Competitor ads bashing smart

[SmartCard]

Noticed ths half page ad on the front page of our local papers classified section the other day by Kia:

"Make the Smarter Choice"

2008 Kia Rio Sedan <-> "not so smart" fortwo passion coupe

110 HP, 4 seats, 4 speaker stereo <-> 71 HP, 2 seats, 2 speaker stereo

10 year/100,000 mile warranty <-> 2 year/24,000 mile warranty

$9990 <-> $13,590

Save over $3500 with a Rio!


Wow.....how exciting!
The ad also claims th Rio gets up to 41 mpgs as well?

In any event, has anyone else come across these types of ads knocking the fortwo in press, radio or tv?

[Turbo42]

Originally Posted by SmartCard

Noticed ths half page ad on the front page of our local papers classified section the other day by Kia:

"Make the Smarter Choice"

2008 Kia Rio Sedan <-> "not so smart" fortwo passion coupe

110 HP, 4 seats, 4 speaker stereo <-> 71 HP, 2 seats, 2 speaker stereo

10 year/100,000 mile warranty <-> 2 year/24,000 mile warranty

$9990 <-> $13,590

Save over $3500 with a Rio!


Wow.....how exciting!
The ad also claims th Rio gets up to 41 mpgs as well?

In any event, has anyone else come across these types of ads knocking the fortwo in press, radio or tv?

and all in all at the end of the day your still driving a pos kia rio

[sk8ndad]

From Kia Motors website:

5-speed manual 27 city / 32 hwy (mpg)
4-speed automatic 25 city / 35 hwy (mpg)
Fuel capacity 11.9 (gallons)

[RedDogInCan]

MSRP on the base model Rio is also $12,145 according to the Kia website.

If you want power windows, remote locking and ABS brakes it will set you back $14,875.

[Orphan-Beggar]

It is a little surprising seeing competitors comparing the high demand, wait-lised, fortwo.

However, for those who can't handle the wait, need a four seater, need a second inexpensive, high mpg vehicle, this is understandable.

Kia offers rebates-can sell under MSRP

[jwight]

Would be interesting to know if the ad is from Kia USA or from a local dealer. Don't think the parent organization would hedge on the mpg numbers. Either way, Kia is offering deals on their cars (as are other makers) so the real world price of a Kia does beat the smart price. How long would the average driver have to drive the smart to make up the $3,500 difference in price? I think for the average driver looking at only one car and a family to haul around the smart is a tough sell; throw in the price differential and it's even tougher.

[tcollins648]

Originally Posted by jwight

Would be interesting to know if the ad is from Kia USA or from a local dealer. Don't think the parent organization would hedge on the mpg numbers. Either way, Kia is offering deals on their cars (as are other makers) so the real world price of a Kia does beat the smart price. How long would the average driver have to drive the smart to make up the $3,500 difference in price? I think for the average driver looking at only one car and a family to haul around the smart is a tough sell; throw in the price differential and it's even tougher.

You make a VERY good point here. We bought the smart as pretty much a toy for getting around town somewhat cheaply. When you do the math and factor in premium vs. regular, along with purchase costs, etc. I would guess the smart is higher per mile cost than the Kia product. However, we bought the car for fun and it works great for running around the valley for errands and meetings, as opposed to my F250 Super Duty diesel truck, which is MUCH more expensive to operate per mile.

A young married couple may buy a smartfortwo as their first fun car, and then have to sell it and get the Kia when they start making babies. From a practical stand point, the smartfortwo is somewhat limited in it's application. I am amazed at the people who apparently buy the smart as their primary mode of transportation and can't figure a way to get a family of four into it for a trip to see grandma.

[Kermit]

With the Kia the price of car drops all most as fast as the parts fall off the car once you leave stealership.

Actually, a friend of mine has a Kia and it isn't too bad of a car besides the point that they didn't change the oil for 25,000 miles!!!. For anyone getting one, they better be prepared to keep it forever. Resale sucks.

[Dave Van]

I'd not allow my cat to ride in a Rio......I'll take my $11.530 Smart any day...

[2smartArizona]

I'm gonna bet it is from a local dealer and has nothing to do with Kia USA. We often see these kind of comparo ads here in our town, and I'm not bothered by it except they should have quoted the price of the Pure, not the Passion for comparison. BTW, local KIA dealer is selling (or maybe not selling but rather advertising) a car for $8990. Cars sales are way down in Tucson. Big trucks on sale for 1/2 price still, but not many takers.
I think even sales on the cheapest cars have got to be hurting as things are going to be going the way of Europe. People are going to start to be willing to pay more money for cars that get better mileage and hopefully we will even get some of the luxury economy cars here soon too, like the A2 and A Classe.