kia rio reviews australia

In Australia, the Kia Rio is the small hatch that does the basics with an unflappable shrug.

The 1.4‑litre models are fine around town but feel breathless on highways; the GT-Line’s 1.0‑litre turbo has better mid-range shove, though its dual-clutch can faff about in traffic.

Ride and handling are tidy on our gnarly roads, the 8-inch infotainment with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto is straightforward, and the boot is properly usable for a city runabout.

Safety is respectable on later trims (AEB, lane assist, camera), but base spec in older years can be a bit light-on.

Expect mid‑5s to low‑6s L/100 km if you’re gentle, and servicing costs won’t empty the bikkie tin.

Downsides: hard plastics, some road roar, and it’s now discontinued locally—so you’re shopping used or runout, which at least means sharper prices.