COMPARO
have the consistency and alacrity of the steering that is found on the Fiesta and Swift .
The Rio isn ’ t a bad car to drive , but in this company the driving experience it delivers is nowhere as good or as delectable as what is served up from the other two .
Practicality and value for money
For all its fun and character , the Swift stumbles as the first hurdle of practicality and value for money .
Our industry standard rugby playing writer , Mick found the rear quarters of the Swift to be a tight fit for his near-six feet tall frame , and boot
SpECifiCaTiOnS
Kia Rio 1.4EX
Engine 1,396cc 4-cylinder Gamma
Max power 107hp ( 80kw ) @ 6,300rpm
Max torque 137nm @ 4,200rpm
Transmission 4-speed automatic , front-wheel drive
Safety features six airbags , aBs , Vsm with esC , Led daytime running lights , isoFiX child seat mounting points
Price rm73,888 otr with insurance space is pathetic for a weekend away luggage , while another of our writers found the boot to be a tight squeeze for a medium sized luggage .
Though it is the most expensive car in this category the Swift doesn ’ t score that many points in terms of equipment count and refinement . For its price the only thing the Swift offers over its competitors here is the addition of front fog lights and keyless ignition .
Winding the Swift up to 80km / h feels fun and engaging , but pushing onwards from that point feels like you are wringing the engine for scraps of power it can ’ t cash at speed .
Furthermore there doesn ’ t seem to be much sound insulation in its wheel arches as there is a fair amount of tyre
THREE-CAR SHOOTOUT
roar seeping through .
The Rio fares better in terms of sound insulation , with wind noise cut to a bare minimum , while the tyre noise noticeable but sounds less intrusive .
When it comes to high speed refinement however , it is the cheapest car of the lot that excelled .
Not only is exterior noises muted in the Fiesta , but its fifth extra gear allow eased the loads on the engine on long distance cruising .
Unlike the Swift it isn ’ t for the driver alone to enjoy as there is enough space for rear seat passengers to get
comfortable and just enough boot space behind for a pair of luggage bags .
Though the basic model in the Fiesta range , the 1.4-litre LX variant already comes fitted with the most airbags here , seven .
But in terms of equipment and interior space , the Rio trumps its competitors by a wide margin .
Of the three it is the only one with cornering lights , LED daytime running lights , Bluetooth connectivity , and automatic headlights .
Pop round to the back seats and you would find plenty of legroom for lanky individuals , with enough space in the boot to swallow weekend away luggage for everyone on board .
Though in retrospect , it does help that the Rio is the longest in this company , nearly 20cm longer than the Swift and 10cm longer than the Fiesta .
Conclusion and verdict
For all its infectious charm , the Swift is a hard car to dismiss , but it doesn ’ t live up to expectations on a practical standpoint .
Yes , any driving enthusiast who hoons the car down any tight switchback roads , or throws it through a few corners , will find it hard to part ways with it , but a month ’ s grocery list would be able to flummox it .
However if you have to use one of these cars for interstate travel often , we cannot recommend the Swift as it is more of an urban-dwelling city car , one for individuals who enjoy a good laugh rather than doing serious things , like transporting people around .
It may be the oldest model here but the Fiesta still holds its own with its endearing ride and handling .
The Fiesta is equally as loveable when you want to go for a drive and if you really do like the engaging drive to be had from a proper stick shift , it is really the only choice for you in this company .
Its high levels of interior refinement and comfort also makes it an ideal long distance companion , and the breath of its dynamic abilities is peerless in its category .
Yet , all things considered we have to give the crown here to the Rio .
It ticks nearly all the right boxes , it looks plump like a bulldog from the front yet elegant like an evening dress from behind , even in basic spec it comes brimmed with features that you wouldn ’ t expect on such a price point , and there is plenty of space for a family and their belongings .
It might not excite or get you involved in the driving experience as its peers do , but its near European levels of refinement and features bundled together with a very Asian price tag makes it the irresistible pick here .
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