“If you’re in the market for an entry level, compact hatch for yourself or your children and don’t want to sacrifice on style and standard features, then you need not look any further than the Kia Picanto.”
My first set of wheels was an original Volkswagen Beetle. It had what you might call character. It was also, what you might call, character building, with its propensity, to break down, frequently.
It was bought for me I’m sure as a loving gesture by my parents whose primary goals were that A) I had transportation and that, B) It didn’t cost them an arm and a leg to buy.
That was 17 years ago and it cost a whopping R5 000. As an object, it lossely fitted the definition of transportation in that it could move forward and it could stop. However it performed these functions with such an alarming irregularity even the strongest dose of Senocot couldn’t cure.
My folks had seatbelts fitted as it originally didn’t have any and that was all the thought that was given to safety.
Okay, enough reminiscing. What’s this you’re driving?
It’s the new Kia Picanto and I can assure it’s very safe and apart from that it’s had an update recently.
Nowadays if even the cheapest of cheap cars (looking at you Datsun GO) doesn’t have at least one airbag and ABS breaks fitted as standard, it’s cast aside as an unsafe and, therefore, unwanted.
Indeed, the Kia Picanto has airbags, two of them to be precise, ABS and a bunch of other nice-to-have features I could only dream of when I had just earned my right to drive.
Possibly the best looking cheap, small car since the Citroen C2, well in my opinion at least, the 2015 Picanto has received a few minor changes.
The ‘Tiger Nose’ grille is now slightly different than before and the whole front bumper is generally a little fatter and a bit squarer than the previous generation.
New foglights now act as daytime running lights and shut off automatically when the main headlights are switched on.
The model you see here is the top-of-the-range 1.2 EX model, which affords you funky 15-inch alloy wheels, extended side sills and chrome door handles. Overall it’s not hard to see why the Picanto has won a coveted international Red Dot design award as well as 3 People’s Wheels Awards for 2011, 12 and 13.
What about the interior?
When thinking back to what it was like to sit inside my Beetle, which was Spartan to say the least, it’s hard to believe just how far even budget cars, such as the Picanto, have come with regards to quality and features.
With a height adjustable seat and steering wheel, even big guys like me can find a comfortable driving position in what is a dinky little car.
Compared to my Beetle, which was devoid of any interior features whatsoever, the Picanto’s is a treasure trove of standard equipment, especially for a relatively cheap, entry level model.
Standard features across the range include manual air-conditioning, retractable dual cup holders and sun visors with vanity mirrors. AUX/iPod/USB connections for the radio / CD player with MP3 compatibility and six speakers.
Over and above on the 1.2 EX model, steering wheel mounted controls with hands-free Bluetooth connectivity, electric windows front, and rear, as well as electric and heated side mirrors, are also included as standard.
The only optional extra you might want to specify is a sunroof, which Kia will happily fit for you.
And to drive?
Under the bonnet, you’ll find the same 3-cylinder engines from the previous generation model – which is no bad thing – available in two states of tune 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre guise, and it’s the 1.2 I had the opportunity to drive, in EX spec, for the week.
Having driven the 1-litre extensively (my wife owns one), I can say that if you can stretch to the 1.2 model, do so. The extra engine capacity makes a huge difference in day-to-day conditions, those 300cc making all the difference.
It develops 65kW and 120Nm which is plenty for the diminutive Picanto mated to a slick 5-speed manual gearbox, driving the front wheels.
Granted if you in a huge hurry, you’ll need to rev the little triple to within an inch of its life, which is no problem because it’ll happily do so.
Once you’re up and running, it’ll cruises happily at 120km/h with just enough torque to keep up with the cut and thrust of highway driving. At which point you’ll be able to get the fuel consumption down to 6/100km or less even. Tis a frugal little thing.
Okay, let’s wrap this up
Let’s talk about price. The Picanto 1.2 EX costs R150 995 with the entry level model setting you back R137 995. Included across the range is a 5 year/150 000km warranty with the option of a 2 year/45 000km service plan.
Is it fair to compare my Beetle to the brand new Picanto? Of course not, it’s a silly comparison. What is for sure is that time certainly has marched on since I first stepped into a car as a driver.
Moreover, I can’t help feel slightly jealous of the current young generation who have so many options available to them, when it comes to either buying or being given their first set of wheels.
So, if you’re in the market for an entry level, compact hatch for yourself or your children and don’t want to sacrifice on style and standard features, then you need not look any further than the Kia Picanto.