Kia Picanto – characterful fun
Words by Mark Slack
Small city cars are an endangered species it seems nowadays, the SUV rules the showrooms but there are a few exceptions and one of these is Kia’s Picanto. It’s been in the sales brochures since 2004 and remains one of the most popular small city cars. The range starts at a modest, by today’s standards, £16,695 and standard equipment across the range includes cruise control, heated and adjustable door mirrors, Apple Car Play and Android Auto, navigation, auto lights, TPMS and reversing camera with sensors.
The three model Picanto line-up starts with the Pure grade and follows on with the GT Line and GT Line S. Picanto power is a 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine with either 5-speed manual or 5-speed automatic.
Despite the Picanto’s diminutive size it’s surprising how spacious it is inside, don’t get me wrong you won’t be packing for four people on a week’s camping holiday. However, unless you have very long legs and lots of luggage, you’ll be pleasantly surprised. Although there is quite a lot of hard plastics the interior looks and feels pretty decent and doesn’t feel like a cheap option.
My top-of-the-range GT-Line S model is a fantastically well-equipped car with heated seats, steering wheel, auto lights including high-beam assist, electric glass tilt and slide sunroof, automatic air conditioning, faux leather upholstery, keyless start and entry/exit, rear privacy glass, wireless mobile charging, the list is endless.
On the road the Picanto has the usual array of bings, bongs and chimes for seemingly anything the driver does, but then that’s common to all new cars irrespective of manufacturer. The ride is good and the visibility excellent, and being able to see all four corners of the car makes it a doddle to manoeuvre in tight spaces.
It’s a car that can be immense fun, certainly it’s got character, but the engine is its downside. If you are using the Picanto for urban driving, which to be fair it’s designed for, then you’ll thoroughly enjoy the drive. Meet the slightest incline or need a turn of speed to join a fast road and you’ll need to make very good use of the gears. The price tag of my top-of-the-range GT-Line S at £19,545 is also a potential stumbling block when you look at some of the competition.
All that said the Picanto achieves something few ‘ordinary’ cars can manage, it puts a smile on the driver’s face.
Words by Mark Slack
