Choosing a car in the budget class often comes down to a few Korean offers. Today, the most striking and fairly affordable options on the market are Kia Reel and Hyundai Solaris. This year, both cars have undergone certain changes, which became the basis of their attractiveness. Despite noticeable updates, the cars remained in their pleasant price class and did not chase the prices of competitors.
It will be quite difficult to determine which is better - Kia Rio or Hyundai Solaris. Each car has its own specific advantages, but also with a detailed study, you can find cons. We are talking about cars in the budget class, you should not expect perfect work from them in all aspects.
Kia Rio - more of Korea and more noticeable design refinements
It is traditionally believed that KIA cars have much less localized parts production than Hyundai. In fact, today both competitors in this class of budget sedan are produced at the same plant in St. Petersburg and have the same assembly line equipment. Units are delivered assembled from Korea.
The Russian assembly has long ceased to scare buyers. It turned out to be quite presentable and reliable, because the production has Korean equipment with significant automation of the car manufacturing process. Certain distinctive advantages of the Kia Rio should be highlighted:
- unusual appearance, attractive characteristics of the exterior and interior;
- significantly higher quality plastics in the interior of the car;
- good engines that have been updated since June 1, 2014;
- technologically advanced and not too difficult to repair gearboxes;
- comfortable suspension for not too high-quality roads with full adaptation to the conditions.
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One of the important advantages of the Kia Rio, like any other model in the company's offer, was the adaptation to almost every country in which sales are taking place. This guarantees certain benefits for the buyer. The units will have a large resource, and maintenance will not bring significant financial costs.
But the Kia Rio also has certain disadvantages. A car with a Chinese registration - KIA K2 - was taken as the basis for all CIS countries. In this car, not much attention was paid to quality, because the owners of the Kia Rio constantly complain about the work of the wiring, the inadequate behavior of the air conditioner, and so on.
Hyundai Solaris - isolated Russian version of the bestseller Accent
In 2011, a Korean budget sedan appeared on the Russian market with a new name - Hyundai Solaris. In most other countries where this car is sold, it bears the former name of the line - Accent. But the Russian version differs not only in the name. There are certain alterations in terms of the chassis, other engine characteristics, adaptation to extreme operating conditions. And all these features can be recorded in the asset of the model.
Among the main advantages, one can single out an authentic, but rather simple design, which is what you would expect from a budget model. Also among the advantages of the car are the following characteristics:
- excellent layout of the internal space, despite the middle class of plastic;
- high ergonomics and ride comfort on any road;
- excellent reliability of suspension elements, engines and gearboxes;
- good fuel consumption and low maintenance.
All these features make it possible to see the superiority of the Hyundai Solaris over its brother in the country of origin of the Kia Rio. Many reviews of Hyundai also talk about the significant advantages of the car in other areas. For example, during the warranty period, only some car owners apply for a free replacement of parts or assemblies. This indicates high quality and a fairly good build.
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It was possible to talk about the disadvantages of the Hyundai Solaris until 2014. Updating the model this season has made the car even more reliable. Korean engineers are distinguished by the fact that they work on customer reviews, eliminating real problems and childhood diseases of the car. Therefore, with each update, we get more capable equipment.
Cost and technological features of Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris
To determine which car is better to buy, you should study the equipment, prices and other features that are important for every new car buyer in our time. Considering the fact that Hyundai and KIA are incredibly close in the competitive row, their study should be thorough.
Hyundai Solaris sedan in the basic configuration will cost the buyer 473,900 rubles. For this money, the buyer will receive a 1.4-liter naturally aspirated gasoline engine, a manual transmission, as well as the following equipment features:
- basic set of airbags, ABS with simple characteristics;
- a good set of settings for the driver's seat and steering column;
- light tinted interior windows;
- power steering and front power windows;
- ground clearance of 160 mm - increased especially for Solaris models.
You can’t call a rich package, but the money for it is not so big. KIA Rio in the basic configuration will cost the buyer 495 thousand rubles. This is 21 thousand more than the competitor. The asset of the model is the same 1.4-liter engine with a 5-speed manual gearbox. It is impossible to name at least one function of the Kia Rio, which a competitor would not have. The base versions are identical. Because you pay 21 thousand just for buying a Kia, not a Hyundai.
Summing up
Paying money just for a name is not a very interesting thing to do in today's competitive car market. That is why the purchase of Kia Rio may not be as profitable as the acquisition of the closest competitor and compatriot - Hyundai Solaris. When choosing between these two proposals, the majority prefers the latter option.
Nevertheless, many are willing to overpay this amount in order to get a car with the appearance they like. Therefore, the Kia Rio is also a budget sedan to be purchased with fairly good market prospects. If among our readers there are owners of Kia Rio and Hyundai Solaris, we will be glad to hear feedback about these cars in the comments.
It is difficult to find two so similar and at the same time different cars. Kia Rio or Hyundai Solaris? Today they will be the subject of our topic. What's better? Which of them should be preferred? Which of these cars will win the comparison?
We have already reviewed the previous generation cars produced from 2011 to 2016. To be more precise, in the past comparing Hyundai Solaris and KIA Rio 2015-2016 cars participated.
Quite a lot of time has already passed. Both cars received significant improvements both in terms of design and technical aspects. We are pleased to present absolutely new, but not ceasing to compete with each other, models of 2017 release.
These are irreconcilable competitors, striving to take first place in their niche. And if one gets the right of superiority in the field of sales, then the other begins to step on his opponent's heels in an attempt to force him out of the market. At a certain point in time, each of them broke into the lead.
Both cars have gained their fans. The main advantage of the models of previous generations was the optimal ratio of price and quality. Will the new versions ruin the reputation that has been built around them? Let's compare cars and find out which is better.
Appearance
Traditionally, you need to start with the appearance. No matter how economical and reliable the car is, before buying, we first of all look at the exterior. And in this regard, both cars did not disappoint their potential buyers. Each model has completely updated its appearance, but, at the same time, left the features of the previous generation, reminding us that we still have Rio and Solaris in front of us.
Both Koreans received new head optics. Updated both style and functionality. The headlights are extended and go to the side fenders, tapering towards the end. This gives the design a unique and elegant style. The Kia radiator grill has become much narrower, which gave the car an aggressive look. The new bumper has a wide diffuser and stylish fog lights. The past generation was scolded for its excessive "angularity". The car was a little chopped off, especially at the rear. The design of the new model has not become more round and smooth. Kia Rio 2017 is an aggressive sedan with an application for a sporty driving style. However, the appearance is so balanced that no one dares to accuse the new Rio of excessive harshness or “chopping”.
Looking at the photo of the new Solaris, you understand that the opponent has also undergone cardinal changes. If Kia was criticized for being angular, then Solaris was too round. The lines were so soft that it seemed as if the car was more suitable for girls than boys. But the current generation has rid itself of that stigma. The model received more sharp corners and sharp lines. The front flaunts a hexagonal grille, which to a greater extent creates the impression of a car. The bumper contains sharp lines framing the air intake and fog lights.
As for the headlights, the detail has not undergone grandiose changes. However, the engineers changed one element that significantly influenced the appearance of the car. The upper edge of the headlights received an inward curve, while the headlight of the previous generation was more rounded. This gave a certain amount of aggression to the new look. At first glance, a trifle! But from such strokes the image is formed.
Cars have become wider and longer. The dimensions of both models are similar: the length is 4400 for Rio - against 4405 for Solaris, the width is 1740 and 1729, respectively, and the height is 1470. Moreover, Kia has not changed in height, and Hyundai has decreased by (whole) 1 mm. The increase in size should affect the capacity, safety and comfort of passengers. Let's see if our hopes were justified and where there is more space.
Salon and trunk
The interior of both models is quite harmonious. It looks much more expensive!
The layout of the front panel in Rio has not changed much. Only the design has changed. First of all, a stylish steering wheel with silver inserts at the bottom catches the eye. This element gives the car a sporty style. It is noteworthy that this steering wheel vaguely resembles the steering wheel of the previous generation Hyundai.
In both models, the interior is finished with plastic that is pleasant to the touch. Ergonomics at the proper level - the driver quickly remembers the location of the controls and easily reaches them. Owners of new units will also be pleased with the sound insulation.
Evaluating the interior is a thankless task, because it is a matter of taste. However, comparing the design, the feeling that the Kia inside looks more modern and more expensive than the opponent does not leave. The silvery plastic inserts that frame the main display inside the Solaris look provincial compared to the competitor.
The trunk of the models is also the same - 480 liters. However, in the photo and video, you can see that Hyundai has slightly cut off the edges of the trunk, so loading will be less comfortable than in Kia.
Moreover, Solaris has niches that block access to the headlights from the inside. They are provided for convenient replacement of lamps, but they interfere with the placement of luggage a little. Perhaps with the release of Hyundai Accent in the back of a hatchback, the situation will change.
Interestingly, the new Kia does not have a handle that opens the trunk. The lock opens with a key fob. In the latest trim levels, there is an option that allows the trunk lid to open automatically if the keys are next to it for 3 seconds. Quite convenient when you carry heavy packages in your hands, and getting the key out of your pocket is uncomfortable.
As mentioned above, the dimensions of cars have increased, and this should affect the comfort of passengers. There really is more space. However, the Kia Rio is more comfortable to sit in. The dimensions of the models are about the same, but the space for passengers is different. On the second row, the Kia is more comfortable. The difference is visible, first of all, in width and height - the low ceiling of Solaris rests on the head.
If in the external design both cars were on an equal footing, then when comparing the interior, the Kia turned out to be better. The interior design is more balanced and modern, the trunk is more comfortable, and there is a little more space in the back seat. Slightly, but Rio takes the lead.
Specifications
At this point in the comparison, both competitors are very similar. Both models are equipped with 1.4 and 1.6 liter engines. The only difference is that the power of the first unit in Solaris is 99 hp, while in Rio it is all 100. Engines with a volume of 1.6 liters develop 123 hp. Even the torque is the same - 132 Nm at 4000 rpm at 1.4 and 151 Nm at 4850 rpm at 1.6.
Both cars are front-wheel drive, have 2 types of gearboxes: "mechanics" and "automatic", both 6-speed. And if you arrange a test drive, you will not understand which car is faster. Even the dynamic characteristics of both cars are completely identical. Looking at the numbers, it seems that these are two twins dressed in different armor.
Controllability
Hyundai and Kia have the same ground clearance: 160mm. Initially, both cars positioned themselves as cars for different situations. On it you can ride around the city, go to the forest, drive along a country road and even overcome eroded ground. Let's see if the clearance and driving characteristics will help confirm the advertisers' claim.
During the off-road test, you can see that both cars are very similar. They have soft suspension, responsive steering and precise brakes. The design of the chassis has undergone minor changes. Differences in the rear suspension are reduced to a change in the angle of inclination of the shock absorber struts. By the way, this helped to solve the common "disease" of the previous generation Accent - the problem of roll when cornering.
Kia and Hyundai confidently overcome bumps on a washed-out country road. This is undoubtedly a big step forward compared to the previous generation. Therefore, customer expectations regarding driving performance will not be deceived.
Both cars have electric power steering, which is also an upgrade. It helps to accurately and easily control the car in high-speed sections. Slippery roads are also not terrible for both competitors. The exchange rate stabilization system and traction control work at the highest level. However, Solaris quickly goes into a skid. Perhaps this is due to the heavier weight. In this regard, Rio proved to be more reliable - even on a wet track, with sharp maneuvers, the car keeps like glued. Although for thrill-seekers this may be a minus.
Options and cost
This is the most difficult part of the review because the cars are incredibly similar. The general set of options is almost identical: electric power, heated rear seats, rear view camera, LED headlights, 16-inch wheels, etc. The list is endless. Significant differences lie in the arrangement of options between trim levels. For example, side airbags in Solaris are available only for owners of the maximum configuration, which costs more than 1 million, and Rio with these options can be bought for 860 thousand rubles. And a similar story happens with many features: heated washer nozzles, climate control, fog lights, etc. Of course, some options are cheaper in Hyundai, but on the general background, Kia wins a clear victory.
If we compare the total cost, then the price of the initial configuration for Solaris is lower - 625 thousand versus 670 thousand for Rio. But it will not have electric heating for rear-view mirrors and even air conditioning, while in the basic version of Kia these options are present.
But with the maximum configuration, the situation is reversed - a fully packed Rio costs less - 990 thousand rubles. against 1,035 thousand for Solaris. Therefore, when deciding what to take, you should look at the number of options and how much each package costs. Only a detailed consideration of each version will help to benefit, albeit insignificant.
Returning to our review, a comparative analysis of the models again determined a draw. The initial version of Hyundai is cheaper, but then a competitor takes over the initiative. In addition, Kia offers more options for a lower price.
Videos test drive
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Practice:
Automatic or mechanic?
Summarizing
If you were expecting this review to clearly show what to choose, this is not the case. Both models are too similar, so it is impossible to determine the winner of a particular car. By comparison, the Rio had small advantages over the competition in terms of trunk convenience, option cost, or rear seat space, but those wins are by a very small margin.
If we talk about what is better in quality, the models are also of the same type. Cars are assembled at factories near St. Petersburg. Judging by previous generations, the cars proved to be reliable and inexpensive to maintain. All spare parts for Korean cars are available in a large assortment.
And although it is difficult to understand how the Kia Rio 2017 differs from the Hyundai Solaris 2017, you can compare these cars with the previous generation. Compared to the machines of the past five years, manufacturers have made a huge breakthrough. Mistakes of previous models have been corrected, the suspension has been improved and the design has been completely redesigned. The competition between the two favorites of the public has reached a new level and the cars will never be the same again. And on what to stop your choice, decide for yourself!
Cars from South Korea are a fairly common occurrence on the roads of Russia and the CIS countries. This is due to the fact that the level of production has really grown at the factories in this country. Cars roll off the assembly line, getting better and better. At the same time, they make up quite a lot of competition for markets from other countries. Modern design, high-quality driving characteristics, solid salons, cheap repairs and low-cost maintenance. All this can be seen in cars such as the Hyundai Solaris and the Kia Sid.
So which is better? You can compare these two cars, but to single out something of your own is already a personal matter for everyone. However, a car that allows you to get driving comfort, and at the same time is quite economical - is the dream of almost every person. For city driving and a rare trip out of town - the best option.
If a person nevertheless decides that he will acquire a Korean car, and based on several factors that are inherent in them, then he begins to choose. And this choice is quite difficult, as the competition is high. Most often, Kia Sid and Hyundai Solaris are compared. Buying blindly is a bad choice, it is better to learn about the merits of both cars, and only then make a deal. Of course, the design and some official data cannot reflect the full picture of these cars.
Description of Kia Seed
To compare cars and understand which is better, you need to learn more about them. Kia Sid has been on the market for quite a long time, if we compare fresh cars, since 2006. However, it sells much more confidently than Rio, although it was the leader in sales in some time periods. After 6 years of sales, the second generation of the Korean car has appeared. They differ in design and some functionality. The main advantages of such a vehicle are reliability and comfort.
Description Hyundai Solaris
If Solaris is also briefly described, then we can say the following. It is produced in the same Korea, but at a slightly different enterprise. It was released in 2011, in order to replace the old models of the same Hyundai. If you compare them with each other, then Solaris is much more interesting than the same Accent. In addition to excellent design, there is also a bonus that pleases all residents of Russia - windshield heating. In winter, an irreplaceable thing. Sales went so fast that this brand began to be sold more often than others and the car received the well-deserved title of "Car of the Year 2014".
Not only are they similar due to production in one country, but they also have many differences. Such a paradox is not uncommon, but still choosing who is better is a difficult task. To begin with, it is worth understanding that these machines differ greatly from each other in configurations and prices.
If we talk about this in more detail, then the simplest, as they say, “raw”, equipment for Kia Sid will cost an ordinary motorist 730 thousand rubles. The amount for the car is not small. But it already includes side and frontal airbags, ABS, ESS, Immobilizer. In addition, the seats fold down in it, the steering wheel is adjustable, and the ground clearance is quite high. All this comes with a built-in on-board computer and radio. The latter, by the way, is equipped with 6 speakers at once. Mirrors are adjusted using buttons, just like the windows themselves.
Probably not a single motorist can say that this is not enough for the basic configuration. However, the whole variety is still not enough, and in addition to the standard, 6 more variants of this car were released. If we talk about the engine, then the "cheapest" equipment has a 1.4-liter engine with 100 horsepower. But the “GT” equipment already runs on a 1.6 liter engine and with 204 horsepower.
But it costs about 1 million 200 thousand.
Hyundai Solaris is quite modest in its standard configuration, but it costs 110 thousand less than the Kia Sid. For better or worse, it's hard to say. Many do not need what one Korean company offers, and something else may be missing in the cars of another.
But what is included in the basic package of Solaris? Only two airbags, adjustable steering wheel and seats. But, having paid only 65,000 rubles, the car is equipped with heated seats and mirrors. Air conditioning is also added.
The most "fast" equipment has only a 1.6-liter engine, but at the same time, only 123 horsepower, which is noticeably different from the closest competitor. In fairness, it should be noted that even here Solaris comes out cheaper, because the maximum configuration will cost only 820 thousand, which is 100 thousand more expensive than the “base” Kia Rio.
A small overview of the configurations allows you to immediately see what a range of prices these two cars have. However, it is worth noting that the more equipped Kia Rio looks much better for its configuration and has those features that are not in Solaris even after purchasing additional packages. But the question is, do consumers need them if they can save a lot?
Specifications
Talking in numbers is boring and incomprehensible. In order for all dimensions and capacity to be better reflected in the minds of motorists, facts are needed. So, for example, Kia Sid has a length that exceeds the length of the Hyundai Solaris. But at the same time, the volume of the trunk is much less, by as much as 90 liters. This is a fairly noticeable difference, but not critical. Also stands out is the fact that the Hyundai is wide. On its rear seats, you can easily put three people, Kia Sid has problems with this.
Running system
The basic equipment of the Kia Sid can quickly accelerate to 100 km / h. The manufacturer claims that for this he needs only 12.7 seconds. But at the same time, the consumption is quite large, about 8 liters per 100 kilometers, sometimes the mark can reach 10 liters. At the same time, the owners note that this Korean is very bad at keeping low turnover, so the driver constantly has to use his balancing skills between high speed and fuel consumption.
Sid, when compared with the Hyundai Solaris, has a rather poor suspension. The rear beam creates a feeling of rigidity. The car itself jumps even on the slightest bumps, which is very bad for comfort. The creators have corrected this shortcoming, but still not completely. The suspension became volatile, but the control became "tight".
Hyundai Solaris accelerates pretty well when compared with the pursuer, even the basic equipment accelerates to 100 km / h faster, in just 11.5 seconds. But fuel consumption is practically the same.
Also, experts note that the Hyundai Solaris has a very good gearbox, and the suspension is well tuned and works so that small tubercles and pits are not felt. In terms of comfort, maybe they are similar, but if we compare cars in dynamics, then Solaris wins and does it by a wide margin. But on smooth pavement you can’t feel it.
Of course, many people are primarily concerned with design. After all, they are not going to arrange races, and there is no need to stand in traffic jams with 200 “horses”. This is correct and even justified by modern conditions of life. If you start with the Kia Sid, then the beveled lines that go straight into the rear pillars give the car a certain confidence and dynamics. But the radiator grille and headlights have a very unusual look, which seems, rather, on the machines of the future.
The appearance of Solaris is practically not inferior in its confidence and dynamics. In the city, it stands out noticeably among the gray mass of cars. However, some experts argue that it looks like an ordinary budget vehicle. Here, as they say, a matter of taste.
Based on everything that has been said, one simple conclusion can be drawn - Solaris wins against those motorists who need something simple. But at the same time, the exactingness of the car does not decrease and Hyundai adequately holds the bar, because Solaris, thanks to successful technologies, will last a person longer, and even save money during the purchase and subsequent maintenance.
Kia Sid, in turn, has more prestigious equipment, which is displayed even on the basic configuration, which is equipped with additional features that are not even on some levels of other cars. But the suspension does not work well on dirt roads. Although, the driver probably will not have to ride them very often.
What is better? If you compare cars after reading the article, then one thing can be said - better is what the soul lies in. There is nothing that puts an end to this or that car. So the choice is a matter of taste. But after all, getting useful information will never be superfluous.
Watch an interesting video on this topic
KIA and Hyundai are two divisions of the same auto concern. Avid competitors are only for the public. The developers of both cars are working in the same direction, for the benefit of one manufacturer.
Created by almost the same people. Assembly factory lines are equipped with the same equipment. Car parts are shipped assembled from Korea. However, disputes among motorists do not subside. The imagination of those who are not indifferent draws pictures of the similarities and differences between both cars. There are few differences, if we consider only external characteristics.
If someone watched both cars side by side, then they probably found minor differences in appearance, or rather, in front of it. Full face KIA has a wider grille, and Solaris more slanted headlights. The side part of KIA and Hyundai is almost identical. The side face runs in relief, starting from the front bumper, ending with the wheel arches.
The technical characteristics of the basic version of both cars also have much in common: the same chassis, identical units. Kio and Hyundai go on sale with the same engines, 107 and 123 hp. Buyers of both KIA and Hyundai are offered a choice of either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
(in brackets different data for KIA Ria)
Hyundai Solaris car (Kio Ria car)
- considered body type - sedan;
- number of seats - five;
- trunk volume in liters - 465 (500);
- curb weight in kg. - 1135 (1140);
- weight, kg - 1565;
- the type of engine in question is gasoline;
- located in front, transversely;
- number of cylinders - four, arranged in a row; - volume in cm. - 1591
- cylinder size in mm. - 77.0, piston stroke, mm / 85.4;
- compression ratio 10.5:1;
- number of valves - 16;
- maximum power in hp / kW / rpm - 123/90/6300;
- maximum torque number, Nm / rpm - 155/4200;
- suspension independent, spring, McPherson;
- the rear suspension is semi-dependent, also spring;
- brake pads in front disc, ventilated;
- rear brake pads are also disc;
- wheels - 195/55 R16;
- acceleration speed, km / h - 180; 0-100 km / h, from 11.2;
- gasoline consumption, l per 100 km - urban mode 8.6, suburban mode 5.2;
- fuel tank size in liters - 43;
- fuel - AI-92-95
So, why is the layman looking for an answer to the question: “Which is better, KIA or Hyundai?”. To begin with, let's look at the cost of a car, starting with the basic version. Judging by the offers of dealerships, a 1.4 manual transmission is offered for 493.9 tr. the same version of a car with automatic transmission - 529.9 tr. Hyundai sedan with manual transmission from 519.9 tr. KIA Rio for a consumer seeking to save money looks more attractive. In addition, the Hyundai of the latest configuration further increased the lead over the 2015 KIA. So, KIA is cheaper. So why do ordinary people refer to this car as more prestigious?
If there are almost no differences in the external appearance, then there are more than enough of them in the interior decoration. Hyundai has low-cost plastics, the quality of the interior in the basic configuration hints at the youth-oriented European style. Particularly attractive is the bright multimedia system of Solaris, which contains all the useful information.
Rio with its outward provocative component with more expensive interior trim, alloy wheels and climate control, of course, looks more presentable. Yes, and there are more amenities in the Rio cabin, at least for the driver: power window controls,. Thus, Rio is still outperforming Hyundai in terms of interior comfort.
At KIA dealerships, you will be offered fixed configurations. At Hyundai dealerships, these are package sets. Although, the configurations and prices of the Korean-St. Petersburg twins are marketing ploys.
If the purchased car is new, maintenance from KIA and Solaris is most likely under warranty. Dealers offer 150,000 km for KIA, 120,000 km for Hyundai. After - independent passage of MOT. Here are the pluses in favor of Solaris.
We present prices for spare parts from official dealers in Moscow, rub.
Hyundai Solaris-Kia Rio
filters
- oil 260 230;
- fuel 540 500;
- air 680 630;
- saloon 950 1230;
spark plugs
- spark plugs 410 370;
brakes
- front disc 5520 4300;
- rear disc 5020 2520 ;
damper spring
- front 4400 6350;
- rear 5500 5100;
Clutch:
- clutch 4570 4700;
Lanterns
- front 10500 10030;
- rear 5830 10440;
Windshield
- windscreen 16240 17050
Maintenance Hyundai Solaris will cost an order of magnitude cheaper. Another important point when purchasing a car is the cost of insurance.
Solaris wins here too, the amount of insurance costs looks much less. Although this factor depends not so much on the car as on the owner's region of residence.
So, for now, our comparative analysis is a draw. Now it's time to consider the pros and cons. For those who want to buy a car, the cost is probably the most compelling argument. For those to whom this is not so important, we can advise you to drive cars in turn.
It can be either a test drive in the cabin or a rented car. Try to drive around the city in heavy traffic, then compare your impressions. Feelings will tell you which of the two Korean cars to choose, better than anyone else's advice and recommendations.
According to experienced owners, KiO is valued for more understandable handling, for more visual instrumentation of the panel, for a more comfortable trunk. However, if we talk about specifics, then the choice of car is a matter of taste for every motorist. Do you like the strict design, or ornate, red or blue instrumentation?
Both cars have both positive and negative reviews. Important advantages of both cars are the complete adaptation of the Russian assembly to the Russian operating conditions. This is such a kind of benefit for the buyer of these foreign cars.
Perhaps, every second owner of a Kia Rio car, after buying it, secretly thought from everyone: did he make a mistake? After all, you could take Hyundai Solaris. Although, if we consider them the same, then you can take the one that is cheaper. Or choose by appearance? And if they are still different, then which car is better? In general, such questions arise in the minds of not only the owners of these models, but also ordinary car enthusiasts.
Even though the vast majority of people casually refer to these cars as "Korean twins", there are many differences.
As shown last year, in the domestic market, this car is not the most popular among consumers. Nevertheless, this model is known and consistently bought. 2018 is marked by the release of a new generation, which has received many updates and improvements. Motorists are offered three different engines. Two petrol volumes of 1.25 and 1.4 liters and one diesel 1.1 liters. The latter variety is not very common in the vastness of the boundless homeland, but if you try, you can find it.
In addition, the consumption in a mixed style is only 3.6 liters per 100 km. Also happy owners can choose between 6-speed automatic and manual transmissions.
As for the kits, there is also something to see here. The basic package includes the following options:
- Assistant when driving uphill.
- Electronic motion stabilization.
- Heated multimedia steering wheel
- Heated driver's seat along with passenger front seats.
All configurations, except for the top one, are equipped with a conventional radio. In the maximum version, you can enjoy a full touch-screen 5-inch multimedia system. In addition, cruise control, rain sensor, keyless start and rear parking sensors are provided in the same model.
The safety of the Kia Rio model leaves much to be desired. According to the tests that Euro NCAP worked on, the car received only three stars out of five possible. In addition, pedestrian safety also cannot boast of maximum performance.
Countryman Kia Rio also boasts a versatility of forms, options and various indicators. The model is also presented in two bodies, both hatchback and sedan. Many experts note the matured look of the new model compared to previous generations. Korean designers also did a good job on the interior.
Bright and solid details, clear lines, ergonomics. So you can describe the salon in a few words. Despite the use of inexpensive materials, all parts and details are made with high quality and intelligently.
Unlike its neighbor, Solaris is equipped with only two gasoline engines. The volume is 1.4 and 1.6 liters, and consumes 5.7 and 6 liters of fuel in mixed mode, respectively. On a par with the competitor, Hyundai was also awarded with two 6-speed gearboxes, manual and automatic.
Like Kia Rio, Hyundai Solaris is available in four trim levels. The base one, also known as Active, will allow the owner to get two airbags, an electric power steering, a start assistant and a sound system equipped with four speakers. Unfortunately, the presence of air conditioning is provided only in Active Plus. But that's not all. "Heated" front seats, multimedia steering wheel, as well as fabric chairs. Here's what the happy owner of the second-largest Solaris gets.
The maximum version boasts climate control, a heated steering wheel, parking sensors, and a navigator.
What do they have in common
So, a few words about those details that are almost the same. First, there are the engines. Two gasoline units are the same in terms of volume and horsepower. Both models also received identical gearboxes. Kia Rio also offers a diesel option to consumers. But official deliveries to the territory of Russia, and not everyone will be able to get the desired option.
Comparison and how they differ
As for the differences, there are many more than it seems at first glance. If we compare by configuration, then each version of the Rio is richer than its counterpart from Hyundai. For example, the basic configuration benefits from the presence of an electric drive and heated mirrors, and, of course, air conditioning.
The next option also differs with a plus sign towards Rio. Rear windows, central locking doors and trunk, heated steering wheel and leather trim. All this is in Kia, but not in Solaris. Of course, these options appear, but already in the next configuration, while Kia is already providing new ones.
Top configurations are almost equal, but there is a slight difference here. Rio additionally boasts faux leather seats.
Which of them, when and for whom is better
Despite all the similarities, these models are individual. Kia Rio is likely to be more suitable for young people. Due to the presence of many functions in non-maximum configurations and a more dynamic design. Solaris has a more solid appearance. After all, it is not for nothing that many call it a reduced counterpart of the Elantra. At the same time, the use of budget materials reduces the price tag. This factor works in favor of adults, experienced people who do not need frills and are used to spending money wisely.
