WINNER - KIA RIO HATCHBACK:
With their classy execution and trendy styling, recent Kias like the Soul, Sportage and Picanto have added the word “cool” to the Korean carmaker's vocabulary, which has made it one of the world's fastest growing car brands with sales exceeding two million units in 2010 for the first time.
The grown-up new Rio follows the same trend, blending trendy styling with impressive ride quality and neat handling, while Kia's recent strides in build quality and improved finishes are also evident in the cabin with its soft-touch dashboard and more premium feel.
The new hatch - offered in 1.2 and 1.4 petrol derivatives - has larger-than-average passenger room for a B-segment car; a pair of full-sized adults will happily fit in the back seat without squashed knees.
The Rio's new-found premium feel is still offered at competitive price tags, and included are a five-year or 100 000km warranty and a four-year or 60 000km service plan.
PRICING: R136 995 - R178 995
*This contest was judged by the motoring journalists of the Independent Newspapers group, representing IOL, Star Motoring, Drive Times, Pretoria News and Mercury Motoring.