Industry players like Kia and Hyundai have been struggling to be the dominant player, but with Toyota’s aggressive pitch there seems to be no stopping it. Will Kia or Hyundai be the better option over the Vios?
1. Can the Vios be toppled by the price redux of Kia and Hyundai?
Since the introduction of the Toyota Vios 2019 in the Philippines; it caused after-shocks for many car buyers looking for a new ride to get! It begs the question of what sub-compact sedan in the Philippines is really worth it; to help car buyers go beyond the usual reasons why the price is not always a good barometer to base it on. But, the usual arguments for buying based on tag price do come into play.
Will Kia or Hyundai be the better option over the Vios?
The big question is how well does Kia and Hyundai stack up when everything is taken into account for all three options. We all know the capacity of Toyota; because it is one of the top 3 reliables and trusted auto-makers that remain uncontested. Plus an almost spotless appraisal, even by those who prefer other brands too.
This taken into account should really mix it up; what sub-compact sedan in the Philippines is really worth it to really settle the question. But, personal preference can’t be ignored though.
2. Qualities that affect these sub-compact sedans
Before anything else these sub-compact sedans are in the competitively priced zone; so that really could be the decisive qualities that will drive their success. There are several factors that will be more than a driving force to reckon with though, that make them, the preferred option. Here they are; which is something that most buyers consider!
Reliability
Many car buyers will research and check how reliable a brand is. This means from the point of sale to the periodic maintenance, and how good the terms are with all the good stuff. Buyers will and look at this; and will decide from there! Toyota Philippines is in the top 3 of reliable cars brands when compared to either Kia or Hyundai.
Toyota is in the top 3 of reliable cars brands when compared to either Kia or Hyundai
Overall value
Cheap and affordable will not be the only components of value; because there are the equipment and comfort that tips the balance. This is not from a fanboy perspective, but Toyota has better safety features for the buck. Unlike Kia or Hyundai that has airbags as an option in non-entry level models in cheaper options
Resale
Deny it or make excuses why Toyota has more resale value; it can’t be denied that it does have more resale value than either of its challengers. This is an undeniable big draw for everyone buying a new car!
Brand loyalty
Undeniably Filipino are driven by brand loyalty because of what a brand offers. Korean car brands are just as reliable; but when numbers and perception are up, that’s a whole new ball game. This may be; that answers what sub-compact sedan in the Philippines is really worth it for the money.
Korean brands are just as reliable; but when numbers and perception are up, that’s a whole new ball game
3. Kia vs. Hyundai vs. Toyota: All out spec war!
Here are the specs of the Kia, Hyundai, and the Toyota sub-compact sedans to be compared and what sub-compact sedan in the Philippines is really worth it. Beyond the hype and how the specs show which has the edge; between them in this triple-showdown of sorts. What will be the top dog?
Performance
Models |
Displacement
|
Horsepower
|
Torque
|
Drive train
|
Power train
|
Better option
|
Kia Soluto
|
1.4 liters
|
94
|
132
|
4-speed automatic
|
FWD
|
No |
Hyundai Reina
|
1.4 liters
|
94
|
132
|
4-speed automatic
|
FWD
|
No
|
Toyota Vios
|
1.5 liters
|
98-123
|
140-160
|
4 Speed A/T and 5 Speed M/TCVT-continuously variable transmission
|
FWD
|
Yes
|
Safety
Models
|
No. airbags
|
Isofix
|
Force limiter
|
Pretensioner
|
3-pt. ELR Seatbelt
|
Better option
|
Kia Soluto
|
2
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
No
|
No
|
Hyundai Reina
|
2
|
---
|
---
|
---
|
No
|
No
|
Toyota Vios
|
7
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Models
|
VSC
|
HSA
|
ABS/EBD/BA
|
Better option
|
Kia Soluto
|
No
|
No |
Yes, yes, no
|
No
|
Hyundai Reina
|
No |
No |
Yes, no, no |
No |
Toyota Vios |
Yes |
Yes |
Yes, yes, yes |
Yes |
Comfort and Convenience
Models
|
Auto AC
|
Multi-zone
|
Steering wheel controls
|
Single-din/two-din head unit
|
Power window
|
Power locks
|
Better option
|
Kia Soluto
|
No
|
No
|
---
|
Yes/yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Hyundai Reina
|
No
|
No
|
---
|
Yes/yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Toyota Vios
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes/yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Exterior
Models
|
Halogen, LED, HIDs
|
DRLs
|
Third brake light
|
Auto headlight
|
Fog lamps
|
Better option
|
Kia Soluto
|
Yes
|
No |
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Hyundai Reina
|
Yes, no, no
|
No |
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
No
|
Toyota Vios
|
Yes, no, no
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
No
|
Yes
|
Yes
|
Dimensions
Models
|
Length
|
Width
|
Height
|
Better option
|
Kia Soluto
|
4,300
|
1,700
|
1,460
|
No
|
Hyundai Reina
|
4300
|
1705
|
1460
|
No
|
Toyota Vios
|
4,425
|
1,730
|
1,475
|
Yes
|
>>> Related: TOYOTA COROLLA ALTIS 2012 FOR SALE
Final Verdict: To buy or not to buy!
To wrap up what sub-compact sedan in the Philippines is really worth it; the final verdict based on the specs of what is offered to Filipino drivers!
One of the biggest let down of the Soluto and Reina is how the specs fared against a Vios; noticeably the specs presented by Kia and the Hyundai are what the Toyota Vios already has but with more torque and horsepower.
The sub-compact sedan market is harsh, and they did not deliver the goods. All they gave was bare basic eye candy that’s backed by outdated equipment. The Toyota Vios is called the best taxi model, but they upgraded and made it better! But, both are still lookers with decent performance; need to offer more but still acceptable too.
One of the biggest let down of the Soluto and Reina is how the specs fared against a Vios
For Kia Soluto
Buy the Kia Soluto because it is affordable and stylish with a 2-din head unit; plus added EBD with an ABS brake for better safety. Although the specs are the same and it comes with a standard dual airbag; with expensive looks!
For Hyundai Reina
For a cheaper price with dual airbags but without EBD equipped, but its performance is just like the Soluto. However, Hyundai Reina all comes down to how much the price play gets to the buyer too. Korean cars are better now, but they need to step up and offer more to the Filipino driver.
>>> List of all Hyundai Reina for sale in the Philippines
For Toyota Vios
The Toyota Vios is perfect in this matchup because it is more equipped and offers more power; with better styling that has substance. It’s way bigger in some dimensions and gives more value for the tag price.
>>> List of all Toyota Vios for sale in the Philippines
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