2019 Kia Rio Range Simplified, Manual Transmission Is Out

Kia has reportedly prepped a number of revisions for the 2019MY Rio, the most notable of which is the discontinuation of the six-speed manual transmission.

Thus, all 2019 Rio models will only be offered with a six-speed automatic gearbox from now on, according to CarsDirect which quotes an official letter sent by the Korean automaker’s U.S. branch to dealers.

With the stick shift out, prices for the brand’s subcompact sedan have risen by $1,400 (equal to €1,596) in the entry-level grade, which will start at $16,195 (€18,463), destination charge included. Compared to last year’s most affordable automatic, the difference is only $310 (€353).

Also Watch: 2018 Kia Rio Sedan Gets Comprehensively Bashed By Consumer Reports

Besides dropping the six-speed manual gearbox from the 2019 Rio, Kia has also waved goodbye to the EX grade. Thus, the four-door model will be offered in the LX and S configurations, whereas those on the lookout for the hatchback will have to settle for the S.

The S is now stepping in as the new top-of-the-line trim and gets additional equipment, such as the 7-inch touchscreen display with Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and UVO Play, as well as a reversing camera. The advanced safety gizmos, including automatic emergency braking, are available with the Technology Package, which costs $800 (€912) in the S models.

For this variant of the car, Kia is asking $16,995 (€19,375) for the sedan, and $17,295 (19,717) for the hatchback. Prices are said to be identical to the previous MY.

Note: 2018 Kia Rio pictured