The only area where we could deduct a point or two off the all-new Kia Rio was the models rather limited four-speed automatic transmission.
Now, just two weeks after being launched in Australia (full details and review here), Kia has released the new Rio in the UK and buyers there are getting access to a Kia light-car with a range of four engines to choose from.
In Australia, all 2017 Kia Rio cars are powered by the same 73kW 1.4 litre petrol engine.
But the UK gets two turbo-diesel engines as well – a 1.0 litre unit that produces 73kW/171Nm in lower-spec models and 87kW/171Nm in the flagship model, as well as a 56kW/240Nm 1.4 litre unit.
And sitting aside that same 1.4 litre petrol engine that we get, Kia in the UK is also offering the new Rio with a 61kW/121Nm 1.2 litre petrol engine.
Interestingly, all those engines are only offered with manual transmissions, except for the 1.4 litre petrol unit and just like here that is a four-speed auto.
Kia saying the auto transmission on offer is there “for the convenience of drivers who spend most of their time in heavy traffic or who have physical disabilities which prevent them from driving a manual.”
The only other difference between the Australian-spec car and the UK version is the availability of a driver assist system.
Not available in the Kia Rio here, British buyers are offered the system, including Autonomous Emergency Braking and Lane Departure Warning, as an option in the base-model and standard from there up.
While there is a price difference, the UK car starts just under $20,000 (£11,995) and the Australian car is yours from a starting price of $16,990.
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