Volkswagen Transporter vs Opel Zafira vs Hyundai Staria: Which is the best value for money?

Those with a budget of R1.0-million for a people mover have many competent options, with the Volkswagen Transporter being arguably the most well established. How does the Transporter compare with two competent rivals when it comes to value for money?

Those in the market for a new hatchback in the R300 000 bracket will have several competent options to choose from, one of which is the Renault Clio. For today’s comparison, we will be comparing the Life-spec Clio with the base model Opel Corsa and LX-spec Kia Rio to determine which offers the best value for money.

Practicality

The trio are all very similar in terms of dimensions, but it is the Renault with the largest boot, followed by the Kia and then the Opel. Despite the boot space advantage, there is very little to differentiate the products from an interior space perspective.

Performance

In terms of performance, the Corsa is at a disadvantage, sporting the lowest power and torque figures, followed by the Kia which has a lower torque figure than the Clio while coming in over 150kg heavier than the Renault. When looking at efficiency, all three products have nearly identical claimed fuel consumption figures, with Renault just pipping the Opel and Kia to the post.

*This table was compiled with information sourced from www.duoporta.co.za as well as the official press releases of each model.

Specification

All three models feature the basics, with ABS, airbags (four in the Clio, six in the Corsa and two in the Kia), ISOFIX child seat anchor points, cloth-covered seats, airconditioning, multifunction steering wheels, front and rear electric windows, an audio system with Bluetooth connectivity and remote central locking. Both the Renault and Opel get cruise control and rear Park Distance Control while the Kia gets front fog lights and alloy wheels.

Safety

The Clio was crash tested by the Euro NCAP programme in 2019 and received 5-Stars, with 96% for adult occupant safety, 89% for child occupant safety, 72% for vulnerable road users and 75% for its safety assistance systems. The Corsa was tested by the same programme in 2019 and received a 4-Star with 84% for adult occupant safety, 86% for child occupant safety, 66% for pedestrian safety and 69% for its safety assistance systems. In 2017, Euro NCAP tested the Kia Rio, and it achieved a 3-Star safety rating, with 85% for adult occupant safety, 84% for child occupant safety, 62% for pedestrian safety and 25% for its safety assistance systems.

Warranty and maintenance

In the warranty department, the Kia is the best offering, with a 5-year/unlimited mileage warranty and 4-year/60 000km service plan, followed by Opel which gets a 3-year/45 000km service plan and 3-year/120 000km warranty with the Clio in third place with a 5-year/150 000km warranty and a 2-year/30 000km service plan.

Verdict

Looking at the data, there is not a product here that offers poor value for money, but there can only be one winner and the Renault Clio edges it by the smallest of margins by virtue of its strong performance across the categories listed.

Sean NurseWith a lifelong passion for cars, bikes, and motorsport, Sean knew that attaining a degree in journalism would allow him to pursue his passion, which was to be a motoring journalist. After graduating in 2012, Sean was awarded a bursary from the SAGMJ which allowed him to work for a variety of motoring publications. This was a dream come true for Sean, and after a year of gaining vital industry experience, he was hired as a motoring journalist at a local newspaper and worked his way up to editor. In 2020, Sean joined the AutoTrader team and counts himself lucky to wake up and genuinely love what he does for a living.View News & Reviews

Keyword: Volkswagen Transporter vs Opel Zafira vs Hyundai Staria: Which is the best value for money?