Kia Rio

The ground-breaking EV9 has just been revealed as Kia’s flagship

The new Kia EV9 signals a leap in luxury for the South Korean manufacturer. Expected to arrive on showroom floors by the end of the year, we can’t help but think if the three-row SUV would be a suitable contender in the bustling segment. Should it come to SA?

Posted by Siyavuya Mbaduli - 18 March 2023

Missed opportunity for Kia SA? This render imagines next-gen Rio

Feast your eyes on renderings of the expected Kia Rio. While the moniker has served the Korean manufacturer well over its time in South Africa, the inbound model will not reach our shores. Is this a missed opportunity?

By Siyavuya Mbaduli - 10 March 2023

Another one bites the dust; Kia Rio to be set to pasture this year

Kia has confirmed that the Rio will not be sold in South Africa beyond 2023, ending a two-decade run of the once-popular nameplate. This adds to the growing list of hatchbacks that have been put to pasture confirming that SUVs are really taking over.

By Alex Shahini - 13 February 2023

Kia Pegas compact sedan here soon: SA details confirmed

Kia South Africa has confirmed that it plans to launch a new compact sedan called the Pegas around mid-June. Although pricing has yet to be […]

By Jason Woosey - 27 May 2021

Kia SA upgrades Rio hatchback to six-speed automatic…

Kia Motors South Africa has upgraded each of the three self-shifting derivatives in its fourth-generation Rio hatchback range from the previous four-speed to a new six-speed […]

By Ryan Bubear - 11 December 2018

Say hello to the new, sportily styled Kia Rio GT-Line…

Kia has unveiled the GT-Line version of its new Rio hatchback, which is scheduled to debut at the 2018 Geneva International Motor Show. Initially powered […]

By Ryan Bubear - 24 January 2018

Kia SA upgrades select models to maintenance plan!

Kia Motors South Africa has announced that it will upgrade select vehicles in its range to full maintenance plans … for a limited period. The […]

By Ryan Bubear - 10 January 2018

ROAD TEST: Kia Rio 1,4 TEC

The outgoing Rio established Kia as a maker of desirable city cars. Does the new one build on that legacy?

By CAR magazine - 22 November 2017

Euro NCAP: Fiesta impresses, Rio and Picanto struggle

Yesterday we revealed that the Mercedes-Benz C-Class Cabriolet and Mazda CX-5 aced their respective Euro NCAP crash tests, each scoring five-stars. Alongside them in this […]

By Nikesh Kooverjee - 7 September 2017

Kia SA announces recall on 1 200+ new Rio models

Having just been launched in South Africa, the new-generation Kia Rio is the subject of a voluntary recall safety recall. The manufacturer estimates that 1 266 […]

By Damian Adams - 4 September 2017

DRIVEN: Kia Rio 1,4 TEC manual

The previous-generation Rio was one of Kia’s best-sellers and the new one has just launched in South Africa. The big question, then: does it have the talent to replicate its predecessor’s success?

By Terence Steenkamp - 12 June 2017

New Kia Rio hits SA: check out local pricing here…

Back in September 2016, Kia Motors revealed the fourth-generation Rio hatchback. And now – with more than 37 000 units of the third-gen Rio sold in South […]

By Ryan Bubear - 8 June 2017

Kia reveals the new, SA-bound Rio hatchback…

After releasing teaser sketches just one week back, Kia has officially revealed the new Rio hatchback, which will make its world debut at the Paris […]

By Ryan Bubear - 1 September 2016

New Kia Rio to make its debut at Paris Motor Show

Kia has released sketches of the new, fourth-generation Rio hatchback ahead of its official unveiling at the upcoming Paris Motor Show. The Korean automaker says […]

By Ryan Bubear - 24 August 2016

Kia Rio TEC 3-door added to local range

Kia has added a 3-door derivative to its local Rio range. Available in the full TEC specification, it offers the same equipment as that of […]

By Wilhelm Lutjeharms - 20 January 2016

Driven: Kia Rio 1,4 TEC

The Rio has been the best-selling model for Kia in recent times, with 471 000 units sold globally in 2014. In South Africa, it is no […]

By Nicol Louw - 6 February 2015

Comparative Test: Kia Rio 1,4 TEC vs. Peugeot 208 1,2 VTi Active vs. Renault Clio 66 kW Turbo Dynamique vs. Volkswagen Polo 1,2 TSI Comfortline

Volkswagen’s recently refreshed Polo faces some stylish and well-specced opposition in a potential curtain raiser to next year’s Top 12 Best Buys…

By CAR magazine - 23 November 2014

Buying advice: Top 12 Winner Light Sedan: Kia Rio

Whereas naming the Kia Rio four-door the winner of this category came as a result of protracted debate and victory by a narrow majority of […]

By CAR magazine - 5 April 2014

Kia Rio 4-door 1,4 Tec

The well-specified and competitively priced Kia Rio has a big following, and the four-door version is quite attractive to boot.

By CAR magazine - 20 March 2013

Sonic vs. Punto vs. Fiesta vs. Jazz vs. i20 vs. Rio vs. 208 vs. Yaris vs. Polo

A comparative test of 9 B-segment cars. Each of these hatches can be had for about R200 000 and less, but which one should you choose?

By CAR magazine - 21 January 2013

Kia Rio locally unveiled

Kia has launched its five-door hatchback Rio, a vehicle this Korean manufacturer believes will be one of its best-selling vehicles locally. Watch the video to see the wraps come off, while you can read a driving impression here from the international launch that CAR attended a couple of weeks ago.

By CAR magazine - 7 October 2011

New Kia Optima and Rio set for JIMS

Kia Motors SA will unveil two of its most eagerly anticipated new models, the Optima and the all-new Rio, at this year’s Johannesburg International Motor Show.

By CAR magazine - 26 September 2011

Buying used: Kia Rio (2005-2011)

An underrated car makes even more sense after some depreciation

By Peter Palm - 20 September 2011

Kia Rio detailed view

The 2011 Kia Rio, which goes on sale in South Africa shortly, represents a quantum leap over its predecessor. The attractive new light car, which was penned by Kia design chief Peter Schreyer, features a signifanctly improved interior and a host of “big car” specifications.

By CAR magazine - 1 September 2011

First drive: Kia Rio 5-dr

Although Kia has made major inroads in most market segments, few have regarded the Rio more than a value offering, never mind a VW Polo rival in South Africa. Well folks, it’s time for a rethink!

By CAR magazine - 30 August 2011