Sydney show: Kia Rio goes luxo

KIA has used the Sydney show to introduce two special-edition models to add to its budget-end 1.6-litre Rio line-up.

The Rio Sport hatch and Rio Luxury sedan are designed for incremental sales, both priced at $18,990.

Above the standard Rio equipment of air-conditioning, remote central locking and six-speaker CD stereo, the Sport adds 16-inch alloys, leather steering wheel, ABS, six airbags, sports trim and a rear spoiler.

The Luxury sedan also gains 16-inch alloys, six airbags, leather steering wheel and a more upmarket interior.

Kia has also shown the wee 1.1-litre Picanto hatch to gauge public opinion. The Picanto develops 48kW at 5500rpm and 97Nm at 2800rpm.

The new Sportage CRDi turbo-diesel, which goes on sale early next year, has also been unveiled, along with the facelifted Sorento with its new 3.8-litre V6, priced from $36,990.

The Sportage CRDi has a Euro IV-compliant diesel engine which develops 103kW at 4000rpm and 305Nm at between 1800rpm and 2500rpm.

It is mated to a six-speed manual gearbox. The success of the Carnival has also prompted the Korean car-maker to introduce a premium Grand Carnival, priced from $43,990 and featuring six airbags, 16-inch alloys, leather trim, a multi-function steering wheel and electric sliding doors.

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