Kia's Rio even cheaper

KIA Motors Australia has lowered the entry level of its Rio small car to $14,990 drive-away with the release at Friday's Melbourne motor show opening of a 1.4-litre LX five-door model variant.

The 1.4-litre DOHC 16-valve four-cylinder engine develops 70kW at 6000rpm and 125Nm at 4700rpm. It also delivers a combined fuel economy figure of 6.7L/100km for the five-speed manual and 6.8L/100km for the four-speed automatic.

Standard features include dual front airbags, power steering, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, air-conditioning, electric front windows, remote central locking, a 60/40 split-folding rear seat, front and rear head restraints, lap-sash seatbelts throughout and 14-inch wheels.

The South Korean brand also unveiled a $50,990 "Platinum" limited-edition of its Grand Carnival people-mover.

Using the same 184kW/343Nm 3.8-litre V6 as other models in the range, the flagship eight-seater model includes as standard the following equipment: 17-inch alloy wheels, power-operated tailgate/sliding doors, a sunroof, rear parking sensors, eight-way electric driver’s seat, leather seats, Infinity six-CD stereo (with eight speakers and subwoofer) and metallic paint.