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Kia Picanto

We hit British roads in Koreans’ upmarket new city car

Kia Picanto front track

Text: Paul Bond / Photos: Otis Clay

June 2011

We’ve had our eye on the new Kia Picanto for a while now. An early example impressed when we drove it in Korea, and so did the eco model we tried in Issue 1,167. But how does the city car cope on UK roads?

It’s had quite a transformation from its unassuming predecessor. There’s chunky styling inspired by the Korean firm’s bigger models, and the strong family grille from the Sportage crossover.

Video: watch CarBuyer's video review of the Kia Picanto

 

Our top-spec 3 model is helped by a smart set of 15-inch alloys, chrome door handles and neat LED lights front and back. All this makes the Picanto seem like a far bigger car.

Climb aboard, and you’re greeted by a well made and attractive dashboard, with all the major controls within easy reach. The leather steering wheel mimics the grille’s shape, too, adding character to the slightly plain layout. The lack of reach adjustment is annoying, especially on a top-spec model, but finding a comfortable driving position is still straightforward.

Expensive kit such as heated seats, a Bluetooth connection and a six-speaker sound system are included as standard, adding to the grown-up, premium feel. However, it’s the way the Picanto drives that impresses most. 

For such a compact car, the ride is incredibly composed and soaks up bumps and potholes with relative ease. Around town, the 1.25-litre petrol engine is smooth and refined, and despite having only 84bhp on tap, the Kia is quick enough to meet most buyers’ needs. It also returns just over 60mpg combined.

The well weighted controls, particularly the light steering and quick gearchange, make the car very easy to drive, and tackling tight manoeuvres is no hassle. It doesn’t offer the eager handling of, say, the Suzuki Swift, but it reacts quicker to your inputs than the Nissan Micra or Toyota Aygo. 

The Kia is not perfect, though. The kit list and bold styling might be from the class above, but you would struggle to fit more than two passengers in the narrow back seats. Plus, the 200-litre boot can carry only a few small bags – even if it is an improvement over the previous model’s.

All new Picantos with the less powerful three-cylinder petrol unit sneak below the £10,000 barrier. But at £11,195, this top-spec car looks pricey, especially as the base version is more than £3,000 less.

For an alternative review of the latest Kia Picanto visit our sister site carbuyer.co.uk

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4 Comments

The Future

The Koreans are coming.... another strong car from the east....hope the west are taking note!..... quality at a good price.

By wmtmarine on 21 June, 2011, 7:46am

Agree with the above...

After a slew of German metal, it is highly likely that the next wagon will come from Korea (with either a Kia or Hyundai badge). They have finally caught up with the west - now it is us that need to catch up in terms of value and warranty provision! Kia's 7 year warranty shows 4 years more confidence in the product than the majority of European manufacturers have in their ranges!

By BARNEYM1979 on 21 June, 2011, 9:31am

Korean cars used to be really cheap. They weren't nearly as good as the best European cars, but at least they were cheap.

Now Kia is able to compete with European cars, have you noticed how expensive they have become? It seems that, if you want a really competent car, it costs the same no matter where it is produced and no matter what badge it carries.

By foto2021 on 21 June, 2011, 10:28am

Worth the money?.... I'd say!

For just under £10k you can get a Picanto 2 with the three cylinder 1.0 litre engine which will be perfectly adequate for every day motoring. Factor in a seven year warranty and a reputation for reliability and you'd be foolish to ignore what appears to be excellent value for money. As for Korean cars not being cheap any more, well the last time I checked they still offer good value compared to some manufacturers who only offer the most basic models for the same money.

By n50pap on 23 June, 2011, 10:21am

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Pictures

Kia Picanto front track
Kia Picanto rear track
Kia Picanto interior
Kia Picanto rear seats
Kia Picanto boot

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FIRST OPINION

    The new Picanto represents another huge step forward for the Korean brand. Thanks to its quiet and comfortable nature, it’s perfectly suited to city driving, while we can’t find much to fault inside or out. For us, though, the pick of the range is the EcoDynamics model, which is just as good 
    to drive as the top-spec 3 and has nearly as much equipment for less money. Plus, stop-start means it’s cheaper to run, too.
 

AT A GLANCE

    Price: £11,195
    Engine: 1.25-litre 4cyl petrol
    Power/torque: 84bhp/123Nm
    Transmission: Five-speed manual, front-wheel drive 
    0-62mph: 11.4 seconds
    Top speed: 106mph
    Econ/CO2: 60.1mpg/109g/km
    Equipment: 15-inch alloys, climate control, electric windows, leather multifunction steering wheel, LED running lights, ESP, MP3, Bluetooth, split/folding seats, heated seats
    On sale: Now 
     
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