Rio, Celerio, i10 or Spark?

[lsdgenie]

Hello all,

Never thought I'd have this problem, but am torn choosing between four different sub-compact cars - the Suzuki Celerio, Chevy Spark, Kia Rio (Hatch) and Hyundai i10.

The car will primarily be used as our 2nd "spare" vehicle (our current spare is a montero, which my wife does not like driving due to its size, but which we've decided to keep). Since we are very happy with our current daily cars (Subies), and this would only be used usually only once a week, we both don't see the need to spend too much for this, and I think I would enjoy the fuel efficiency of these choices.

Problem is, the specs, both in and out of the cars are extremely similar, which leaves me little to go by except for aesthetics. For those who own these vehicles or has experience driving them, can you share some of the pros and cons? Any other info (such as spare parts situation, ease to "dress up", etc.) would also be greatly appreciated.

[rdjl_13]

First of all, Kia Rio is on a different category and waaaay more expensive than the said cars but if it's included in your choices then that is my choice. The Kia Picanto is the car in the same category. Also looks good.

[lsdgenie]

Thanks, you're right, Dapat Picanto pala yun! I was thinking of the Rio when I wrote the question since I saw one in our office parking, and was thinking that it looked pretty nice. Also, since Kia is the only one in the list that we haven't visited a dealership yet to take a look at their sub compact/micro car, so di nag stick yung model hehehe

[Feeter Silverster]

kia Picanto or Hyundai i10 could do the trick, small car on the outside but roomy inside. Choose among the two and you'll be satisfied.

[mindkinetic]

the kia rio hatch is the best looking from your handful of choices. the revised rio even landed in the very 1st issue of topgear jan/feb dubbed beauty and the beast. i get to see the rio hatch in the metal and i'm surprised to see how beautiful it is. the predecessor rio is a far cry compared to this neo rio. the built is solid with a better ground stance giving both the aesthetic advantage and improving driving dynamics. the kia rio hatch in my opinion is even better looking than its sedan counterpart. happy buying....

[rdjl_13]

So from your choices, my choice would be the Kia Picanto. It has good looks! 2nd will be the Chevy Spark. 2nd because I'm not fan of its design but I think it's the car that will be the most good looking when dressed up. All of them has small engines and good specs. In this car segment, for me, it just boils down to the design.

[lsdgenie]

Thanks for all the replies! Yes, we'll head off to a Kia this weekend to take a look at the Picanto, to see it in the "flesh" so to speak, and compare it to the others.

Among the three I've personally inspected (i10, Spark and Celerio), the Spark is the nicest on the inside,  and has the biggest available engine in the bunch, so we're leaning towards that. Would've gone with the i10, but they supposedly phased out the 1.2 variant already. I personally don't like the looks of the Celerio, and my wife isn't too taken with it either.

Btw, also looked at the Eon when visiting Hyundai, and though it looks nice, the engine, while undoubtedly fuel efficient, seems so small hehehe (yeah I know they're all small, but still....)

[carwiki]

I think I will recommend you the Kia Rio 1.4 Hatchback MT. How much is your budget sir?

[dave_d]

i suggest Rio,  looks good.

[weweng20]

RIO NALANG .

[d.lake]

Eon is nice. Very fuel efficient. Perfect as a secondary car though it doesnt offer automatic transmission. If budget allows spark, go for it. Nice interior and exterior. better than eon i10 and celerio is a bit outdated compared to these.

[monrich]

You might also want to consider the warranty and after-sales service reputation of the different dealers/brands. Here is one of the many posts about Hyundai's after-sales service notoriety.
http://www.topgear.com.ph/board/index.php?topic=15727.0

Based on the J.D. Power Customer Satisfaction Survey, Hyundai's after sales service satisfaction rating is near the low-end of the range.
http://www.topgear.com.ph/news/where-can-you-get-the-best-after-sales-service-in-the-philippines