Need a "baby" for $16,000

Yulia Borisova, marketing department specialist. Drives a Hyundai Lantra. Looking for a compact city car. Ready to spend up to $16,000.

Need a car for $16000
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

Eight years have passed since I bought my first car. During this time, I've tried many different cars, including domestic ones. Now I'm looking at a new one.

Over the years, I've driven to my heart's content. The first swallow was a Moskvich-407, inherited from my grandfather. My father first learned on it, and then I got behind the wheel. A lot of memories are connected with this car. I repaired it myself more than once, so I'm not afraid of breakdowns at all. Since then, I've been a fan of manual transmissions. Automatic is not my thing. True, lately, when traffic jams have become commonplace, automatic transmissions seem more and more tempting. There was even a funny incident: some cool guys in a jeep offered to exchange my Moskvich for a mobile phone. That was in the days when a handset cost crazy money. But I refused — I don't betray friends. Besides, this car made me a star: "Look, a girl in such a rarity!" And when my girlfriends piled into the cabin, we caught the delighted glances of passers-by.

Then there was a VAZ "eight", then several foreign cars. Now I drive a Hyundai Lantra, already old. I must say, I always bought used cars. Now I want a new one, so that I am its only owner.

I decided on the class right away. I don't need a big car. I spend almost all my time in the city, where it's important to be able to slip through traffic and park in a "patch". Purely feminine cars don't suit either.

Need a car for $16000. Opel Corsa
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

What I expect from a car:

Image
A "city dweller" that feels great in Moscow traffic jams and tight parking lots.

Style
Appearance is not the main thing, but the car should be pleasing. It would be good if there was a sporty note in the design.

Driving performance
Preference only for manual. Although automatic, perhaps, is worth trying.

Economy
A city car should not be voracious, so the engine — no more than 1.6.

Interior
The cabin is like a lady's handbag: many pockets, compartments, and shelves.

Standard equipment
Definitely air conditioning and good music, so that it's not boring in traffic jams.

Kia Rio
The choice fell on it because: a simple city car, practical, with a decent set of options.

Perhaps this is exactly how a real city car should look. The appearance does not evoke strong emotions — neither delight nor rejection. True, there are too many straight lines and angles. But overall, everything is harmonious.

Need a car for $16000. Opel Corsa
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

The interior, I must admit, is very practical. A lot of plastic that is surely easy to clean. But it doesn't add coziness. I didn't like the front console — it seems to hang in the air. Because of this, the seat heating buttons are located too low, you have to reach. And I like everything to be at hand. But the large mirrors in the sun visors turned out to be very convenient — both for me and for my friends.

I settled behind the wheel right away, without any problems. The only thing is the steering wheel is a bit large, and I'd like it to be thicker. It turns easily — that's a plus when parking. The turning radius is small, which indicates good maneuverability.

I really like the acceleration. You can't immediately tell that there's only 1.4 liters under the hood. Gears engage with slight effort, but very clearly. With such briskness, I'd like sharper brakes. The effort on the pedal is almost not felt; to stop abruptly, you have to press hard.

Style
An ordinary city car. The appearance does not evoke special emotions.

Driving performance
The Rio accelerates very briskly. It's hard to believe that there's only 1.4 liters under the hood.

Interior
Ergonomics are excellent. But the abundance of rough plastic is disappointing.

Economy
With such a lively engine and manual, you want to drive fast. So fuel consumption will probably be higher.

Standard equipment
There are few additional options, but the base trim is rich.

Need a car for $16000. Opel Corsa
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

Liked: Brisk engine, precise gearbox, spacious trunk.

Disliked: Boring exterior, brakes without feedback.

Seat Ibiza
Chosen because of: the most "unhackneyed" appearance. Attracts with originality and rarity.

Need a car for $16000. Kia Rio
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 wheel

The Seat's appearance is the most unusual. Maybe because there are few such cars on the roads? It seems to me that the Ibiza will suit men more. Although I also find it attractive. The interior is all to my liking. Even the center console is slightly turned toward the driver. I feel like a captain who will steer and honk, and no one will interfere. Ergonomics are top-notch. And the control buttons on the steering wheel are simply the best. I'll definitely order such an option if possible.

Visibility is good — you can see perfectly both front and rear. The oval-shaped exterior mirrors are memorable, and you can see great in them. Driving an automatic is unusual for me. I had to tuck my left leg to avoid accidentally pressing the brake. The silence in the cabin is disturbed by the engine noise — it's clearly audible already at start. The suspension is comfortable, to my taste, but it doesn't like sharp turns. The rolls are frightening, you want to drive more calmly. Unlike competitors, there's not much space in the back. But that's not critical for me — I'm not choosing a family car.

Style
The most stylish of the three. Attracts with an aggressive-sporty design.

Driving performance
Even at low speeds, the rolls are significant. This is a clear minus for such a small car.

Interior
Quality materials and good ergonomics are appealing.

Economy
An automatic is unlikely to save on fuel, especially on a small car.

Standard equipment
The base has only the essentials.

Need a car for $16000. Kia Rio
© Photo: Sasha Semenova, 5 wheel

Liked: Interesting appearance, quality of finishing materials.

Disliked: Noisy engine, slow automatic, soft suspension.

Opel Corsa
Chosen because of: attractive appearance. I like the large selection of standard trims and additional options.

Need a car for $16000. Kia Rio

The appearance of the Opel Corsa is very appealing to me. Its design clearly shows sporty notes, especially in the three-door version. The sly squint of the front optics deserves special attention. But to get inside, you'll have to try: the massive heavy door opens with noticeable effort, which can be a real test for fragile girls.

But inside, quality finishing materials immediately please. The plastic is pleasant to the touch, and the fabric inserts on the doors are a pleasant surprise. The steering wheel is plump and comfortable, fits perfectly in the hand. True, you need to get used to the non-fixed steering column switches. The instrument panel pleases with minimalism: only a speedometer, odometer, and fuel level indicator, without unnecessary information.

Forward visibility suffers due to the massive front pillars. In corners, you have to lean over to see the road, and even the triangular windows don't help. Driving the Corsa with the sport suspension feels like piloting a go-kart. Turning the 17-inch wheels requires noticeable effort. On one hand, this gives a thrill, but I prefer comfort — I'd rather have the standard suspension. At the same time, the interior space surprises: a compact-looking car easily accommodates both front and rear passengers.

The trunk space is organized in an original way. Under the floor, there's a special compartment for small items like windshield washer fluid or plastic care wipes. And grocery bags fit comfortably in the main volume.

All three cars, despite being in the same class, feel completely different. The Kia Rio is a typical city dweller that would suit family buyers. Its strong point is good dynamics. The Seat Ibiza attracts with fresh design and build quality, but the price tag spoils everything — it's too expensive. The Opel Corsa is exactly what young and active people like me need. That's it, I'll take it!

Need a car for $16000. Seat Ibiza
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

Style
The expressive appearance with sporty notes favorably sets the car apart from its classmates.

Ride quality
The sport suspension is not for everyone. For those who value comfort, it's more logical to choose the standard one.

Interior
The central console combines control of all onboard systems.

Fuel efficiency
The small-displacement engine paired with a manual gearbox is the optimal choice for urban conditions.

Standard equipment
There's an option to build a custom configuration.

Make and model	Opel Corsa
Dimensions	3999/1713/1488 mm
Engine	petrol, 1364 cm3, 90 hp/ 5000 rpm
Transmission	manual, 5-speed
Max speed	173 km/h
Acceleration	12.4 s to 100 km/h

Need a car for $16000. Seat Ibiza
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

Likes: Attractive design, comfortable cabin.

Dislikes: Heavy doors, massive front pillars.

My choice

The Opel Corsa is to my liking. Everything about it is good: the looks, and the huge variety of trims and options. Special mention goes to the cabin with excellent ergonomics and quality materials. The price also looks attractive. The Kia Rio seems solid but too ordinary. I'm sure it will be a great helper for a young family. The Seat Ibiza is a beautifully built car with a striking and moderately aggressive appearance. But the starting price spoils everything. So the Corsa is my clear choice based on the overall qualities.

Editor's choice

Need a car for $16000. Seat Ibiza
© Photo: Sergey Krestov, 5 Koleso

The Corsa can confidently be called a success for the German manufacturer, part of the General Motors concern. The attractive looks, many trims, and affordable price make the car very appealing. The Kia Rio, which is assembled in Izhevsk, enjoys steady demand thanks to quality interior finishing and a peppy engine. The Seat Ibiza, which shares second-third place with the Rio, is the most unusual participant in our trio. But the question comes down to money. If it were cheaper, there would be no shortage of buyers. At the beginning of next year, the arrival of a new Ibiza is promised. Perhaps then the price situation will change.

November 7, 2007

Author: Maxim Egorov
© 5 Koleso