Kia Rio v Mazda 2 2017 Comparison

The updated Kia Rio is the fourth generation of the Korean manufacturer’s popular light car. Previously a solid performer for Kia, the latest updates are underwhelming and may have seen the tide turn.

Currently offered solely with a 1.4-litre engine, and in five-door body shape only, the new Rio range starts from $16,990 and is topped by the SLi which starts at $22,990. Here we’re testing the mid-spec Rio Si auto, priced from $21,490.

The Mazda 2 was introduced to Australia in 2002. Its third generation arrived in 2014 and was tweaked last year.

Light cars are big business and perfect for a range of motorists including first-car buyers. But they too want the complete package. In this comparison we test whether Mazda or Kia can best deliver it?

Why are we comparing them?
For the past two years, locally, the tried and trusted Mazda 2 has outsold the Kia Rio by more than two to one. But Mazda’s much-loved light car is getting on these days… So, we’re keen to see if the new, improved(?) Kia Rio has what it takes?

They’re two cars that should be on your shopping list if you’re in the market for a light car.

Mazda’s older, but arguably more sophisticated engine/transmission pairing goes head-to-head with the newest kid on the block. The twist, however, is whether what’s under the bonnet brings more weight than the complete package and overall value for money equation.

For the driver more concerned with practicalities, the hatch body style affords decent flexibility, as do 60:40 split fold seats.

The Kia wins the battle for boot space with a generous 325 litres, dwarfing the Mazda2’s 250 litres.

In a leap of faith, you could tow something, too – 800kg braked for the Kia and 900kg for the Mazda.

How much do they cost?
Our vehicles represent the mid-spec offering of their respective three-model range (Maxx for Mazda and Si for Kia).

The older Mazda ($19,690 plus ORCs) undercuts the new Kia ($21,490 plus ORCs).

Options are few and prices are in keeping with their affordable character – attainable without blowing the budget. Both ride on 15-inch alloys and carry a temporary spare tyre.

With around $1800 dividing the two, a closer inspection of kit revealed some anomalies with technology, but sees the cars weighted fairly evenly at the end of the day.

When the showroom door slams, it’s the Kia’s class leading seven-year/unlimited warranty and seven year’s roadside assist and capped price servicing that keeps buyers happier for longer. Mazda’s three-year/unlimited falls short. The Rio’s service intervals are suggested at 15,000km or 12-months compared to 10,000km/12-months for the Mazda2.

Come resale, it’s a different story. RedBook estimates your Mazda will be worth 77 per cent of new price after three years ownership, compared to just 58 per cent for the Kia (average value based on private sale).

What do they do well?
The Rio shines for its use of space, practicality and versatility. Despite having similar overall dimensions to the Mazda 2, the Rio delivers a more spacious interior – it feels considerably bigger, particularly up front.

The Korean car also raises the bar with satellite navigation, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard -- these are otherwise absent or cost-options in the Mazda2 Maxx.

The Mazda 2 is a clever old dog, however… The combination of a better quality fit and finish, keyless entry with push button start and a far superior engine and transmission brings great confidence to buyers.

It was easily the Mazda’s that took the win for drive quality, ride and handling. The 2’s punchy 1.5-litre petrol engine (81kW/141Nm) delivers far superior throttle response and more decisive gear selection than the Kia’s 73kW/133Nm 1.4-litre four. The Kia’s auto is a four-speed only (anachronistic in this day and age), where the Mazda has two more ratios from which to choose.

A smaller turning circle (9.4 v 10.2) means the Mazda 2 was also more agile in the suburbs – where these two both otherwise thrive.

At freeway speeds both cars sat happily at 100km/h, the problem for the Rio was when you needed to overtake – or call on power unexpectedly. There was no immediacy and no real indication that throttle inputs were acknowledged – aside from more engine noise.

What could they do better?
Small details like poor oddment storage lost points for the zippy Mazda2. It also fell short on second row space and amenity also. For the record, the Rio feels larger, has a flatter passenger-friendly foot well and features a USB.

As mentioned above, the Rio’s biggest disappointment is its lack-lustre engine and meagre four-speed auto, both of which overshadow an otherwise great show from Kia’s little car. It doesn’t have the design flair of the Mazda2 either, but that’s a matter of taste.

A five star crash safety rating favours both vehicles credentials, however the Mazda2 Maxx gains optional autonomous emergency braking technology (Smart City Brake Support, cheap at $400) which is invaluable, and particularly handy for city driving

Which wins, and why?
Worthy rivals each with their own highlights, deciding up on a winner is not clear cut.

The Kia is a strong competitor, with excellent after sales support and nails the practical attributes that evade many light cars. However, with a better-sorted offering where it counts (behind the wheel) and superior build quality, the Mazda2 takes the win.

2017 Kia Rio Si pricing and specifications:
Price: $21,490 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 73kW/133Nm
Transmission: four-speed automatic
Fuel: 6.2L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 145g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: five-star ANCAP

2016 Mazda 2 Maxx pricing and specifications:
Price: $21,690 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 81kW/141Nm
Transmission: six-speed automatic
Fuel: 4.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: five-star ANCAP