Small, inexpensive city cars have not vanished entirely from Europe's automotive landscape. One of them is the Kia Picanto. A nice small-scale Korean car, tested as a realistic remedy.
What a delightful profession to be a motoring journalist, where you get to drive across Europe in car after car, each one more sumptuous and powerful than the last. At times, however, it's refreshing to return to basics: cars that are accessible to everyone. A vitamin is in order. The Kia Picanto is the perfect medicine. There's no question of reverting to the past or belittling it, as being small and efficient is certainly not more challenging than focusing on technology and innovation. With great enthusiasm, I took the keys to the city car's most stylish GT Line and spent a week testing it on every type of road throughout Belgium.
Techno
Right from the start, the 8-inch central touchscreen is an attention-grabber. Kia has clearly understood that the urban car market encompasses many young drivers. This may be the first new vehicle they can afford. So not only is the styling in focus, but also the interior, reflecting the spirit of the times. The Korean has navigation, but also supports compatibility with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, complete with the right USB-C connector. The control mounted behind the steering wheel is just as digital. There are controls on the steering wheel and a row of physical buttons, notably for climate control, which is always more ergonomic than 1,000 menus on a screen. And that's particularly relevant for another segment of the target audience: grandparents.
Good leverage
As soon as you start driving, you'll notice one significant drawback. The cruise control seems less useful when you can't view the speed that's been recorded. I looked, but was unable to find a way to display the set speed on the dashboard. This makes it impractical. Although, it might be useful for long highway trips. The old-fashioned handbrake between the seats, increasingly being replaced by an automated electric device, has a somewhat outdated feel to it. However, this relic can still be useful when making sharp turns on snowy roads with winter tires, and it's also cost-effective. Besides, it's also relevant to note that the Kia Picanto is still available with a 5-speed manual gearbox. Additionally, Kia hasn't forgotten about its customers who want an easy-to-drive car, so the Picanto can also be equipped with an automatic gearbox, including the 62hp entry-level engine.
A gust of crisp, clean air
It's a 1.2 l 4-cylinder engines that produces 79 bhp and 113 Nm without forced air. mph to 62 mph tops out at 13 seconds, feeling like a feather at the ready to dance across the floor with every gear change. Lacking a turbo, you need to rev the engine for any available power. Additional gear shifts for overtaking or tight turns are necessary. Lastly, once out of the 30 and 50 mph limits, you must maintain momentum through the power of control. As a result, fuel consumption averages at 5.6 l/100 km.
Well
Overall, the car is very pleasant to drive. Particularly in town, it's docile and easy to handle, with precise and helpful steering. Narrow and agile, it navigates urban streets with ease. It turns around just as smoothly. In underground parking garages, you don't feel cramped. The Picanto comes equipped with the standard driving aids, and for a reasonable price, you can upgrade the advanced safety features with an optional package. However, a reversing camera is already included as a standard feature. This is a plus for parking. Despite its 11.81-foot length, the Kia is officially a 5-door, 5-seater. At full capacity, it might be a bit cramped. The trunk is proportionate to the size of the car: small. As a result, some of the weekly grocery shopping has ended up on the back seat. The rear seat can be folded down.
Nothing goes right
Today's pollution standards and safety requirements for new cars fail to address the primary concern for the average buyer in 2024: affordability. The Kia Picanto, in its current state, demands a budget of at least €16,000 with 58hp, and a significant increase to almost €20,000 for the 79hp engine found in our test model. Even the GT-Line variant exceeds €21,000 in Belgium and CHF25,000 in Switzerland. Fortunately, the situation is slightly more affordable in France, with the most desirable configurations available for under €20,000. One positive note is that the options are limited, and the package that includes additional features such as a sunroof and advanced driving aids is priced at €900 in both Belgium and France. The automatic transmission, however, adds an extra €1,000. A silver lining is that the vehicle's price is still eligible for tax benefits. Furthermore, Kia offers a generous 7-year warranty on the Picanto. In conclusion, the Picanto strikes a balance between being accessible to both younger and older drivers, offering a driving experience that is neither overly technologically advanced nor excessively awkward. The combination of simplicity, comfort, and enjoyment makes the Picanto a well-rounded vehicle that meets the essential needs of its users.
Cargo Space with Olivier Duquesne - Source: Kia - Picture: Olivier Duquesne
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