Despite attempts to make the Picanto look more assertive, it’s still a charmer. But faced with discounting at rivals, it’s no longer a bargain-basement buy
WHEN KIA first launched the Picanto in Ireland, it chose to do so at Dublin Zoo. It was a fitting backdrop for a car that had rated quite high for “cuddly toy” comparisons. The Koreans were eager to play up the idea that this little city car was not just some bog-standard cheap-as-chips excuse for a decent car. It had a styling that fitted its eager little engine. There was not an ounce of aggression or ego about the Picanto. And that’s perhaps why I liked it so much.
This latest version adopts the more menacing front styling of the rest of the Kia range and a few side creases supposedly to give it a more sporting appeal. In reality, however, it’s still the eager little runabout it was before. Despite the best endeavours of the designers, this latest Picanto retains its “cuddly” DNA.
Kia is merely following the lead of other small car brands in attempting to make its city car more assertive. In reality they just look silly, like a toddler with a tantrum. No one is really going to be wowed or impressed by a city car. The best they can hope for is that they’re regarded as eager, friendly and a little cheeky. And in the mix with pedestrians and cyclists, there’s nothing wrong with that.
I have always harboured a soft-spot for the Picanto and despite the best efforts of the designers, my warmth towards the little car remains intact. The 1-litre engine is underpowered when you try to push it too hard, and above 3,500rpm the whine of the engine echoes through the cabin. But keep it at city speeds and it’s an able performer.
You also don’t feel like a pauper when you climb inside. Previously, the cabins in small Asian cars had all the panache of the waiting area at a social welfare office, but these days even a car that carries a bargain-basement price is awash with the newest motoring gadgetry.
Last week we spent a good deal of time commuting through town listening to our music shuffling on our iPhone, while playing with the in-car voice activation system.
In driving terms, push on a little too hard on the roundabout and that comforting light flickers on the dashboard. The stability system momentarily takes control and keeps the car on the straight and narrow. Hit the brakes, and the intermittent grab of the ABS lets you retain steering control of the car.
None of these features might seem the stuff of science fiction but five years ago you would never expect to find any of them in a premium saloon, never mind a €12,500 Korean city car.
The new Picanto is a symbol of how far technology and safety equipment have progressed into the mainstream in recent years. It only struck home when we gave a lift to the owner of a three-year-old Ford Focus and witnessed his surprise at what was on offer in the little Kia.
So to the all-important question: how does it rate against the opposition? The Picanto is up against strong rivals. Its fellow Korean, Hyundai, has a very strong rival with the i10, while Fiat is preparing a new Panda for launch here in March. There are certainly more options for your €12,500 than there once was.
With the seven-year warranty, the Picanto has the edge. Even though the warranty comes with a mileage limit of 150,000km, few if any motorists will reach that sort of distance in a city car before the seven years are up. And it’s that sort of peace of mind that will win over the small-car buyer.
There are, however, those who think more of the here and now. For them, and for buyers looking for a little more space, the obvious rival to Picanto – and all city cars – remains the heavily discounted Renault Clio.
The French brand has retained a form of scrappage deal until the end of this month, but even without it there is a trade-in offer that means you shouldn’t be paying more than €12,500 for a Clio. You might even walk away with one for €10,990 and that’s with a pretty decent Dynamic specification.
The Clio offer might be distorting the city car market, but buyers don’t care. They’ll weigh up the fact you get a bigger car for small car money. That’s what Picanto has to overcome. And despite the short-term temptation, it’s not an impossible task.
While it might not be the sturdiest city car on the road, it does come with an impressive array of kit. As a second car or runabout it would share our top spot with the Toyota Aygo, but the Kia’s seven-year warranty would win us over due to the extra peace of mind, something prudent city car buyers will appreciate. The impressive level of standard safety equipment also makes it a very tempting purchase for first-time buyers. The Picanto may have matured, but for us it’s the same little charmer we came across in Dublin Zoo several years ago.
Factfile
Engine998cc petrol engines with five-speed transmission, putting out 68bhp at 6,200rpm and 95Nm of torque at 3,500rpm
0-100km/h13.9 secs
Top speed153km/h
SpecificationTwin front, side and curtain airbags; ABS with electronic brake distribution; ESP stability control with hill assist control and brake assist; Isofix tethers; remote central locking; alarm system with engine immobiliser; 14-inch steel wheels; tyre inflation system (instead of spare); rear foglight; body-coloured bumpers and mirrors; daytime running lights; radio/CD with four speakers; cloth upholstery; 60L409 split folding rear seats; front electric windows; 12V power socket. EX upgrade (€1,100) adds: front foglights; chrome-finish door handles and grille; USB and iPod connections; leather-trimmed steering wheel with audio controls; manual air-con; undertray for front passenger seat; rear electric windows; Bluetooth with voice activation and voice recognition.
L/100km (mpg)urban – 5.4 (52.3); extra-urban – 3.6 (78.5); combined – 4.2 (67.3)
Emissions (motor tax)99g/km (€104)
Bootspace200-605 litres
Price€12,595 (LX version is €11,495)
The Rivals
Fiat Panda 1.2 Dynamic
Bhp69
0-100km/h13.4 secs
L/100km (mpg)4.9 (57.7)
Emissions (motor tax)113g/km (€104)
Bootspace206-860 litres
Price€11,295
Nissan Pixo 1.0 SVE
Bhp68
0-100km/h14.0 secs
L/100km (mpg)4.4 (64.2)
Emissions (motor tax)103g/km (€104)
Bootspace129-774 litres
Price€10,860
Hyundai i10 1.1 Deluxe
Bhp68
0-100km/h15 secs
L/100km (mpg)4.7 (60.1)
Emissions (motor tax)110g/km (€104)
Bootspace225-910 litres
Price€11,995
Toyota Aygo 1.0 5dr Strata
Bhp68
0-100km/h14.2 secs
L/100km (mpg)4.5 (62.8)
Emissions (motor tax)106g/km (€104)
Bootspace139 litres
Price€12,250