Impromptu Face-off: Kia Rio versus Toyota Vios

[niky]

Kia Rio Sedan versus Toyota Vios 1.5G

A small caveat: The Kia Rio Sedan is the cheapest model in the range... if you can call two models with the same engine but different trannies a model range... while the Toyota Vios 1.5G is the top-of-the-line Vios, but a new variant at even higher spec is soon to come.

Quick lowdown:

Exterior -

The basic shape of the Rio is much more modern and attractive, very European, actually... The Rio's really something to look at in traffic... Take away the Kia badge, and you could stick a Renault or Opel badge beside the Rio badge... no one would know the difference.

I like the Vios, but the Rio just looks so modern and functional compared to the Toyota... and the amount of glass it gives you, without the bubble-top penalty of the City, is wonderful. Rio wins.

Interior -

The Kia has much better headroom, and legroom is very good, but thigh support and elbow room is lacking. The design is modern, and the instruments are easier to read than in the Vios. There are cubbyholes for everything, from your cellphone to your license card, and the sound system and airconditioning are pretty good. (They got a work-out from the heat).

But in terms of materials, the Vios wins, hands down. While it feels slightly cramped and dark compared to the Rio, everything feels more solid, and there are less hard plastics. I love the 1.5G color scheme, and the airbag-equipped wheel is nicer to hold. The design is getting dated, though, and I still hate that digital instrument panel.

Vios wins by dint of material wealth... and because I love dark colors.

Drive -

The test Vios was an automatic, so the Kia Rio obviously felt much stronger. The Rio's engine sounds sporty, but sadly, revs slowly when free-revving. It must have a pretty heavy flywheel, for smoothness... that's the only excuse I can think of. Power is comparable to a 1.5, with a bit less top end, and the linear torque is good enough to allow you to pull from under 1000 rpm in second gear (yes, surprised me too). It's responsive in traffic, but you have to thrash it to go fast... One peeve is the reverse gear. Even when you're used to it, you can still mess it up when you need to back-up suddenly.

In fast driving, the Kia understeers like nobody's business, due to some really cheap tires. Body roll is well controlled and steering is light but responsive. This bodes well for the car's handling on better tires, but the rear end feels crude at the limit, too bouncy when you're sliding sideways. Still, it drives great in traffic and is very nimble, with good (non-ABS) brakes... and it's fun to toss around despite the tire handicap. Oh, and it's quiet and rides somewhat smoothly. (another big shock.)

The Vios, on the other hand, feels solid and handles well, with heavy steering (still not the most communicative I've tried). It understeers less than you'd expect and grips strongly, thanks to a set of 15 inch Potenza RE050 tires. Those tires are also more comfortable, strangely, than the Kia's balloonish 14 inchers and are quieter, too.

Vios wins, but not by much. I think the tires on this trim level are an unfair advantage.

Bottom Line -

No surprise, the Vios 1.5G is a much better car than the Kia Rio. But with the projected price for the Rio at 530,000 pesos, and around 700,000 for the 1.5G Vios, that's expected. What's unexpected is how good the Kia is for such little money... again, confirming my first impressions of the Rio... this baby is the perfect college kid's car, and anyone considering a 1.3 Vios or City must consider this car, too... as neither of the 1.3s have ABS anyway, and they're not quite as quick.

Like the Vios, the Rio gives you the same elemental appeal as the first generation City. A quick, nimble, economical and fun little car for the masses.

Well, maybe it's not an unexpected result... we know Kias are good now... and we've come to expect it on these drives. It bodes well for the company's future. If they could go from the horrid little thing that was the old Kia Rio to this in just a few years, imagine how good they'll be in the near future...