Road Test: 2012 Kia Rio EX Sedan

Story and photos by John LeBlanc If you’ve jumped into the new-car market for the first time in a few years, you’ll have discovered that small cars aren’t that small anymore. And a good example of this paradigm shift in tiny wheels is the new-for-2012 Kia Rio sedan. Unlike its bottom-of-the-class forebearer, though, the second-generation […]

Top 10s: Future New Fuel Sippers

[svgallery name=”2012 Fuel Sippers”] By John LeBlanc It’s déjà vu all over again for new car buyers. Just like in 2008, when gasoline peaked at nearly $1.50 per litre, buying an inexpensive and fuel-efficient small car is starting to look like a smart idea. So while we’re witnessing a bunch of new, small cars being […]

The Crank: Are car enthusiasts ready for sportier Kias?

By John LeBlanc Fresh from its debut at this month’s Geneva show, Kia officials are already hinting that a hot hatch version of the Korean automaker’s new 2012 Rio subcompact, seen left, is being seriously considered.