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in the area of finish , though the materials used in the cabin feel as tough as nails .
There is nothing wrong with the Rio ’ s cabin , its driver centric design looks good , while its fitand-finish may not feel as topdrawer as the Swift ’ s , but its level of fit-and-finish is commendable . The only criticism we can level against its interior that the plastic bits and switches feel insubstantial .
Performance
and handling
If you ever need a refresher course on the charms of driving a hatchback , you only need to drive the Suzuki Swift for a few hundred meters , and if you aren ’ t
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charmed by its enthusiastic engine and absorbing chassis you may need to check your pulse as you might already be dead inside .
Among the three the Swift ’ s 1.4-litre engine stands out with a brimful of character , like it is impatient to get to the 4,000rpm mark where it can open its valves and kick you onward .
It may be the least powerful of the lot here , but you wouldn ’ t care when the engine gets into its stride with its sharp responses and accompanying growling sound track .
Pitch the Swift into the corner , keep the throttle open , and the front wheels hang on like a puppy to its master , clinging on
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gamely to the road .
If we are honest , the Swift is a junior league Renault Clio RS , that same level of enthusiasm by how the engine carries itself and how the front end just bites into the road , and also the sheer amount of fun it delivers .
The Fiesta is equally compelling in this area as well , and if anything its chassis setup is a more superior technical achievement than its Japanese peer .
Bumps , ruts , and lumps that would otherwise upset and interrupt the Swift ’ s composure and pace are smoothened by the Fiesta ’ s well-tuned absorbers .
Furthermore its suspension tuning cleverly avoids turning
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the Fiesta ’ s ride into a tossing jaunt worthy of the high seas , as it doesn ’ t lean excessively in the bends and maintains a level ride on poorly surfaced roads .
Not only does the Fiesta ’ s suspension setup keep your head level over any road conditions you care to point it at , but it also manages to keep all four wheels tied to the road like its riding on an imaginary rail drawn by the course of your steering inputs .
Yes , it is the only model here without a self-shifting transmission , limiting it to an enthusiast-only choice , but the gear changes are smooth , easy , and slick making it a breeze to operate through traffic .
However
if we are honest the Fiesta ’ s technical superiority does rob a certain element of roughand-tumble excitement that the Suzuki serves up so ably .
It isn ’ t helped by its engine , which needs to be worked to and it doesn ’ t sparkle with the same bright-eyed enthusiasm of the Swift .
So too does the Rio ’ s
SpECifiCaTiOnS Ford Fiesta 1.4LX
Engine 1,388cc 4-cylinder
Max power 95hp ( 71kw ) @ 6,000rpm
Max torque 128nm @ 4,050rpm
Transmission 5-speed manual , front-wheel drive
Safety features seven airbags , aBs with eBd and brake assist , isoFiX child seat mounting points
Price rm69,999 otr with insurance
engine fail to garner any praise , though it is the most powerful unit between the trio , it doesn ’ t rev with much enthusiasm or character .
Neither did any driver warm up to the Rio ’ s driving dynamics , whilst the Rio rolls with plenty of lean in the bends , its shock absorbers have an annoying habit of picking up any little nubs and pockmarks on the road and spoil an otherwise smooth ride .
Where the Fiesta would glide and the Swift would swoop on by without a batter of the driver ’ s eyelid , the Rio seems to be transmitting all the wrong sensations a driver would ask for . Furthermore the Rio doesn ’ t
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