By Ewan Kennedy, Marque Motoring
Google tells us that “Picanto” relates to the Spanish and Italian words “picante/piccante”, meaning “spicy”. The Kia Picanto does have a “spicy” look that could also be called cute.
This is one of the smallest and cheapest models on the Australia new car market. However, it does have a fair number of the features that new car buyers are looking for.
STYLING
The Kia Picanto GT-Line update for 2022 has revised styling of the front and rear bumpers which is intended to see it through until the arrival of the next model that’s anticipated within the year.
The shape works well with a cuteness that’s almost playful so is aimed at the young as well as the young at heart.
Our car was black with red highlights in the lower areas of the body.
INTERIOR
The styling of the dashboard area is neat with the screens taking up most of the area to give it an attractive look. The seats in the GT-Line are well shaped and have a definite sporty look by courtesy of the red trim around their edges.
INFOTAINMENT
As part of this update all Picantos now have an 8.0-inch infotainment display, with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
There’s space for a smartphone and there are single USB and 12V outlets.
ENGINES / TRANSMISSIONS
Picanto GT-Line has a four-cylinder 1.2-litre engine, which is less powerful than the 1.0-litre turbo-petrol in the GT.
There is 62kW of power, and 122Nm at 4000rpm. Keep in mind that this is a “-Line”, not a “GT” and this makes sense – it’s more about show than go, which is fine by many buyers.
Our test car had four-speed automatic transmission – yes four speeds because this is a car that’s getting seriously old by today’s standards. As mentioned, a new model is due within a year or so and we can expect it to be significantly better in its powertrain.
Somewhat oddly the manual is a five-speed unit so has more ratios than the auto. We might try to borrow a manual to see how it compares ye-olde automatic.
SAFETY
Picanto only has a four-star ANCAP safety rating, and that dates all the way back to 2017. Again, be aware a new model is coming.
This updated model has city-speed autonomous emergency braking. This is certainly handy given that too many drivers are spending time talking on their phone or composing texts and having the car after them is a plus.
Either that or educate drivers on the need to pay 100 per cent attention all the time. Okay, I’ve always been a wishful thinker. You may say I’m a dreamer … with reference to the late, great John Lennon.
There are two IsoFix points and top tether points for child seats.
DRIVING
This is very small car so legroom in the back is tight for adults. Kids under the age of about 12 will be fine but any older than that will have to chat with the driver and come to a deal about sharing the space.
Performance is okay, though hardly in the “GT” class. If you’ve got 320 kilograms of people the passenger seats and/or are driving up hills the Picanto will feel as though it’s struggling at times. Again, the four-speed auto is a pain because it’s going to drop back a gear and the engine jumps up in revs – as does the fuel consumption.
Though the Picanto is small it has a 2400mm wheelbase so it works well, even on bumpy roads. The ride is quite firm if you look at it as being in the GT class it’s acceptable.
Cornering is pretty good and the lightweight makes it fun to drive on your favourite stretches of country roads.
There is a 4.2-inch multifunction display in front of the driver. Both this and the centre screen are reasonably sharp and easy to read without the driver having to take their mind of the road ahead.
Official consumption for the automatic GT-Line we tested is 5.8L/100km on the combined cycle. During our week with the Picanto we used seven to nine litres per hundred around the suburbs and five to six litres in the country and on motorways and level-road country driving.
Like all Kias the cute little Picanto has a seven-year, unlimited distance warranty. Which is a huge benefit in this class as buyers are likely to be young and not have much of an income.
SUMMING UP
Kia Picanto is a cute little hatchback at a more than reasonable price. It looks great and drives pretty well for what it is. Though it’s getting on in year and doesn’t have the latest in safety features it should certainly get a place on your list of cars to test drive.
AT A GLANCE
Picanto S: $15,990 (manual), $17,590 (automatic)
Picanto GT-Line: $17,440 (manual), $19,040 (automatic)
Picanto GT Turbo: $20,490 (manual)
Note: These prices do not include government or dealer delivery charges. Contact your local Kia dealer for drive-away prices.
