WHAT IT IS.
Despite its spicy name, the Kia Picanto began in 2003 as a rather bland-looking city car (albeit with a cheap price tag and decent equipment). The second version in 2011 took full advantage of the Korean brand's revival in terms of design, with renowned German designer Peter Schreyer (who designed, among other things, the original Audi TT) giving the company a European touch and the credibility it needed.
Schreyer's signature was the introduction of the "tiger-nose" grille, which has become familiar over time, but had a bold look when it was first introduced.
AND THIS IS THE THIRD GENERATION OF THE CAR, ISN'T IT?
Right. Introduced at the Geneva Motor Show (remember that?) in 2017, the changes between the second and third versions were initially limited to refreshing a few details, a sign that it was barely making a profit in the city car segment. Especially from cars powered by terrible gasoline engines. However, Kia managed to find the funds for a mid-life facelift in 2020, with new headlights, bumpers and infotainment screens. Normal fare.
YOU DON'T LIKE IT THEN?
That's where you're wrong. It's a shame more people haven't switched to the Picanto. It comes to the small-car party with a strength and energy that few of its rivals can boast. It is very pleasant to drive in the city and practical enough for everyday urban life.
If you take it far on longer trips, you will run into some of its shortcomings, but the car was never presented as a long-distance cruiser. Although it does not live up to expectations in terms of quality (on some trim levels) and dynamics, the car has many advantages, especially when it comes to facilitating daily city driving.
TELL ME MORE ABOUT WHAT I CAN BUY....
The Picanto range has an impressive breadth: 1-, 2- and 3-level cars begin the selection, the first of which starts at £12,250 and proudly announces front power windows, USB port and Bluetooth. As with most cars, the base models attract attention with their low, affordable prices, but the point of attraction is further down the spec list, when other equipment becomes available. The Model 3 is the first to have Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, as well as a larger infotainment screen.
IS THERE MORE TO IT THAN JUST NUMERICAL SPECIFICATIONS?
Yes, topping the list are the GT-Line (£14,900) and GT-Line S (£17,050) cars + car shipping, which offer all the toys and customization options so beloved by children. In fact, the high-end cars offer features you wouldn't expect to find in this market segment: optional extras include automatic climate control, cruise control, wireless phone charger, heated seats and steering wheel, keyless start, and reversing camera.
There is also different styling: you might think a reprofiled bumper and some red accents would bring a sports car to life. In reality, it is the engine that makes the difference, which we will discuss later.
AND WHAT IS THAT CROSS-SHAPED THING I SEE IN THE PICTURES ABOVE?
There will be plastic-clad X-Line and X-Line S options, which sit 15 mm higher and have a few extra pieces of trim glued to the exterior for a faux-SUV look (and a slightly higher sidewall for bingo lovers)-Kia would have you believe that a tube of glue and some gray plastic will turn a city car like the Picanto into a crossover, but let's not get carried away.
WHAT ARE THE POWERTRAIN OPTIONS?
The trim levels may be confusing, but the engine choice is not at all: only one 1.0-liter 3-cylinder engine is available for the Picanto, with either a five-speed manual or a five-speed automatic transmission.
In all versions except the GT-Line, the engine produces only 66 hp, but the higher versions offer the option of supercharging the gasoline unit to make 99 hp. However, this engine is still not fast: the Picanto goes from 0 to 100 km/h in less than 10 seconds.
WHO ARE ITS MAIN RIVALS?
Good question. It seems that the city car segment has had its heyday: today people are more interested in larger engines with more space and better visibility on the road. However, you can choose from some good alternatives: the Hyundai i10, Toyota Aygo, VW Up, and Fiat 500 are probably the best options.
WHAT IS THE VERDICT?
The Picanto has learned from models like the Fiat Panda that drivers are willing to forgive a lot of things in a car, as long as it is presented in a fun way and is economical to use. For a first car or something that serves only as a means of transport, you can't go wrong with the Picanto. It's fun, unpretentious and great value for money.
We don't say this often, but the X-Line "crossover" version is worth considering. It has a rugged look, decent equipment levels and a slightly softer ride thanks to a 15mm increase in height. It also doesn't lose the fun of city driving. However, if you want a fun little supermini (and one that can cope with the occasional long-distance trip), we recommend the GT-Line, which has sportier looks, a more powerful turbo engine and, of course, a manual gearbox. There is perhaps no better car on the market for learning to drive.
Overall, the Kia Picanto is a versatile car and recent modifications have made it even more appealing. There is still life in the city car category.
