Kia Rio, SEAT Ibiza or Volkswagen Polo?

Two questions:

1) Kia Rio EX or SEAT Ibiza five-door Sport or Volkswagen Polo Comfortline - which would you recommend and why?

2) Is the Volkswagen Polo changing this year?

Danielle Victory (Drogheda)

Jan 2014 Filed under: choosing new car

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Expert answer

Hi Danielle,

An updated Polo is indeed imminent, but from what we've seen it won't be a massive change from the current car, certainly in terms of styling, and the only major mechanical change will be the addition of a new 1.0-litre TSI turbocharged petrol engine. While that will probably make for an enticing drive, it's a sad fact that the current 1.2-litre Polo is a touch sluggish to drive, and the mechanically similar SEAT Ibiza has some refinement issues. On that basis, we'd go for the Rio - it's neatly styled, comfy, well made and lively to drive. And it comes with that seven-year warranty. It's a tough package to beat.

Let us know how you decide in the comments below.

Neil Briscoe - Complete Car Adviser
@neilmbriscoe