Went to test drive both the Kia Rio SLi (top of the line) and the polo TSI comfort line yesterday in Essendon.

I tested the Polo (MY10 i think - with the chunky DSG knob - looks horrible). Thank god that the MY12.5 model doesn't have the same knob. In compared to the rio, the power delivery in the Polo is definitely better (I'm not a car expert, but I do pay attention to how the car drives). As I read more and more into it, I realised that what I don't like is the high RPM power deliveries in the Rio, because it feels like I have to push very hard to get going, where else the Polo kicks in at low RPM.

The interesting thing though - is that I drove to the dealers with my friend's Golf 2.0 TDI turbo. Please correct me if I'm wrong but that seems to be smoother, and much more powerful. Now I realised that it is the torque that is making the difference (again, correct me if I'm wrong). If I am right, I am a little dissapointed that the 77TSI won't perform as well as the Golf (which really pulled me into VW in the first place).

Comparing within the same class however, the RIO has less torque and is heavier by like 130 kgs. The drive on the VW is still definitely way better. The seats on the back of the RIO is much more generous on space and the seating position, as compared to the smaller Polo.

After yesterday, my heart says VW. But I have not made up my mind yet. Like some people here, above all the pricing and drive, I may be a little snobbish but I do also have the personality to go for a European instead of Koreans. Plus the Kia salesperson in Essendon was rude as! (Don't go there!).

Please advise on my comparison between the Golf TDI and the Polo TSI. I was hoping for both to deliver roughly the same performance but it seems like I'm wrong.