Similar, but completely different: comparison of KIA Rio and Renault Logan

The second generation Renault Logan showed the world that even a super-budget car can look quite beautiful and solid. However, its price has slightly increased, which already makes it possible to compare the French compact sedan with the class B leaders, long known to the Russian consumer. A good rival for Logan will be the KIA Rio, which is produced at the Hyundai plant near St. Petersburg. If you want to know which car is better suited for everyday use - KIA Rio or Renault Logan, you should take a closer look at the parameters of both cars.

Complete set

If we are talking about cars with 1.6-liter engines, then the basic configuration of the KIA Rio and the maximum one - Renault Logan will be comparable in price. The Korean car is equipped quite richly - already the minimum list of equipment includes a multimedia system, supplemented by four powerful speakers, as well as an air conditioner. KIA Rio's safety systems include front airbags, multi-channel ABS, and an electronic brake force distributor. In addition, the Rio is able to automatically turn on the hazard warning lights during emergency braking, which often prevents serious collisions when driving in heavy traffic. However, upon a detailed examination of the KIA configuration, it becomes clear that the car cannot be classified as a premium class - the fabric interior and stamped steel wheels do not allow talking about prestige.

The maximum configuration of the Renault Logan includes much more equipment:

• Parktronic;
• Trip computer;
• Electronic multimedia system with support for modern formats;
• Automatic climate control;
• Cruise control;
• Full power accessories.

The latter means not only automated adjustments, but also heated mirrors, front seats, windshield. Interestingly, Renault Logan can be equipped with a stabilization system that is not available for the KIA Rio, even for a surcharge. In addition, by adding a small amount to the purchase price, you will receive branded navigation with update support and maps of the CIS countries. The appearance of the Logan is also at its best - in the maximum configuration, all plastic parts of the car are painted, and light-alloy 15-inch wheels are also installed.

On the run

If you arrange a ride quality check before buying a Rio or Logan, it immediately becomes clear which car should be called a budget car. KIA Rio is equipped with a powerful engine capable of accelerating the sedan to 190 km / h and allowing it to reach the first "hundred" in a little more than 10 seconds. In addition, the Rio is quite economical, since fuel consumption in the city rarely exceeds 8 liters, and on the highway it drops to a fantastic 5 liters. The driver does not experience any problems with traction control - the gears of the manual transmission are engaged softly, but the lever enters the grooves clearly and has a short stroke. Of course, the KIA Rio also has its own problems, for example, at low revs, the car accelerates quite sluggishly, requiring frequent gear changes.

The Rio's handling is undoubtedly excellent, since the car is not knocked off the chosen trajectory by either large bumps or long waves on the asphalt. KIA responds clearly to the driver's steering wheel, instantly changing the direction of travel if necessary. However, it will not be possible to talk about the ideal comfort of the KIA Rio - the car's suspension is stiff enough, which makes passengers jump when passing any major obstacles, including speed bumps. It is worth mentioning that the Rio is quite cramped inside - three adults in the back will be somewhat uncomfortable.

If we consider the new Logan, then at the first impression it may seem that the car produced by Renault has even better dynamic parameters. However, as soon as fast acceleration begins, it becomes clear that the power unit installed on the Logan cannot be called modern - closer to 4000 rpm, acceleration almost stops, which forces the driver to change gear. There are relatively few of them in the Renault Logan transmission - only five, which makes us put up with a maximum speed of 180 km / h, as well as a fairly long acceleration. The Logan's worst problem, however, is its fuel consumption, which goes up to 10 liters when driving around town. On the highway, gasoline costs are falling, but you should count on an average of 8 liters / 100 km.

If you choose Kia Rio or Renault Logan, then you have to be torn between two opposites in terms of chassis characteristics. Logan is equipped with a soft suspension, which is recognized by Moscow taxi drivers as truly indestructible. It allows you to overcome even large irregularities such as tram tracks and speed bumps without any shaking or bumps, and at the same time rarely requires repair, even with constant careless operation of the car. However, such tuning of the Renault chassis has its drawbacks, which are represented by mediocre directional stability and strong beating of the steering wheel when driving through several holes or other obstacles. In general, Logan leaves the impression of a budget car, which does not differ in a good study of the chassis or the use of a modern power unit that allows you to save fuel.

Difficult choice

Already after the first kilometers covered behind the wheel of the KIA Rio, it becomes clear that this sedan can be called a modern car that will provide the driver with ease of control and will not create unnecessary maintenance costs. However, it is not so easy to buy a car - its cost in the minimum configuration with a powerful engine exceeds 600 thousand rubles, and you will have to pay almost 50 thousand for an automatic transmission. Renault Logan is perceived as a low-class car - in it the driver has to get used to slow reactions to steering, as well as to strong jerks when driving through bumps at high speed. In addition, an economical sedan from Renault can only be called conditionally - after all, its fuel consumption can reach 10 liters. However, the pricing policy for Logan is softer - for 600 thousand you can buy a car equipped with everything you need: from alloy wheels to automatic climate control.