Kia Rio GT-Line orders paused due to stock shortages

Orders for the flagship Kia Rio GT-Line city hatch have been paused, amid supply bottlenecks on its unique turbocharged engine and transmission – however it is expected to return at a later date once backorders are cleared.

A Kia Australia representative told Drive the company is "struggling" to secure supply of the Rio GT-Line's 1.0-litre turbo engine and dual-clutch gearbox – which has resulted in backorders understood to span about six to 12 months.

As such new orders have been paused, the representative told Drive, to minimise "customer disappointment" from long wait times. Existing orders will be fulfilled.

The decision is believed to be temporary, as once current backorders are cleared, Drive understands Kia Australia plans to begin accepting new Rio GT-Line orders again. A date for this is yet to be locked in.

In the meantime, Kia will direct buyers looking for a Rio GT-Line to the related Stonic GT-Line city SUV, which uses the same engine and gearbox, shares the Rio's floorpan, and is built in the same factory – but will remain on sale.

Priced from $27,990 drive-away, the Rio GT-Line was the flagship of Kia's city car range, with its unique turbo engine, sporty body kit and additional convenience features.

Prices have risen steadily in recent years, from $21,990 drive-away at launch in late 2018, to $25,990 drive-away in late 2021, and $27,990 today.

The Rio range now spans from the $21,490 drive-away S manual, to $24,990 drive-away for the Sport automatic. The cheapest Kia available with the 1.0-litre turbo engine is the Stonic GT-Line, at $32,190 drive-away.