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.
