Kia Pegas vs Suzuki Ciaz – Affordable sedan showdown

The new Kia Pegas compact sedan recently hit South African showrooms, with an attractive price tag.

With comparable price tags, the top-of-the-line Kia Pegas 1.4 EX Auto goes up against the Suzuki Ciaz 1.5 GL Auto in this affordable sedan showdown.

Generous features

Features that were considered as privileges only a few years ago have found their way into entry-level vehicles as standard, and these sedans are a perfect example of this.

For a smidge over R250,000, these cars both offer a manual air-conditioner, all-round electric windows, central locking, a multifunction steering wheel, and Bluetooth, Aux, and USB connectivity.

This Pegas is the range-topping model, however, meaning it comes with additional items.

This includes a leather steering wheel, automatic headlights, a faux-leather upholstery, cruise control, front fog lights, and a 7-inch infotainment display that adds Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functions.

The cheaper GL specification level of this Suzuki only comes with a AM/FM radio, and an infotainment display, cruise control, a reverse camera, and smartphone mirroring only become available in the more expensive GLX trim.

The Kia then gets rear parking sensors fitted as standard, along with a reverse camera, ABS with electronic brake force distribution, an immobilizer, and driver and passenger front airbags.

It does not have its own official impact safety rating, but the Kia Rio – which shares the same platform as the Pegas – scored a 5-star ANCAP safety score.

The Suzuki features ABS with electronic brake force distribution, brake assist, an alarm and immobiliser, childproof rear door locks, and driver and passenger front airbags.

This scores the Ciaz a 4-star Asean NCAP safety rating.

Specifications

Both the Ciaz and Pegas ranges are powered by one engine option, with the Ciaz narrowly pulling ahead in power figures.

The Kia Pegas sports a 1.4-litre petrol motor that produces 69kW and 132Nm, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission in this specification.

Power is sent to the front wheels and combined fuel consumption is rated at 6.0l/100km.

The Suzuki Ciaz’s larger 1.5-litre petrol engine creates 77kW and 138Nm, and connects to a four-speed automatic transmission.

Claimed combined fuel consumption comes in at 5.6l/100km for this model.

The Kia then rides on 14-inch alloy wheels and weighs in at 1,066kg, while the Suzuki wears 15-inch steel wheels with plastic covers and has a kerb weight of 1,020kg.

The Pegas is a bit smaller, however, measuring in at 4,300mm long, 1,730mm wide, and 1,460mm tall – making the Ciaz 190mm longer, 30mm wider, and 15mm taller.

As a result, the Kia carries 475 litres of cargo – while the Suzuki supports a maximum boot capacity of 480 litres.