Kia Rio 2019 review

Over four generations, the Rio has well and truly cemented its place when it comes to small cars in Australia. But does the updated and reloaded car for 2019 still deserve that place? Tom finds out.

CarsGuide - Go beyond the test drive

[mlasrb]

I am owning a 2020 Kia Rio S and all i can say the car is amazing for the money you pay. For day to day drive you do not need anything more, no stupid tech like ''active safety systems'' ... its all comes down to your driving skills :)) love that car so much

[srtrx]

I am currently driving a 2013 Base model Kia Rio 3dr manual in white, it was the cheapest Rio you could buy.
It was given to me sell when my father passed away in November.

But having driven it around locally it was so much fun and so cheap to run I've kept it.

Rarely touch my late model 400hp previous daily now at all 😂

[TaxMe]

I shall move to Australia. Excellent review. No condescending (KBB was) and satisfying. Thanks Sir

[hman]

Great review! I got a Sport manual, and it’s a great shifter. Alas, there isn’t any active safety, LED DRLs, nor a punchy engine; but it’s just enough for a P-plater like me.

[GERRARD]

I am currently driving Rio GT line (7 speed DCT). It's a very nice car and actually fun to drive with decent space for the size.

[Lollakuk]

Honestly if you get the Rio today. Get the GT Line model. The 1.0 Turbo 120 HP engine is worth it. Also has some nice aestetics added. Also I would opt for the 6 speed manual gearbox.

[JFomo]

I don't mind the Rio for what it is, I just wish Kia poshed up the interior which is the only reason why I wouldn't buy it.
For the price of the GT-Line you're better off getting the Cerato which has a much nicer cabin and infotainment system.

[niciie]

3:32 dont understand this part, wat is “even more frustrating” about poditive things

[madhardcorenick]

In my opinion here is the order of the best small/mini car in Australia that you can buy today,

1. Hyundai Accent Sport
2. Honda Jazz VTi
3. Mazda 2 Maxx/Kia Rio Sport
4. Suzuki Swift

If Kia introduce a 1.6l engine for the Rio then it will easily be one of the best in it class.

[SvenskiMulgi]

i have the GT line 2018 model .. i love it so much <3 .
if you dont want to be a racer everyday, this is the car!

[rcast]

If they could fit a Projector headlights, it would be better. And put in a 1.6L and AEB will be a Winner as a First car in this Sport spec!

[jhndijkman]

So the price then, good is it? I don't know if active safety is a feature on your other models mentioned. But these cars are meant to be cheap and cheerful. You be right about 1.4, the 1.6 is the better bet to be the standard engine in this little jigger.

[warrenseiboth]

i wonder how this compares to the MG exclusive

[thomasyouil]

GT-Line May be the pick of the bunch, but how reliable will that DCT be?

[lubear]

You would think how much people complain about how lackluster the 1.4 l engine they need to put back the 1.6 L engine that used to come in the sli and the SLS in the previous model Rio get rid of the 1.4 it is useless just saying

[ralton]

silver is the most boring colour, watch a hundred cars driving by and like 50 of them are silver, lol

[lordarkay]

Oh this is British version oh mines American one she has a 1.6 liter engine

[hazel]

Oof. I was gonna upgrade from my 2015 model. It looks awful!

[lubear]

I cannot believe they're still offering that useless 1.4 litre engine how about put in the 1.6 litre engine that you used to offer especially in the sport and the s model would have been nice if they offered the GT line in a manual no got to be stinkin' automatic 😒😜

[SK-ybbx]

Test drove one today. It's okay, I guess.