Kia has introduced the 2018 Rio GT-Line ahead of its official debut at the Geneva International Motor Show in March. Following in the footsteps of the Sportage, Picanto and Sorento, the South Korean automaker's hatchback is the latest model to receive the sporty trim.
The five-door Rio GT-Line has a stylish and sporty appearance. The exterior features a gloss-black and chrome grille, LED fog lamps, LED daytime running lights, a chrome window trim, a gloss-black roof spoiler, aggressive side sills and twin exhaust pipes.
Customers will be able to choose from six paint colors: Aurora Black, Platinum Graphite, Signal Red, Clear White, Silky Silver and Most Yellow.
Meanwhile, the hatchback has a modern cabin that complements the athletic design of the exterior. Inside there are black synthetic leather and cloth seats with gray accent stitching, a leather steering wheel, a metal trim on the door switches and gear lever, a carbon fiber finish on the dashboard and aluminum pedals.
Available technologies include a 7-inch infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a rear-view parking camera and a heating function for the steering wheel and seats.
The 2018 Kia Rio GT-Line is powered by a 1.0-liter turbocharged three-cylinder gasoline engine that delivers 118 horsepower. The powertrain is mated to a six-speed manual transmission.
According to the automaker, naturally-aspirated 1.2 and 1.4-liter gasoline engines will be available with a seven-speed double clutch transmission later in the year.
As for safety features, the 2018 Rio GT-Line will be offered with forward collision-avoidance assist with pedestrian recognition, a long-range radar detection system, lane departure warning and lane keeping assist.
"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," said Michael Cole, chief operating officer for Kia Motors Europe.
The 2018 Kia Rio GT-Line will go on sale in Europe this spring. Unfortunately, the sporty hatchback is not slated to arrive in the United States.
