Automobile Blog

Kia Picanto

Kia Motors Corporation, is among the world’s fastest growing car companies. Kia Picanto is very capable on open roads. The skinny tyres provide decent grip, and although body control could be kept in better check, it feels competent when pushed hard.

Kia has listened to customers, and in response to their demands, the indicator stalks are now on the left hand side of the steering wheel. Elsewhere, the cee’d influence continues across the Kia range.

The Picanto is available as a four or five seater with a choice of two petrol engines. The initial three model line-up includes the 1.0 litre GS 5-Seater, 1.1 litre LX 5-Seater and 1.1 litre SE 4-Seater. A 1.1 litre diesel engine will be introduced in 2005. Prices range from £5,495 for the 1.0 GS to £7,295 for the 1.1 SE. On the road the Picanto performs reasonably well – light controls making it easy to drive and with handling up to the challenge of ziping around town.

Beyond city limits performance is very limited, especially with the less powerful 1.0 litre engine – although the 1.1 litre option is markedly better at cruising. It has some quirks in that power steering is not offered. Instead the steering is geared very low for easy parking and this makes it feel a little vague at higher speeds. Tight on boot space, the Picanto also dispenses with a spare wheel, instead having a tyre inflation kit.

The styling for the Picanto also reflects future trends in the A-segment market, where the percentage of five-door/five-seat cars is expected to increase over the next few years. At the same time, a shift toward five-door models in general will see this section of the market increase considerably.

Technical Specification of Kia Picanto