The 2017 Kia Picanto is here for all your budget city car motoring needs. Here is everything you need to know, including the UK cost, trim levels, engine performance, fuel economy and when it goes on sale.
Tempted by the new Kia Picanto? It is okay if you are because, as we found out during our European road test in Tuscany, it is a very likable small car you can buy for not so big sum.
Here are 10 reasons why it is worth considering the A-segment car, which goes up against the likes of the VW Up, Hyundai i10, Skoda Citigo and other city cars.
1) Adults can fit inside
The new Kia Picanto is the same size as its predecessor in all but height, where it has grown 5mm. The wheelbase has also increased by 15mm and the overhangs adjusted to make it roomier inside, allowing the lower six-foot club to fit in the front and back without being in pain.
2) Apple CarPlay and Android Auto in one
It is becoming common for cars to offer either Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, but in the case of the Kia Picanto and the Rio you can enjoy both. That is, providing you front up extra for the Grade 3 or GT Line S models, which start from £12,650 and £13,950, respectively, to have both as standard.
3) It looks sporty
Even in the basic form, the new Kia Picanto has a playful look to it. With GT Line and GT Line S adding other visual enhancements, including sporty little 16-inch wheels, you end up with a purposeful city car that will appeal to more than just those who have gained access to their pension.
4) The engines are peppy
66bhp is, to put it mildly, borderline hairdryer levels of power. But the 1.0-litre offers enough punch at low speeds for weaving in and out of traffic and just about acceptable oomph to get you to the motorway limit. The larger 1.25-litre is peppier (and you pay extra for it), but it will be the forthcoming 99bhp 1.0-litre TGDi turbocharged petrol that will provide the most go.
5) You can drive it fast…
The 2017 Kia Picanto manages to avoid feeling like a shopping trolley. In its third-generation, Kia has turned it into a competent little handler with torque vectoring able to help steer a car round a bend without understeer interfering as much. It has a mature edge to it, but a touch of speed and some country roads can be made fun with speed.
6) …And you will survive
One of the most noticeable traits of the new Kia Picanto is the suspension. Though similar in principle to what is on its predecessor, revisions to the design have resulted in lump and bump-soaking abilities larger cars would be proud of. Even on terrible roads, it manages to stay reasonably composed and that was even with the 16-inch alloys.
7) Grade ‘3’ is confusingly placed
Grade 3 should come after grade 2, really, but a few differences between it and GT Line mean it makes more sense to go for the former. It has, for example, the seven-inch infotainment system and autonomous emergency braking as standard, both of which are worthwhile extras. The rear parking camera and sensors less so, but it is nice to have the option.
8) The standard spec is good-ish
On the subject of specifications, the bottom of the range ‘1’ comes with electric windows, 60:40 split-folding rear seats, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, Hill-start Assist Control and automatic headlights. King of the range is GT Line S, which gets fancy stuff such as a wireless car charger and a push-start button.
9) That warranty
To help get over the fact you are buying a Kia, which has less appeal than a VW (for some people, anyway), you get a generous warranty. Seven years or 100,000 miles, in fact, which is a long time to have more peace of mind than usual – and it can be transferred when you sell the car. Only Hyundai’s five year unlimited mileage offering comes close.
10) The price is right
You can pick up a new Kia Picanto from £9,450 if you can stomach a very basic radio and the aforementioned extras, which makes it competitive with the VW Up. There is some incentive to spend more, particularly those who will do a lot of miles and want the better radio, but it feels like a quality car throughout the range. Orders are open now.
Leave a Reply