VOLVO versus KIA
SPLURGE (above): Volvo C30 2.0 D SE Lux, £19,500
SAVE (below): Kia Procee’d CRDi 3, £14,300
LOWDOWN: Kia’s clumsily-named three-door hatchback, the Procee’d, may have been inspired by the Audi A3 but the car it most resembles is surely the C30 - arguably the funkiest car in Volvo’s range. In a highly scientific market research experiment I asked four colleagues if they could tell the difference between these sporty-looking hatches and only two could.
A solid mid-range example of the C30 will cost around £20,000 but the Procee’d range starts from little more than £12,000 on the road. A decent spec diesel CRDi 3 Procee’d, capable of 50mpg, costs just over £14,000, representing a saving of some £5,200 on the Volvo.
Kia’s badge definitely lacks the clout of Volvo’s but this is another Far East firm that has made big advances in recent years. Despite its sporty look the Kia is no driver’s car - but then neither, frankly, is the C30.
SAVING: £5,200 LOOKALIKE RATING: 8/10
VERDICT: The Kia looks good in the currently fashionable colour of white. I expect to see more and more of these on the road.
5 Comments
Peter what are you on about, it looks nothing like the Volvo, its more like a Toyota Corolla T Sport.
I think the only thing the 300C has in common with the Bentley is rarity. In my view the 300C (or Dodge Magnum - same car) looks nothing like a Bentley. As for holding its resale value better than a 5-Series, that probably says more about the 5-Series and the step backward from the previous model - M5 excepted.
I think the 300c has all the qualities of the bentley continental, except giving you the ability to say,ooh i spent £100,000 on my car. Wait, thats a good thing.
Looking through all the photos and details, I can honestly say if I had the money I would buy the dearer car everytime. Chrysler is not a Bentley is it and never will be. I only drive a humble Vauxhall Astra, but aspire to a Lexus, or Mercedes. All 3 are value for money reliable cars, but you pays your money you takes your choice.
It goes without saying we would probably all go for the premium vehicles, as much for prestige than anything else.
However, with the 300C Chrysler is onto a winner. Its a bold design and definitely distinctive. Looks a LOT more expensive than it is. I saw one being run as a taxi at Munich airport and all the drivers were very interested in it and looking on in envy - this is the country where every taxi is a Merc.
Great to see a manufacturer trying something new and superb value for money with great resids - a good buy if you are in the market for one of these cars.
Cheers,
Mark