2021 Kia Rio vs Suzuki Swift

What's the difference?

The Rio GT-Line offers a great balance of spec and price, and a genuine warm hatch alternative in a shrinking segment where fun seems to come at a premium.

It’s nice to see the safety inclusions from this car start to make it across the range, but it is in danger of being left behind while the Suzuki Swift beats it on price and the Yaris beats it on safety.

Still, with this segment suffering from a case of shrinking options and runaway price tags, the Rio GT-Line is more appealing than ever, hence an increased score since last time I drove it.

Let’s not mince words here. The GLX Turbo should be on everybody’s supermini shortlist. In fact, from the base GL to the baby hot-hatch class-leading Sport, every current Swift’s value for money rating is outstanding.

Eager, zippy, light on fuel but heavy on fun, our particular version in particular encapsulates Suzuki’s decades-long experience in delivering fiery and user-friendly city cars, yet possesses a dynamic capability and open-road confidence that makes it a sheer pleasure beyond the urban limits.

Road-noise aside, the Series II just enhances an already accomplished alternative to the Polo and Mazda2. If you’re after an affordable, characterful, comfortable, chuckable and controllable warm hatch, then the Swift GLX Turbo slays all before it.