Set to debut at the 2018 Geneva Motor
Show in March, the new Kia Rio GT-Line follows the lead set down by similar
versions of the Sportage, Sorento, Picanto, and Cee’d.
Power comes in the form of a 1.0-liter turbocharged
three-cylinder engine mated to a six-speed manual and rated at 118 horsepower which isn’t quite as much as you’d find in, say, the similarly sized Ford
Fiesta ST, Renault Clio RS, VW Polo GTI, or even the more modestly powered
595-spec Fiat 500 Abarth.
It’ll also be offered with the 1.25- or 1.4-liter
naturally aspirated four-cylinder engines, but those currently pack less power
(at 83 and 98 hp respectively) and will come mated to a seven-speed dual-clutch
transmission.
Engines aside, the GT-Line model comes with sportier
touches like a gloss-black and chrome grille, special 17-inch alloys, LED fog
and daytime running lights, dual exhaust tips, chrome window trim, and
gloss-black spoiler and side-sill trim. Inside you’ll find combination
synthetic leather and cloth upholstery with grey stitching, a flat-bottom
leather steering wheel, and metallic and faux-carbon trim.
Whether Kia will ever offer a proper performance
version of the little hatchback remains to be seen. Maybe sister-brand
Hyundai’s new N division will have some wisdom to impart. But in the meantime,
the new GT-Line model will go on sale across Europe in the spring – around the
same time it debuts at the Swiss expo.
