The turbocharged Kia Rio GT-Line is no longer available in Australia, with the brand’s local division citing “severe supply restrictions”.
Speaking with CarExpert, a representative for Kia Australia said the company is working to “honour existing backorders”, and that the related Stonic is currently unaffected by the crippling supply issue.
“We’re experiencing severe supply restrictions with the 1.0 T-GDi turbo petrol engine mated to the seven-speed DCT,” the Kia spokesperson told CarExpert.
“As a result we have decided to cease this powertrain on Rio. It will, however, continue in the Stonic.”
The Kia Rio GT-Line is the sole variant in the city hatch range to offer a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder petrol engine mated with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
A 2021 update brought a slightly detuned version of the drivetrain, making 74kW (down from 88kW) but an unchanged 172Nm of torque.
The more powerful motor received 48V mild-hybrid technology in overseas markets like Europe, and was subsequently dropped from the Australian range.
With the GT-Line variant no longer available to order, it means the Rio family has been trimmed to two offerings; the base Rio S priced from $21,490 drive-away, and the Rio Sport (from $23,490 drive-away).
It’s unclear whether Kia Australia will bring in another variant to replace the GT-Line, though it’s understood the now axed variant’s unique, sporty appointments were a key selling point.
To the end of September, Kia Australia has registered 3661 examples of the Rio hatchback, down 18.5 per cent year to date (YTD). It remains the fourth best-selling vehicle in the Light Passenger segment, behind the MG 3 (11,612 units), the now-defunct Suzuki Baleno (5652 units), and the Mazda 2 (3685 units).
By comparison, the more expensive Kia Stonic – which shares its bones with the Rio – has returned 7036 units for the same period, and is up 25.6 per cent YTD. The Stonic is the second best-selling vehicle in the Light SUV segment, just behind the venerable Mazda CX-3 (7780 units).
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