Kia Rio vs Mazda 6

We've brought together some very odd couples to demonstrate the differences in residuals – but this is the strangest. In 2005, Kia’s base Rio diesel cost £8,000 less than the flagship 2.0-litre petrol Mazda 6. Now, the latter is £500 cheaper.

That’s amazing considering the roomy and reliable 6 comes with traction, cruise and climate control, as well as a CD changer and leather. Then there’s the question of image. The 6 was a sea change after staid Mazdas of old, and the striking looks were backed up by assured handling. While the Rio isn’t a bad car, that badge isn’t as desirable.

The Kia scores with its 60.1mpg fuel economy; the Mazda returns 35.3mpg. Plus, its peak torque output is 235Nm to the 6’s 182Nm. But the Rio doesn’t qualify for £35 road tax – so the savings you’ll make by choosing the smaller car here aren’t as big as you might think.

Kia Rio 1.5 CRDi / Mazda 6 2.0
* Price from: £4,500 / £4,500
* Example we found: 1.5 GS / 2.0 TS2
* Year/Mileage: 55-reg, 40,000 miles / 05-reg, 59,000 miles
* Price now: £4,995 / £4,599
* Price new in 2005: £8,995 / £17,100
* Economy/CO2: 60.1mpg/121g/km / 35.3mpg/191g/km
* Tax now/Apr: 2009 £120/£90 / £210/£260
* (Maximum three years old, 60,000 miles)