Kia Rio orders closed in Australia, more than 500 to be delivered

Order books for the Kia Rio have closed in Australia ahead of the final batch of approximately 500 pre-sold cars destined to arrive by the middle of this year.

As reported by Drive yesterday, Kia has confirmed the next-generation Kia Rio will not be built in right-hand drive – ruling it out for Australia, and with no direct successor on the horizon.

Kia Australia has advised dealers to stop accepting deposits for the Rio to ensure all existing orders can be filled before production ends.

Drive understands the final examples of the current Kia Rio for Australia are due to roll off the production line by the middle of this year, and Kia Australia has more than 500 backorders to clear.

MORE: Kia Rio dead in Australia when current model reaches end of line

Although there is no direct replacement for the Kia Rio in Australia, its SUV sibling – the Stonic – will remain on sale for the time being.

Kia Australia had already stopped taking orders for the top-of-the-range Rio GT-Line late last year due to a shortage of its 1.0-litre turbo engine and dual-clutch gearbox.

As previously reported by Drive, Kia has reported more than 162,000 Rios as sold in Australia since its launch in mid 2000.

Alongside the Stonic, Kia has advised the smaller Picanto hatch and larger Cerato hatch and sedan will live on, the former with a styling update this year, and the latter with a new model expected closer to 2025.