Comparison of "Lada-Vesta" and "Kia-Rio": description, equipment, characteristics, test drive

2024 Author: Erin Ralphs | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-19 11:42

To compare Lada Vesta and Kia Rio is not such a controversial experiment. The fact is that the Korean brand holds the leading position, and in terms of characteristics it catches up with many European counterparts. At the same time, the cost of its products is an order of magnitude lower. The new representative of the VAZ was designed to prove that worthy cars are also produced in Russia. Although Kia still has the overall advantage.

Body dimensions

Comparison of "Lada-Vesta" and "Kia-Rio" let's start with the features and dimensions of the body. The domestic manufacturer offers its model so far only in the design of a sedan. Koreans also produce a hatchback. In the near future, the Russians plan to expand the line, so it remains to wait a bit.

The following are the dimensions of Lada Vesta / Kia Rio:

• length (m) – 4, 41 / 4, 37;
• height (m) – 1, 49 / 1, 47;
• width – 1, 76 / 1, 7;
• road clearance (cm) - 17, 8 / 16, 0;
• luggage compartment capacity (l) – 480 / 470;
• weight (t) – 1.23 / 1.055;
• wheelbase (m) – 2, 63 / 2, 57.

Appearance

What is better - "Lada Vesta" or "Kia Rio" in terms of exterior, is not so easy to determine. Both cars have a stylish appearance, but the conceptual approaches to its creation turned out to be different. The Korean car was created with an emphasis on the youth audience, which led to the design. It traces the mass of flowing lines, the radiator grille resembles a tiger's nose. An additional charm is given by narrow elongated optics, an air intake with chrome inserts and original fog lights.

Kia's profile is slightly forward, the sidewalls are equipped with spectacular stamped elements, the chrome trim of the window openings complements the picture. The stern with large light elements blends harmoniously into the roof, which is slightly heaped back. In general, everything is tasteful and quite dynamic, which attracts young people.

Vesta is not particularly inferior to the competitor, however, refinement here is replaced by aggressiveness. Headlights have a classic configuration, the radiator grille and air intake are assembled together. Chrome lines add modernity to the sedan. Appearance will appeal to both young people and older drivers.

The effectiveness of the profile is due to the presence of X-shaped features of the panels and original rims. The stern part is also designed at a high level, the smooth lines of the headlights look great against the background of the chrome LADA logo.

Standard power units

If we compare the new "Kia-Rio" or "Lada-Vesta" in terms of engines, here the victory is definitely for the Korean. The car line includes high-quality engines of several modifications. Kia buyers offer two 16-valve options. The first of them has a volume of 1.4 liters, produces up to 107 "horses" with a torque of 135 Nm. The car accelerates to hundreds in 11.5 seconds, and the speed limit is 190 km/h.

A 106 hp engine is mounted on a domestic car. With. The acceleration speed is slightly higher than the competitor (11.8 seconds). Other parameters are also almost identical, except for fuel consumption. This indicator for a Korean car in the city is about 7.8 liters per 100 km, while for a Russian counterpart it reaches 9.3 liters.

Other engines

Continuing to compare the Lada Vesta and the Kia Rio, it can be noted that the 1.6-liter Rio Vesta engine cannot yet oppose anything. Engineers from Korea have achieved excellent results, squeezing out 123 horsepower on a standard naturally aspirated engine. At the same time, the traction indicator increased to 155 Nm, the dynamics of the car increased (10.3 seconds to 100 km), the maximum speed remained at the same level.

Domestic designers cannot boast of such success, however, they have already begun to mount a 1.8 liter engine with a capacity of 122 hp on the X Ray version. With. It is assumed that with him the Russian car will become more dynamic, create real competition for analogues from Korea. The plans - derated up to 110 liters. With. French engine HR16DE andlightweight eight-valve unit with 87 liters. with, designed to reduce the cost of the vehicle.

Transmission unit

Further in the comparison of "Kia-Rio" and "Lada-Vesta" - transmission. Each model has several transmission options. The Russian car has a couple of mechanical kits in stock. One of them was created by VAZ specialists, the second was borrowed from French manufacturers (JH3-510). Both boxes have five modes, multi-body synchronizers. The Russian version from Priora has been radically reworked. A number of foreign parts were introduced into the assembly, the secondary shaft was reinforced, which made it possible to achieve a reduction in the lever travel and clarity of gear shifting.

Kia Rio has a pair of manual transmissions (for 5 and 6 ranges). In the second case, driving on the track is noticeably improved by reducing fuel consumption. At the same time, the gears are short, in the city they are manifested by increased engine speeds.

automatic transmission

Description of "Lada-Vesta" will continue with the study of automatic transmission. It is a robotic AMT configuration unit with five operating modes. "Robot" is cheaper than "machine" in production, which was the defining moment in favor of his choice. In general, the unit does not cause any complaints, the range switching is still more noticeable than in the classic automatic transmission.

Kia-Rio manufacturers offer two options for standard automatic transmissions - 4 and 6 steps. The first modification did not have any particularly outstanding qualities; it is quite suitable for a leisurely city ride. Second versionThe automatic transmission is distinguished by the clarity of switching, efficiency, lack of jerks.

Chassis

The chassis of one and the other machine is the same in design. The front part is equipped with MacPherson struts, and torsion beams are provided at the rear. The quality of handling is also almost identical. The sedan from Russia has a larger suspension energy intensity parameter. If you add the increased ground clearance here, the ride becomes more confident.

The Korean model handles comfortably, except for wobbling at speeds over 140 km/h. This behavior forces the driver to constantly steer, which is exhausting during long journeys. In other cases - complete order.

What's in the cabin?

It would not be superfluous to also compare the Lada Vesta (sedan) with the Kia Rio in terms of the interior. The maximum similarity of the interiors of both vehicles is striking. Many note that the designers of the domestic automobile plant appreciated the design of the Korean, adopting many elements.

Among the common features:

• dashboard;
• three-spoke steering wheel;
• center console;
• good ergonomics and visibility;
• pretty high quality finishing materials (for its class).

Thanks to the increased dimensions of space, there is more space in the cabin of a domestic car.

Packages and prices

"Kia-Rio", as well as "Lada-Vesta" offer consumers a variety of trim levels (6 and 7, respectively). The Russian car is preferable in this regard, as it can accommodate a decent filling at a much lower price. This is especially true for the base kits. The price ranges from 520 to 815 thousand rubles.

The configurations and prices of the Kia Rio are interconnected. However, the difference between a Russian car and a Korean one for the same equipment is approximately 80-200, which is not so small. It is worth noting that the Korean model with a volume of 1.4 liters does not have top versions at all.

As a result, a significant difference in cost is due to the presence of a more powerful engine, automatic transmission and better finishing elements. Since the bundles are almost equal, we can conclude that a significant overpayment is due to the popularity of the brand.

Test drive "Kia-Rio" and "Lada-Vesta"

Getting in and out of the steering column is convenient for both cars. The only point is that the “Korean” has to make more efforts to slam the door. A comfortable position in the driver's seat is provided by adjustments for height and reach, plus the ability to adjust the position of the seat in three positions.

The instrument panel is well read by both representatives, it is not possible to mark one of them with something. The on-board computer shield of a Korean car is more informative, but the glove compartment is more capacious in a Russian sedan. In addition, it is equipped with a backlight.

As for the road, it is preferable to enter turns and write turns on the Lada. The car is faster andbehaves more collected on curved sections of the road. In addition, the suspension confidently and reliably fulfills all the troubles inherent in Russian roads. "Kia" is a more fastidious option, it behaves well on flat sections, is not afraid of a rut, and enters corners well. But bumps, potholes or speed bumps must be passed at minimum speed.

Rio had another significant drawback during testing - noise. At high speeds, the interior is filled with a rumble of such a level that it feels like riding in a convertible without a roof, not to mention if a powerful truck passes in the neighborhood. The luggage compartments of both sedans are the same in terms of capacity, in the underground of which are placed full-size spares and tool kits. The rear seat backs fold out in a 60/40 ratio, and the trunk lid can only be opened from the passenger compartment or with a key.

Result

To unequivocally answer the question of what to choose - "Lada Vesta Cross" or "Kia Rio", you need to take into account a number of points. Many technical characteristics and equipment items are identical for both machines. However, the price of the domestic brand is significantly lower. If you prioritize the quality of the engine, efficiency and smooth gear shifting, pay attention to one of the many configurations of the Korean sedan or hatchback.