Mazda 2 Genki vs Kia Rio SLi

The Mazda2 is the buyers' benchmark in the light car class but there's a new crop of contenders with slick new engines and designs that are clamouring for the title. The 2 had a midlife refresh last year and the top-spec Genki now has auto headlights and wipers, climate-control airconditioning and fog lamps. The four-speed automatic is $1650.

The new Kia Rio is no longer cut-priced but priced for the cut-and-thrust of the light car segment against the likes of the Ford Fiesta and Toyota Yaris. The SLi has daytime running lights, auto headlights, Bluetooth and a better stereo.  A six-speed auto adds $2000 and it's all covered by a five-year warranty.  

The Mazda2 had class-leading efficiency and interior design when it launched in 2007 but four years has given the opposition time to catch up and it lacks Bluetooth and a USB port. The handling and free-revving 1.5-litre engine help make up for the four-speed auto and five-speed manual transmissions.  Can't help wonder what a Mazda2 with a Skyactiv drivetrain will be like, though .

The direct-injection 1.6-litre engine has best-in-class power and torque numbers at 103kW/167Nm but off-the line acceleration is on a par with the 2. Put that down to the Rio weighing in 200kg heavier at 1215kg. Fuel use is good though, the six-speed automatic uses a miserly 6.1 litres over 100km/h.

The corporate smiley face works well on the 2, giving the light car an upbeat look that has found mass appeal. The v-shaped rear window makes backing a breeze and boot space is OK at 250 litres. The interior materials are durable but the non-locking glovebox with a slit in the top compromises security.

Rear visibility isn't great and I'm not sure about the aircon switches but that's the biggest criticism of the Rio. The exterior look more aggressive than the 2, a "Polo with personality" as a friend called it, and the interior follows the latest style of black plastic and chrome highlights.  

The Mazda2 earns full marks for safety in terms of its handling, construction and safety systems. Stability and traction control is standard across the range though bringing the base $15,790 Neo up to six-airbag spec costs $450.

The Rio has yet to be crash-tested but Kia is confident of a five-star result. It runs discs on all corners to the Mazda2's rear drums but the extra weight means it doesn't stop any faster. Six airbags are standard on all models, as is traction and stability control.

A bigger engine is the only thing missing from the Mazda2. Those sporty looks are backed by a tight chassis, a suspension that deals with mid-corner bumps and carpark humps and steering that's light but direct. That encourages you to use the engine . and it won't complain but fuel consumption will blow out from official 6.8-litre (auto) fuel consumption into the eight-litre range.  

The Rio isn't far off the suspension and ride of the Mazda2. It can't match the Thai-built car for noise suppression and steering feel, though. The 17-inch wheels don't help either of the previous points but the grip from the Continentals is appreciated. Acceleration between the pair is on a par with a 0-100km/h time of around 10.2 seconds and, like the Mazda, the Kia works best near the top end of the rev range.