What's the news?
This is the Kia Rio GT-Line, which - like so many manufacturers do these days - is supposed to look like one of the company's sportiest cars, yet it uses the regular line-up of engines. It's due to make its debut at the Geneva Motor Show in March.
Following on from GT-Line specifications for the Sportage, Picanto and Sorento models, the Rio GT-Line isn't likely to be offered in Ireland, but if it does make it to our shores then what we're looking at here is the most attractive Rio yet. It wears a gloss black and chrome 'tiger nose' grille, unique GT-Line 17-inch alloys and, of course, the Kia GT trademark 'ice-cube' LED fog lamps. Further details include twin exhaust tips, LED daytime running lights, chrome window surrounds, and gloss black highlights for the roof spoiler, rear bumper trim and side skirts.
Inside, the Rio's cabin is enlivened by black synthetic leather and cloth seats with contrast grey stitching, a 'D-cut' leather steering wheel, a metallic finish for the trims surrounding the door switches and gear lever, and a carbon fibre-effect dashboard. All the usual driver assist safety systems fitted to the Rio, as well as interior equipment including (but not limited to) seven-inch display infotainment, heated seats and steering wheel, cruise control and a rear-view parking camera, will be available on the GT-Line.
So far, Kia has only confirmed the excellent 1.0 T-GDi engine, rated at 120hp and 171Nm, for the GT-Line Rio, which the company says means the Korean supermini is capable of 4.7 litres/100km (60.1mpg) and 107g/km - fitted, as it is, with a six-speed manual transmission teamed to Intelligent Stop and Go functionality. Later in 2018, the 1.25- and 1.4-litre MPi normally aspirated petrol motors will be added to the Rio GT-Line range.
Anything else?
Michael Cole, chief operating officer for Kia Motors Europe, said: "The Rio is one of Kia's best selling cars globally, and we have already sold more than 54,000 units of the new model in Europe after it went on sale in the first quarter of 2017. The new GT-Line specification enhances the car's desirability and will help grow Rio sales in 2018 and beyond, thanks to its range of comfort and safety features, superb versatility, and confident, sporty styling.