Kia South Africa has expanded the model line-up of its Rio hatchback range with an all-new three-door model. Here are the details.

The Kia Rio is one of those typically underrated Korean hatchbacks. Thanks itsreasonable practicality, a longwarranty and good specification, the Rio is a popular choice in its segment. Now Kia SA has found another derivativeto squeeze into the range:the new Kia Rio three-door is available in top-of-the-range 1.4 TEC specificationandbuyers can opt for eithera six-speedmanual or a four-speedautomatic transmission.

This new Kia Rio three-door comes generously specified; it includesleather trim, Bluetooth connectivity, USB and auxiliary input sockets, a multi-function steering wheelas well as automaticconditioning. The vehicle has LED daytime running lights,rides on 17-inch alloys and comes with a sunroof as standard. Interestingly, you can spec a sunroof on similarly-priced 4- and 5-door models, but that's going to cost you an extra R7 000.Despite itsthree-door configuration, access to the rear bench issimple thanks to the wide opening doors and the front seats that tilt and slide forward.

The engine line up is unchanged. The 1.4-litre Gamma powerplantproduces79kW and 135Nm and the Rio (six-speed manual version) is said to accelerate from zero to 100kph in11.5 seconds.

Kia Rio price in South Africa

Perhaps the best part of this new Kia Rio three-door is its pricing, which is the same as its four- and five-door sibilings. For those who are cash strapped, you can opt for the low-spec 1.2-litre. All Kia Rios come with the class-leading5-year/150 000km warranty and a 4-year/60 000km service plan.

Rio 1.2 Manual (4- and 5-door) R 203 995

Rio 1.4 Manual (4- and 5-door)R 228 995

Rio 1.4 Auto (4- and 5-door)R 241 995

Rio 1.4 TEC Manual (3-, 4- and 5-door)R 241 995

Rio 1.4 TEC Auto (3-, 4- and 5-door) R 254 995