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Kia Rio vs rivals

The new Kia Rio is making a big noise in the supermini class. Can it outshine rivals from Vauxhall, Renault and Ford?

Kia Rio vs Vauxhall Corsa vs Renault Clio vs Ford Fiesta

Photos: Matt Vosper September 2011

Superminis are big business. Look through the sales charts, and the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Vauxhall Corsa outsell cars from virtually every other sector of the market.

These two household names exert a stranglehold over the entire class, but the new Kia Rio aims to break their dominance. The well equipped, efficient hatchback also comes with a brilliant seven-year warranty. Here we test the mid-range 1.4-litre 2 as it faces the biggest names in the sector.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Kia Rio

 

The Fiesta 1.4 Zetec sets the standard here. It can’t match the Kia’s spec, and costs slightly more, but it’s blessed with sharp styling and unbeatable dynamics.

Next up is the Renault Clio. Its 1.2-litre turbocharged engine mixes performance and economy, while Dynamique TomTom trim comes superbly appointed.

The other big hitter in the sector is the revised Corsa. It’s better equipped and more stylish than ever, and while the 1.2-litre Excite trails on power and price, it claims the strongest economy here.

Amid such company, simply avoiding the wooden spoon would be a good result for the Korean firm – but bosses have their eyes on the big prize...

For an alternative review of the latest Kia Rio visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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5 Comments

where is the vw polo...?

just that.

By giorikas81 on 6 September, 2011, 7:16pm

Where is the Fiat Punto??

Funny that.

By JTravolta77 on 7 September, 2011, 7:16am

Punto

Bottom of the driver power survey!

By armac31 on 7 September, 2011, 11:46pm

To armac31

Well, the driver power survey isn't always accurate and is a survey of a tiny percentage of owners nationwide, who let's face it, probably don't know how to maintain their cars! In my experience Puntos are very reliable, I had a T reg (1999) that lasted me 11years without any problems whatsoever, until I traded it in. Before that, I had a Uno A reg (1984) passed on from a family member, which gave us 15 years of trouble free service fom new! Just like to add one final thing, the Punto has much better design than all four of these cars! (designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro).

By JTravolta77 on 8 September, 2011, 7:04pm

You must be one of the lucky few ok small but not that small
Autoexpress quote...

More than 23,000 of you voted for your favourite new cars of 2011, making Driver Power the biggest survey of its type in the UK.

Punto better looking than a fiesta no way the punto looks ok but it's not as fresh and showing its old age.
The good looking Rio was designed by an Italian too Massimo Frascella and maches the fiesta for modern forward thinking design.

By armac31 on 8 September, 2011, 10:01pm

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Full Car Reviews

Ford Fiesta 1.4 Zetec front tracking

1st Ford Fiesta 1.4 Zetec

Does current class leader still offer enough to retain crown?
Kia Rio 1.4 2 front cornering

2nd Kia Rio 1.4 2

With its sharp looks and strong performance, latest Korean promises to shake up the market
Renault Clio 1.2 TCe Dynamique front cornering

3rd Renault Clio 1.2 TCe Dynamique

Established hatch favourite remains a tough car to beat
Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Excite A/C front cornering

4th Vauxhall Corsa 1.2 Excite A/C

Mild facelift is not enough to fend off younger rivals
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Facts and Figures

Verdict

It didn’t take us long to establish  that the Fiesta was in for a scrap. Before we’d even driven the Rio out of the office car park, we knew it posed a formidable threat to the Ford’s supermini superiority. Not only is the new Kia great to look at, it’s also good to drive. Add in dependability, low running costs and its seven-year warranty, and you have a very appealing package. In the end, the Fiesta does enough to retain its crown, but only just. We could understand anyone choosing the Kia, but we think the Ford has a slight edge due to its sharp looks and polished chassis. That leaves the talented Clio to take third spot. Its 1.2-litre turbocharged engine is the best powerplant in our line-up, but the car looks dated, the ride is too firm and you have to pay for the huge kit count. Fourth place goes to the Corsa, which feels like the oldest car, despite its recent makeover. Its gutless engine is off the pace and it is neither as fun nor as capable as the others. The lifetime warranty deal is its only stand-out feature.

1. Ford Fiesta
Although the Fiesta retains top spot, it emerges with a bloody nose. Sharp looks, low running costs, brilliant dynamics and a comfortable cabin bring it home.

2. Kia Rio
The best Kia so far runs the Fiesta closer than its rivals. It’s not as good to drive as the Ford, but get your skates on and you can save an extra £750 on the Rio.

3. Renault Clio
Turbo engine can still show competitors a thing or two, and the Renault comes with lots of equipment, too. Only the poor ride and dated looks let it down.

4. Vauxhall Corsa
The nation’s second-favourite supermini looks better than ever, but that’s not enough. The Corsa is slow, expensive and fails to live up to its economy claims.
 
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