Impromptu Face-off: Kia Rio versus Toyota Vios

[KoKoNAT]

exactly!

if the Rio can spank newer Yaris (possibly the Vios replacement here), what more is the Vios?

the Rio can make almost any entry level subcompact look so expensive.

I seriously doubt that statement (see above post why).

In our case, the price difference between a 5-door hatchback Kia Rio (AU$15,990) and a 5-door hatch Toyota Yaris (AU$17,990) is AU$2,000. Too much you might think. Well, think about this, ABS is an AU$850 option in the Rio while it is standard in the Yaris. Add to that, the reliability, better build quality and better resale value (and better looking too, IMO), I'd say I'd gotten the Yaris cheap.

And before you say that I am biaised because I bought a Yaris, think about this: With the exception of the Proton Savvy, all cars were available in the Australian market when we were looking for a car (Oct 2005). We evaluated and tested some of them during that time. Guess which one we bought even if we have to wait more than one month for it to be delivered?

[niky]

The difference is that in the Philippines, we don't get the Yaris model, and I assure you, the Vios is cramped.

Another issue is that cars in that price range, aside from the now-released Aveo (which is at the high end of the range) don't really carry much in terms of safety equipment, either.

You make a good point about Car and Driver. They do have some issues with testing methodology and calculations of scores... even they themselves are sometimes surprised by their own test winners... but it's still saying something that a similarly equipped Rio can actually be compared to the older Toyota platform on a level playing field... and let's not forget the projected low-cost-of-ownership.

But, like I've said... the Toyota Vios 1.5G sold here, with all the safety equipment and amenities, is a vastly better car (except in terms of space), but at a much higher price. I wish Toyota et al would consider offering ABS and SRS as options on the lower end models, instead of reserving them as "luxury" items on their top-of-the-line cars... the Philippine market deserves better.

[KoKoNAT]

I wish Toyota et al would consider offering ABS and SRS as options on the lower end models, instead of reserving them as "luxury" items on their top-of-the-line cars... the Philippine market deserves better.

Hear! Hear!

Though I'd change it so that ALL carmakers should make ABS and dual airbags as standard equipment. The WORLD deserves better.

[niky]

Kinda hard for such a poor market as the Philippines... but that would be nice.

[paulp]

see Top Gear's review of the kia rio along with the other Korean made sub compacts:
http://www.techeblog.com/index.php/t...-car-challenge
Harsh words but of course they are totally different market than the Philippines.

[orly_andico]

the rio he reviews there is the generation prior to the one being compared in this thread, which is smaller and supposedly far less refined.

but then again, this is the guy who pronounces only the BMW M5 "perfect."

[OTEP]

Why didn't they use the Rio sedan in the test instead?"

Because the mechanically identical Accent was a sedan already in that test AFAIR.

[louwee]

vios pa rin...

[2slow]

Same here. hands down Vios peace!!

[orly_andico]

Resurrecting this thread..

Since the Rio5 seems to be nowhere in sight, and the Rio sedan is now 565k..

Toyota has some pretty aggressive discounts going on right now, they'll give you up to 30k off the Vios. Since a Vios E is 615k, less 30k means it now goes for 585k, or (gasp!) only 20k more than the Rio. And I believe the newest Vios E has a driver airbag (but no power mirrors).

Niky, which one would you choose?