Budget B-class sedans are widely popular among Russian motorists. According to the technical characteristics, power plant power and operating features, it is worth comparing the Volkswagen Polo and the Kia Rio. Thanks to the high-quality assembly, modern appearance and a huge selection of trim levels, both cars can often be found on the road.
Short description Volkswagen Polo
In Russia, the car was introduced in 2010 as a budget sedan with comfortable suspension, German design and a roomy trunk. “Polo" immediately liked motorists and received a lot of fans. Currently, it is actively bought as a time-tested strong and reliable car. Kaluga assembly includes an additional “winter package” and a battery with a large capacity. The Russian version is characterized by softer chassis settings and a powerful starter.
Short description Kia Rio
The Korean boasts many electronic options and a charismatic appearance. Engineers were able to fit in a small daring sedan a more powerful power plant, an extensive number of options and a roomy trunk. Kia is assembled on a conveyor in St. Petersburg, undergoes strict quality control and meets all modern safety requirements. In Russia, a sedan is loved for the stylish appearance of the exterior and interior, for its sophisticated handling and unpretentiousness.
Similarities and differences
“Kia Rio” and “Volkswagen Polo” sedan belong to the class of compact sedans of the budget segment. The overall dimensions are strikingly similar, but at the same time, the Polo preference was given to a slightly smaller trunk for the sake of passenger space, and in Rio, everything was exactly the opposite. At the first stages of sales, the “German” could boast of a 6-speed automatic, which allowed to significantly save fuel on the highway. Korean engineers quickly realized their miscalculation and replaced the 4-speed transmission with a 6-speed, which is paired with a 1.6-liter engine.
The main difference is the appearance of the sedans. “Polo” is restrained and does not stand out from the crowd, and “Rio” with sharp body lines, a large grille and bright colors is very noticeable in the city stream.
The cost of basic configurations is approximately at the same level, but in the top versions Kia is significantly more expensive, but also offers a larger number of options. The sales figures for the Korean sedan are almost twice as high as those of the “German”. This indicates a clear desire for drivers to use a modern and beautiful car with a significant number of convenient electronic assistants.
Chassis settings are very different. The Rio is equipped with a stiff short-stroke suspension with excellent handling and sharp brakes. Against this backdrop, the Polo looks like a more serious car with a softer chassis and moderate response to the steering wheel. Comparison of the Volkswagen Polo Sedan and Kia Rio is best done during a test drive on the highway and in urban environments.
Volkswagen Exterior
The sedan is made in classic notes and does not differ in sharp lines of the body. The hood has a slight slope towards the front, two stiffeners smoothly descend to the large headlights, which can be equipped with lenses with automatic adjustment of the height of the light. The grille complements the restrained look and is made of three horizontal chrome-plated knitting needles. In the center is a large chrome nameplate Volkswagen. The bumper is fully painted in body color, equipped with fog lights and decorated with a chrome saber at the bottom.
The sedan profile cannot be called recognizable. The smooth line of the roof flows into the windshield and rear window. Droplet mirrors are installed in the corners of the doors and are equipped with heating and electrical adjustment. Alloy wheels neatly fit into the arches and do not differ in unusual design - the classic 7 rays of silver color.
The feed is equipped with two oval shaped lights. Illumination is carried out using incandescent lamps without the use of LEDs. The bumper is fitted with German precision to the wings and stands dead in place.
Kia Exterior
The car is produced not only in the sedan. Car enthusiasts can also purchase a hatchback and wagon. It will be more honest to compare Volkswagen Polo and Kia Rio in only one body - a sedan.
The front optics Kia is made in a complex geometric shape and is equipped with lenses with adjustable light beam. The interior elements of the headlights are painted in matt black, which gives the appearance of the sedan even more aggressive. The radiator grill consists of small and large particles, which are painted in gloss black. The bumper of complex shape included not only fog lights, but also long running lights that automatically light up when the engine starts. The bumper skirt expands noticeably at the bottom and gives the overall look a sporty touch.
On the side, the sedan looks dynamic and modern. The broken line of the body starts from the front wing and continues to the rear lights. Door handles are chrome plated. The rear-view mirrors are equipped with automatic folding, heating and an electrical adjustment system from the passenger compartment. Wide arches span aluminum discs with an unusual design.
The taillights affect the side of the wing and the boot lid. The bumper consists of a painted upper part and a protective lining from below, made of black plastic. Two long reflectors are built into the bottom of the lining.
The results of the comparison of cars “Kia Rio” and “Volkswagen Polo” in appearance can drag most buyers to the side of the “Korean”, which has a daring and modern design.
Volkswagen interior
A comfortable driver's seat is characterized by adjustments in height and angle of inclination of the back. The three-spoke steering wheel is sheathed in leather, the multimedia system control keys are located on the left spoke.
The instrument panel is made in the classic arrow style, clearly in the center there is a modern display with information from the on-board computer. The backlight does not have automatic adjustment, and there are problems with reading in strong sunlight.
The center console is made in the style of Volkswagen: only strict lines and no riot of colors. Above are oval-shaped air ducts, under which a block with ESP system control keys, heated mirrors and a windshield, an alarm and heated seats are installed. The radio tape recorder cannot boast of a large and juicy display, but the quality of the keys and sound is, as always, on top. The climate control unit does not look modern: two knobs responsible for the temperature and fan speed, and a little lower - the blower mode selection keys. The gearshift lever does not differ in engineering innovations and is made in the classical style with a button on the left side.
There are no complaints about the back row seats; the comfortable shape of the back will not tire passengers even on a long trip. Of the options for passengers, only the glass opening buttons are available.
Kia Rio, Hyundai Solaris and Volkswagen Polo are very different in interior equipment. In Korean cars, you can choose more options.
The trunk has a volume of 450 liters and is not particularly distinguished by the presence of an automatic opening system or a subwoofer installed inside. Everything is done in a strict German style.
Kia interior
Salon "Kia Rio" boasts a large number of available options and interesting design solutions. The steering wheel is not only lined with leather, but also generously equipped with a huge number of keys. The driver and front passenger seats do not differ in pronounced lateral support, but are equipped with all the necessary adjustments for convenient placement in the cabin. The instrument panel is illuminated by modern white LEDs, a round display in the center indicates the temperature overboard, consumption per 100 km, and the remaining fuel in the tank.
A detailed comparison of the Volkswagen Polo and Kia Rio in terms of interior indicates a complete victory for the Korean car. The center console consists of many parts of various shapes, the engine start button is located next to the radio and is illuminated by red LEDs. The climate control system is made in a modern bright style with large knobs of temperature and power control settings. The gearbox selector is framed by a chrome frame with illuminated positions.
As a result of comparing the Volkswagen Polo and Kia Rio, the German wins in terms of rear passengers. Kia has a little less legroom in the cabin, engineers decided to give it to the trunk, which holds 500 liters.
Power plants
The German sedan offers a 1.6-liter engine that produces 110 horsepower. Kia responds with the same offer: a 1.6-liter engine with 123 available forces. The fuel consumption of both sedans is kept within 5.9-6.2 liters per hundred in the combined cycle. Top speed is limited to 193 km / h for the Rio and 191 km / h for the Polo.
For thrifty drivers, sedans are equipped with 1.4-liter engines. The German car produces 125 horses through a small turbine, and the Korean - 100. Consumption in the mixed mode for these engines does not exceed 5.6 liters.
The gearbox can be selected mechanical or automatic. The manual is equipped with 5 steps, and the “automatic” - 6. Polo with a turbocharged engine also offers a seven-speed DSG.
As a result of comparing the Volkswagen Polo and Kia Rio, the Korean sedan wins in power plants. The turbocharged option car owners bypass, and the engine power of 1.6 liters is not enough when overtaking on the highway.
dimensions
Volkswagen Polo has the following dimensions:
- length: 4390 mm;
- width: 1699 millimeters (with spread out mirrors);
- height: 1467 mm.
Ground clearance is 163 mm, which is very good for a city sedan.
Overall dimensions of "Kia Rio":
- length: 4400 mm;
- width: 1740 millimeters (with spread out mirrors);
- height: 1470 mm.
Ground clearance is 160 millimeters.
It’s very difficult to determine by dimensions what is better - Volkswagen Polo or Kia Rio. After all, indicators differ by only a few millimeters.
Kia Rio or Volkswagen Polo. Reviews, features of operation
Car owners are not used to talking badly about their cars, but note a stiffer suspension from Kia. Short-stroke shock absorbers break through on the track with large joints or irregularities. Also disadvantages include a hard start of the engine in winter.
In terms of service, the Korean sedan has no specific features. It is necessary to undergo timely maintenance and the car will not cause trouble.
Reviews of the Volkswagen Polo indicate that the car is well prepared for winter conditions. Sedan easily winds up in any frost and quickly warms up the interior. The chassis does not cause problems and comfortably passes through bumps and holes even at high speeds.
The cost of the basic complete sets of Volkswagen Polo or Kia Rio starts at 600,000 rubles and is limited to 1,000,000 rubles, depending on the options selected.
findings
Korean and German engineers created comfortable and unpretentious B-class sedans. The Russian assembly did not affect the quality of the product in any way, the gaps do not float, the quality of the paint is at a height.
There is no single answer to the question “Which is better - Kia Rio or Volkswagen Polo?” In some respects, a German sedan is better, in others - Korean. Before buying, you should definitely conduct a test drive and choose the car that you liked more.