in two trim levels - S and SLS - priced from $15,290 and $21,990 respectively.

Similar in spec to the five-door version, the three-door Kia Rio S comes with front electric windows, steering wheel audio controls, Bluetooth/iPod compatible audio system, 15-inch steel wheels with wheel covers, central locking, six function trip computer, vehicle stability management with hill start assist control and air conditioning to name the big ticket items.

The three-door Rio S is powered by a 1.4-litre petrol engine outputting 79kW/135Nm through a six-speed manual or four-speed auto. For the record, automatic transmissions command a $2000 premium on all body styles and trim levels.

Step up to the $21,990 SLS three-door hatch and you'll get a more powerful 1.6-litre direct injected GDI engine that churns out 103kW/167Nm and is paired with either a six-speed manual or a newly implemented six-speed automatic.

According to Kia, the Rio SLS is the "halo" model of the range and, as such, presents a sharper image and includes improved convenience features such as 17-inch alloy wheels, push button ignition with smart key, cruise control and leather seats. "It is aimed squarely at those who are happy to forego the back doors for an upgrade in technology," reads the Kia press statement.

The standard equipment for the SLS model hatch is the same as the S but adds the four abovementioned items plus LED daytime running lights, LED brake lights, auto headlights and windscreen wipers, climate control and an enhanced brake package with slightly larger diameter front rotors.

Kia will offer the four-door sedan in only one model grade, the Si, which is akin to the five-door Kia Rio launched in September 2011 in terms of standard equipment - though the extra boot space (389 litres in total) attracts a $700 premium. Pricing is $19,690 and it is fitted with the more powerful 103kW 1.6-litre engine.

Presenting a more mature design, one that takes a few cues from the Kia Optima sedan, the Rio sedan comes equipped with the same features as the SLS halo model, minus the leather seats, climate control, rain-sensing wipers and smart key with push-button ignition.

The most frugal vehicle in the Kia Rio range is not the 1.4-litre manual (5.7L/100km) but the 1.6-litre manual variant (5.6L/100km). The 1.4-litre engine uses older fuel injection technology and is packaged with a four-speed cog swapper, and this is reflected in the automatic gearbox fuel figures as well - 6.3L/100km for the 1.4-litre auto versus 6.1L/100km for the 1.6-litre six-speed auto.

"Rio has always been a commercial success and with this new incarnation now available in three body shapes new Rio will appeal to a much wider demographic than before.  It will continue the process of dramatically improving public perceptions of the Kia brand and converting that new awareness into profitable conquest sales," said Kia Motors Australia President and CEO Mr Chongwoo (Charlie) Kim.

"Rio is a car that people will want to buy for its new looks, its new premium feeling, generous features and environmental credentials. The variation across the range, including each vehicle’s list of standard features, will appeal to all generations."