Kia Rio

The Kia Rio is a subcompact car made by the South Korean company Kia Motors and introduced in late 2000 (2001 model year). In the company's lineup, it replaced the Kia Pride, whose production ceased in 2000. Other cars occupying a similar market niche as the Rio include the Toyota Vitz (Toyota Yaris or Echo in some markets), Chevrolet Aveo, and the Hyundai Accent. To a lesser extent, the Rio also competes with compact cars such as the Honda Civic and Mazda3.

The first generation Rio was one of the most inexpensive new cars available in the United States and was available as a four-door sedan or station wagon. The wagon version was sold as the Rio Cinco (cinco: five in Spanish) in the USA, Rio RX-V in Canada, and Rio Look in Chile.

The Rio has had only one engine for each year; a 96 hp 1.5 L 4-cylinder from 2001 through 2002, then a 1.6 L 4-cylinder rated at 105 hp shared with the Hyundai Accent from 2003 through 2005. All years have offered a choice of a five-speed manual transmission or a four-speed automatic.

The first generation was replaced for 2006. Changes include cosmetic updates, more standard safety features, and replacement of the Rio Cinco with a 5-door hatchback, now called Rio5. New standard vanity features such as a leather-covered steering wheel suggest that Kia intends to move the Rio upmarket. A hybrid version is expected for the 2007 model year.