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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