Kia Picanto 1.1 (A) Review
16 Sep 2010|27,853 views
The Picanto is a great small car that's big on interior space. Like all Kia models, it is well put together and generously equipped, while light steering and a neat turning radius of 4.6 metres make it ideal for nipping in and out of small spaces and ensures easy parking.
Kia injected new life into the model with a facelift, giving it a new pair of headlights and front grille. As before, it is still available exclusively as a five-door, making it ideal if you have young children.
Being a hit as a new car comes as no surprise given the fact that the Picanto looks way better than its previous model (interior and exterior wise) and is a really comfortable car to drive around our roads - just as it was designed to be.
Exterior
The new Kia Picanto looks charming mainly because it is charming. Nevertheless, the frame of this handsome lad is just a beauty to behold. At first glance, the revamped Picanto looks quite similar to its previous model. They're both cute-looking and it has a fascia that is still as distinctive as ever due to its grille, giving it a look similar to that of a baby tiger.
But there's a new design for the front bumper, new black bezel headlights and new front Schreyer Grille that give the car a fresher look. Comparing it to the previous Picanto, the rear bumper and lights of the current one have also been revised. Together, these changes saw a slight increment of close to 40mm in the overall length.
Kia injected new life into the model with a facelift, giving it a new pair of headlights and front grille. As before, it is still available exclusively as a five-door, making it ideal if you have young children.
Being a hit as a new car comes as no surprise given the fact that the Picanto looks way better than its previous model (interior and exterior wise) and is a really comfortable car to drive around our roads - just as it was designed to be.
Exterior
The new Kia Picanto looks charming mainly because it is charming. Nevertheless, the frame of this handsome lad is just a beauty to behold. At first glance, the revamped Picanto looks quite similar to its previous model. They're both cute-looking and it has a fascia that is still as distinctive as ever due to its grille, giving it a look similar to that of a baby tiger.
But there's a new design for the front bumper, new black bezel headlights and new front Schreyer Grille that give the car a fresher look. Comparing it to the previous Picanto, the rear bumper and lights of the current one have also been revised. Together, these changes saw a slight increment of close to 40mm in the overall length.
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Despite that, it's still a very compact five-door hatchback. At the back, taillights are now rounded and have a sportier feel when stared at.
To top it off the Picanto has an attractive exterior that is bound to catch buyers' attention.
Not only does the car have compact dimensions, it comes in a selection of vibrant colours. The one I took out for the test drive was in Scarlet Red. Kia has somehow embodied functionality, sportiness and unconventionality that conventional people seem to crave these days. And I reckon it's working well for them.
Generally, the car has heaps of potential in its class in terms of style, with fluid lines by the sides that convey fun and dynamism. The design also speaks of solidity, which I'm sure the engineers have managed to back up well.
But the big changes are inside where the car's commitment to fun continues. The cabin is given a major overhaul and is now far better.
 |
Interior
Considering the Picanto being a small car, the interior is remarkably roomy. The front passenger has a decent amount of head and legroom, although some adjusting is required if there are passengers at the back.
The rear seats are suitable for regular use by adults, albeit long journeys with three tall lads at the back can get a little uncomfortable. I reckon having two passengers at the back would be ideal. Generally, the seats are pretty good - firm enough for long distance journeys but comfortable enough for day-to-day trips.
Getting in and out of the Picanto is a piece of cake and although the boot is small, the rear seats can be folded for further storage, increasing the space from a mere 157 litres to a stunning capacity of 882 litres. Furthermore, there are extra compartments to keep things safe, including a sunglass holder, driver's tray and a couple of cupholders.
Considering the Picanto being a small car, the interior is remarkably roomy. The front passenger has a decent amount of head and legroom, although some adjusting is required if there are passengers at the back.
The rear seats are suitable for regular use by adults, albeit long journeys with three tall lads at the back can get a little uncomfortable. I reckon having two passengers at the back would be ideal. Generally, the seats are pretty good - firm enough for long distance journeys but comfortable enough for day-to-day trips.
Getting in and out of the Picanto is a piece of cake and although the boot is small, the rear seats can be folded for further storage, increasing the space from a mere 157 litres to a stunning capacity of 882 litres. Furthermore, there are extra compartments to keep things safe, including a sunglass holder, driver's tray and a couple of cupholders.
The dashboard is simple with all major controls angled towards the driver, allowing for easier access since audio controls are not available on the steering wheel. Although the steering doesn't adjust for reach, it wasn't much of a problem for me as I found the driving position acceptable.
Additionally, all the buttons are obvious and straight to the point and like most cars from Kia, it doesn't take long for one to know how to operate them.
I must give Kia some credit because I'm almost certain the engineers and designers must have given some thought to the target audiences' needs and wants. I wasn't expecting much, to be honest.
But I must admit I was taken aback when the car came with an Aux-in option as well as an iPod/MP3 cable which was attached to the glove box - something not many higher-end cars out there have. I reckon its features like these that appeal more to the younger buyers.
Additionally, all the buttons are obvious and straight to the point and like most cars from Kia, it doesn't take long for one to know how to operate them.
I must give Kia some credit because I'm almost certain the engineers and designers must have given some thought to the target audiences' needs and wants. I wasn't expecting much, to be honest.
But I must admit I was taken aback when the car came with an Aux-in option as well as an iPod/MP3 cable which was attached to the glove box - something not many higher-end cars out there have. I reckon its features like these that appeal more to the younger buyers.
 |
Drivetrain
As you'd expect given its modest size and power, it's no sinister on the road. However, it's good for pottering around minor roads.
The Picanto is dynamically competent. The skinny tires provide decent grip which help tackle corners without fuss. It feels reasonably competent when pushed hard.
Of course, if you push the car too hard into a bend or around roundabouts it will lose grip, but you would have to be doing something daft for this to affect you. But even in these conditions, the Kia Picanto felt controllable and nothing alarmed me.
While the pick up speed isn't as good as its class leaders, it's relatively stable when cruising along the highway. The only complaints are that a fair amount of body lean was experienced and there aren't any airbags for this cutie - something I'm sure Kia is working on now as we speak.
As you'd expect given its modest size and power, it's no sinister on the road. However, it's good for pottering around minor roads.
The Picanto is dynamically competent. The skinny tires provide decent grip which help tackle corners without fuss. It feels reasonably competent when pushed hard.
Of course, if you push the car too hard into a bend or around roundabouts it will lose grip, but you would have to be doing something daft for this to affect you. But even in these conditions, the Kia Picanto felt controllable and nothing alarmed me.
While the pick up speed isn't as good as its class leaders, it's relatively stable when cruising along the highway. The only complaints are that a fair amount of body lean was experienced and there aren't any airbags for this cutie - something I'm sure Kia is working on now as we speak.
Conclusion
At the price of $59,999 (as of 19 Aug 2010), this 1.1-litre cutie has a lot of heart to give. Not only has its appearance been enhanced, the spacious interior is a swell surprise, making every cent spent well worth.
Plus, with the increasing number of cars on the road now in Singapore, drivers are having a hard time moving around. But with a small, yet fun and comfortable ride like the Picanto, one can hardly go wrong.
Handling and manoeuvrability just do not seem to be part of the driver's problems in this little red riding cub.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
At the price of $59,999 (as of 19 Aug 2010), this 1.1-litre cutie has a lot of heart to give. Not only has its appearance been enhanced, the spacious interior is a swell surprise, making every cent spent well worth.
Plus, with the increasing number of cars on the road now in Singapore, drivers are having a hard time moving around. But with a small, yet fun and comfortable ride like the Picanto, one can hardly go wrong.
Handling and manoeuvrability just do not seem to be part of the driver's problems in this little red riding cub.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
The Picanto is a great small car that's big on interior space. Like all Kia models, it is well put together and generously equipped, while light steering and a neat turning radius of 4.6 metres make it ideal for nipping in and out of small spaces and ensures easy parking.
Kia injected new life into the model with a facelift, giving it a new pair of headlights and front grille. As before, it is still available exclusively as a five-door, making it ideal if you have young children.
Being a hit as a new car comes as no surprise given the fact that the Picanto looks way better than its previous model (interior and exterior wise) and is a really comfortable car to drive around our roads - just as it was designed to be.
Exterior
The new Kia Picanto looks charming mainly because it is charming. Nevertheless, the frame of this handsome lad is just a beauty to behold. At first glance, the revamped Picanto looks quite similar to its previous model. They're both cute-looking and it has a fascia that is still as distinctive as ever due to its grille, giving it a look similar to that of a baby tiger.
But there's a new design for the front bumper, new black bezel headlights and new front Schreyer Grille that give the car a fresher look. Comparing it to the previous Picanto, the rear bumper and lights of the current one have also been revised. Together, these changes saw a slight increment of close to 40mm in the overall length.
Kia injected new life into the model with a facelift, giving it a new pair of headlights and front grille. As before, it is still available exclusively as a five-door, making it ideal if you have young children.
Being a hit as a new car comes as no surprise given the fact that the Picanto looks way better than its previous model (interior and exterior wise) and is a really comfortable car to drive around our roads - just as it was designed to be.
Exterior
The new Kia Picanto looks charming mainly because it is charming. Nevertheless, the frame of this handsome lad is just a beauty to behold. At first glance, the revamped Picanto looks quite similar to its previous model. They're both cute-looking and it has a fascia that is still as distinctive as ever due to its grille, giving it a look similar to that of a baby tiger.
But there's a new design for the front bumper, new black bezel headlights and new front Schreyer Grille that give the car a fresher look. Comparing it to the previous Picanto, the rear bumper and lights of the current one have also been revised. Together, these changes saw a slight increment of close to 40mm in the overall length.
|
Despite that, it's still a very compact five-door hatchback. At the back, taillights are now rounded and have a sportier feel when stared at.
To top it off the Picanto has an attractive exterior that is bound to catch buyers' attention.
Not only does the car have compact dimensions, it comes in a selection of vibrant colours. The one I took out for the test drive was in Scarlet Red. Kia has somehow embodied functionality, sportiness and unconventionality that conventional people seem to crave these days. And I reckon it's working well for them.
Generally, the car has heaps of potential in its class in terms of style, with fluid lines by the sides that convey fun and dynamism. The design also speaks of solidity, which I'm sure the engineers have managed to back up well.
But the big changes are inside where the car's commitment to fun continues. The cabin is given a major overhaul and is now far better.
|
Interior
Considering the Picanto being a small car, the interior is remarkably roomy. The front passenger has a decent amount of head and legroom, although some adjusting is required if there are passengers at the back.
The rear seats are suitable for regular use by adults, albeit long journeys with three tall lads at the back can get a little uncomfortable. I reckon having two passengers at the back would be ideal. Generally, the seats are pretty good - firm enough for long distance journeys but comfortable enough for day-to-day trips.
Getting in and out of the Picanto is a piece of cake and although the boot is small, the rear seats can be folded for further storage, increasing the space from a mere 157 litres to a stunning capacity of 882 litres. Furthermore, there are extra compartments to keep things safe, including a sunglass holder, driver's tray and a couple of cupholders.
Considering the Picanto being a small car, the interior is remarkably roomy. The front passenger has a decent amount of head and legroom, although some adjusting is required if there are passengers at the back.
The rear seats are suitable for regular use by adults, albeit long journeys with three tall lads at the back can get a little uncomfortable. I reckon having two passengers at the back would be ideal. Generally, the seats are pretty good - firm enough for long distance journeys but comfortable enough for day-to-day trips.
Getting in and out of the Picanto is a piece of cake and although the boot is small, the rear seats can be folded for further storage, increasing the space from a mere 157 litres to a stunning capacity of 882 litres. Furthermore, there are extra compartments to keep things safe, including a sunglass holder, driver's tray and a couple of cupholders.
The dashboard is simple with all major controls angled towards the driver, allowing for easier access since audio controls are not available on the steering wheel. Although the steering doesn't adjust for reach, it wasn't much of a problem for me as I found the driving position acceptable.
Additionally, all the buttons are obvious and straight to the point and like most cars from Kia, it doesn't take long for one to know how to operate them.
I must give Kia some credit because I'm almost certain the engineers and designers must have given some thought to the target audiences' needs and wants. I wasn't expecting much, to be honest.
But I must admit I was taken aback when the car came with an Aux-in option as well as an iPod/MP3 cable which was attached to the glove box - something not many higher-end cars out there have. I reckon its features like these that appeal more to the younger buyers.
Additionally, all the buttons are obvious and straight to the point and like most cars from Kia, it doesn't take long for one to know how to operate them.
I must give Kia some credit because I'm almost certain the engineers and designers must have given some thought to the target audiences' needs and wants. I wasn't expecting much, to be honest.
But I must admit I was taken aback when the car came with an Aux-in option as well as an iPod/MP3 cable which was attached to the glove box - something not many higher-end cars out there have. I reckon its features like these that appeal more to the younger buyers.
|
Drivetrain
As you'd expect given its modest size and power, it's no sinister on the road. However, it's good for pottering around minor roads.
The Picanto is dynamically competent. The skinny tires provide decent grip which help tackle corners without fuss. It feels reasonably competent when pushed hard.
Of course, if you push the car too hard into a bend or around roundabouts it will lose grip, but you would have to be doing something daft for this to affect you. But even in these conditions, the Kia Picanto felt controllable and nothing alarmed me.
While the pick up speed isn't as good as its class leaders, it's relatively stable when cruising along the highway. The only complaints are that a fair amount of body lean was experienced and there aren't any airbags for this cutie - something I'm sure Kia is working on now as we speak.
As you'd expect given its modest size and power, it's no sinister on the road. However, it's good for pottering around minor roads.
The Picanto is dynamically competent. The skinny tires provide decent grip which help tackle corners without fuss. It feels reasonably competent when pushed hard.
Of course, if you push the car too hard into a bend or around roundabouts it will lose grip, but you would have to be doing something daft for this to affect you. But even in these conditions, the Kia Picanto felt controllable and nothing alarmed me.
While the pick up speed isn't as good as its class leaders, it's relatively stable when cruising along the highway. The only complaints are that a fair amount of body lean was experienced and there aren't any airbags for this cutie - something I'm sure Kia is working on now as we speak.
Conclusion
At the price of $59,999 (as of 19 Aug 2010), this 1.1-litre cutie has a lot of heart to give. Not only has its appearance been enhanced, the spacious interior is a swell surprise, making every cent spent well worth.
Plus, with the increasing number of cars on the road now in Singapore, drivers are having a hard time moving around. But with a small, yet fun and comfortable ride like the Picanto, one can hardly go wrong.
Handling and manoeuvrability just do not seem to be part of the driver's problems in this little red riding cub.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
At the price of $59,999 (as of 19 Aug 2010), this 1.1-litre cutie has a lot of heart to give. Not only has its appearance been enhanced, the spacious interior is a swell surprise, making every cent spent well worth.
Plus, with the increasing number of cars on the road now in Singapore, drivers are having a hard time moving around. But with a small, yet fun and comfortable ride like the Picanto, one can hardly go wrong.
Handling and manoeuvrability just do not seem to be part of the driver's problems in this little red riding cub.
What do you think? Jot down your opinions at the comment box below.
Car Information
Kia Picanto 1.1 (A)
CAT A|Petrol|14.9km/L
Horsepower
48kW (65 bhp)
Torque
96 Nm
Acceleration
17.7sec (0-100km /hr)
This model is no longer being sold by local distributor
All Used Kia Picanto
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