KIA RIO

As we continue our Asian invasion theme on Around the Spend. This month, we’re looking at the Kia Rio. Hippo has provided over 10,000 comparative Car Insurance quotes since July on this plucky little motor, from one of the first waves of Korean car manufacturers that have made enormous strides in SA, by being reliable (with warranties to back it up), compact, feature-packed, and efficient.

Despite all these rather practical aspects, they still decided to name it after one of the most supercharged, sexy, sultry, subtropical seaside cities on earth; Rio De Janeiro. For the local market, the Kia Ballito, Kia Clifton, or Kia Plettenberg probably didn’t make it through research.

Driving a Rio means you want to live life like you’re at the Rio Carnival, even if you only live near Carnival City. You want to bring that samba flavor to Fourways, keep it tropical in traffic, and capoeira Kempton Park while living la vida Rio.

By getting comparative quotes through Hippo, on average, drivers save R390pm* on their Car Insurance, which can be used to keep your Jozi a bit more De Janeiro with the following:

SUNSCREEN

In Mzansi (and Rio), you gotta protect yourself from the Earth’s sun as it beats down on us almost constantly. If you’re really into making a sunscreen statement, (and preferably not too keen on sharing) you can splash out on Parisien brand Sisley’s Phyto-Blanc Le Soin (at a chilled R6100 for 40ml). You’d have to save up for a few months (preferably over Winter) but you’re worth it.

Alternatively, you could still keep it French and go with Vichy - which at around 315 bucks also keeps you un-sunburnt with the bonus of only having to save your Hippo savings for a month!

SWIMWEAR

Even if you’re in traffic on a foggy Jozi morning, there’s something reassuring about having some bathing attire in the boot of your Rio. Y’know, just in case a pool party text comes through, or you decide to drive to Durbs or The Valley of Waves. It is said that Rio’s Copacabana beach is the great equalizer. When in swimwear, everyone is the same, regardless of societal status.

All you have to show off is what you’re wearing. From a thong to a sarong, a bikini to an in-betweeny, a classic bathing suit to a wetsuit. With the R390* you can save on average with Hippo every month when it comes to Car Insurance from the best insurance companies in SA.

A quick glimpse around the webs, revealed some interesting locally made and styled options.

BEACH CULT 

Serengeti White - Estella - R950. Just over 2 Months of Hippo savings.

ME AND THE SEA

Chocolate Cover Up Skirt - R680.2 Months of Hippo savings.

GABRIELLE SWIMWEAR 

Plunge Kogelberg BLK - R1450.3 Months of Hippo Savings.

SUNGLASSES

As everyone knows, the sun comes up every morning (except in Scandinavia during Winter) and nowhere does it shine more brightly than in Mzansi (and Rio) the whole year round. For this reason, sunglasses are not just a necessary accessory, but a fashion statement. With the money Hippo saves you, the future looks perfectly UV-blocked. Here you can go for style over effectiveness, -or both- with these options.

PERSOL 

R5050. Almost a year of Hippo Savings.

COTTON ON

R199. If you’re the sort of person who happens to lose your sunnies or sit on them regularly, go with this stylish, thrifty option from Cotton On and grab a few pairs of their Ophelia range. With your Hippo savings, you can buy 2 pairs a month.

UNKNOWN EYEWEAR

R495. A month and a half of Hippo Savings.

GYM MEMBERSHIP 

They say Summer bodies are built in Winter, but if you live that lekker-climate-all-year-Rio kinda life - which is more about your outlook than the actual weather - it’s never too late to hit the gym. Spinning class, Pilates, weight training (never skipping leg day), swimming, or just the steam room to unwind with a towel.

You can get that Copacabana bod by choosing one of the myriad of gym options available, especially if you’ve decided to join the Vitality pyramid of self-betterment. The R390* you save with Hippo can be put to work every month to get you working out all across the country. 

SUNDOWNS 

Mamelodi Sundowns, or the “Brazilians” as they are fondly known, have been the most successful PSL team in recent years. If you don’t yet have a team you support, you can’t go wrong with going full joga bonito shibobo and getting yourself a Sundowns replica kit from Puma for just over a grand, meaning you can be a proud supporter in only 3 months by saving R390pm* with Hippo.

SAVE TODAY 

No matter what you drive, or how tropical you like your life to be, everyone could do with a few more bucks in their bank at the end of the month. As mentioned, our clients save R390pm* on average when comparing Car Insurance. When comparing other products through Hippo you can save R597pm*!

So let’s go, let’s Hippo!

Hippo Comparative Services (Pty) Ltd is an authorised financial service provider. FSP Number 16357. *Based on independent research by Kaufman Levin & Associates, 2023.