The world's city car market is growing and will reach about 2.5 million a year within the next few years, and one of its top movers is the Kia Picanto a model still foreign to Australia.
The little A-segment hatch has been readily received in most markets across the globe for the past seven years and has now been totally revised in its second generation. Slightly longer and wider than before, the once cute hatch now has the distinctive Schreyer lines that give it a much classier look.
Its wide stance, 'tiger's nose' grille and 'eyes of the tiger' headlights with built in LED daytime running lights, make it a real head-turner. The longer wheelbase has also given it a bit more passenger space and a 27 per cent bigger boot, a full 200 litres. It's a smoother car too, with better aerodynamics than many vehicles in bigger categories.
At the premium end of the tiddler market, the five-door Picanto comes with two engine and two transmission choices and in two grades: LX and EX. There's a 51kW/94Nm three-cylinder and a brand new 1.25litre four-cylinder that puts out 64kW/124Nm. The gearboxes are a five speed manual or a four-speed automatic.
DESIGN
Inside, the seats are quite firm and rather flat, but give better comfort than expected and we had no problems after a couple of hundred km across a slice of Korea last week. There's a nice thick-rimmed steering wheel, a clear three-dial dash display and easy to use controls.
Spec levels vary enormously depending on their markets, but there's still a very long list of options so owners can bling them up to whatever level they can afford. Our New Zealand-spec EX came with electric power steering, a tilt-adjustable steering, chromed grille surround, remote central locking, Bluetooth and auto aircon.
DRIVING
A small engine and an automatic gearbox might raise some eyebrows, but this Kappa engine is a lively little jigger that thrives on revs and it can take the 1340kg car to 100km/h in 11.5seconds. And the self-shifter was smooth and quick.
Fuel economy is an average 6.1litres/100km.
The car has a quality feel and comfort levels were impressive for a super-compact. Lots of sound-deadening materials, which even included sound blocks in the outside mirrors and roof-mounted aerial, made for a quiet, refined interior. We had no trouble keeping up with the traffic on Korea's super new freeways (the Picanto is good for 170km/h) and steering and brakes were fine. Our car also had the optional 15-inch alloys.
KIA PICANTO
Price: Est. from $13,000Warranty 5 years, unlimited km
Resale: n/a
Service interval: 15,000km or 12 months
Economy: 5.0 l/100km; 119g/km CO2
Safety equipment: six airbags, ESC, ABS, EBD, EBA, TC.
Crash rating: not tested
Engine: 64kW/120Nm 1.2-litre petrol
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Body: 3-door, 4 seats
Dimensions: 3595 (L); 1595mm (W); 1490mm (H); 2385mm (WB)
Weight: 855kg
Tyre size: 175/50R15
Spare tyre: Space-saver
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