Geneva - Kia has unveiled a GT-Line version of the South African favourite, the Rio, at the Geneva Motor Show.
The Kia Rio GT-Line will sport a 1.0-litre turbocharged engine that will produce 88kW/171Nm through a six-speed manual transmission gearbox.
Kia South Africa says there is no information as yet whether the Rio GT-Line will be made available locally.
The GT-Line is also available with Kia's new Driver Attention Warning (DAW) system, designed to combat distracted or drowsy drivers. The system monitors several inputs from the vehicle and the driver, and sounds a warning chime and displays a graphic in the instrument binnacle if it senses a lapse in concentration from the driver.
Michael Cole, Chief Operating Officer for Kia Motors Europe, says: "The Rio is one of Kia's best selling cars globally, and we have already sold more than 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.”
Technology, safety and versatility
The Rio GT-Line is available with many features familiar to current Rio owners, including standard aluminium pedals and bi-projection headlamps, which turn into corners as the driver turns the steering wheel.
The optional large 7" ‘floating’ touchscreen HMI (human-machine interface) includes navigation, and Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ for full smartphone integration. A rear-view parking camera, heated steering wheel, and heated seats are also available.
The new Rio is the safest B-segment car Kia has ever made, featuring an Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS)-body construction and six airbags fitted as standard (front, front side, and curtain). With a five-star Euro NCAP crash safety rating when fitted with optional ADAS technology, the Rio offers Forward Collision-avoidance Assist (FCA) with pedestrian recognition.
The Rio’s FCA system uses a long-range radar detection system to detect potential collisions with other vehicles or pedestrians and helps bring the car to a halt*. FCA is paired with Lane Departure Warning (LDW), which alerts the driver if they stray out of their lane without the use of indicators. Lane Keeping Assist (LKA) will also be available to buyers from Q3 2018.