Perky Picanto – Kia’s City Car On Test

The latest Kia Picanto recently rolled up my driveway, bringing a fresh face to the city car segment. This pint-sized Korean contender aims to prove that good things do indeed come in small packages.

Exterior Styling
At first glance, the updated Picanto catches the eye with its sharper looks. Kia's designers have given the little runabout a more assertive face, with a wider "tiger nose" grille and reshaped LED headlights. The bumpers front and rear have been tweaked, lending a more purposeful stance to this diminutive motor.

While it may be small in stature, measuring just 3,595mm long and 1,595mm wide, the Picanto cuts a smart figure on the road. The 14-inch alloy wheels on my test car’s '2' trim level fill the arches nicely, though keener drivers may wish to upgrade to the larger 16-inch rims available on higher specs.

Interior and Equipment
Slipping behind the wheel, it's clear Kia has worked hard to make the cabin a pleasant place to be. The materials used are a cut above what you might expect at this price point, with soft-touch plastics in key areas and a solid feel to all the controls.

The driving position is generally good, though taller drivers may find themselves wishing for a touch more adjustment in the steering wheel, which only moves for height and not reach.

Standard kit on this '2' trim is generous, with air conditioning, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, and an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system all included.
The latter is a particular highlight, offering clear graphics and easy-to-use menus. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are both supported, making it a doddle to connect your smartphone.

Practicality
Despite its diminutive exterior dimensions, the Picanto makes clever use of space inside. There's enough room up front for two adults to get comfortable, while the rear seats can accommodate a couple of six-footers at a push - though they might not want to spend too long back there on a long journey.

The boot offers a respectable 255 litres of space with the rear seats in place, expanding to 1,010 litres when folded. It's not cavernous, but it's more than adequate for a weekly shop or a couple of weekend bags.

On the Road
Fire up the 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, and you're greeted with a characterful thrum. With 62bhp on tap, it's not exactly a powerhouse, but it's peppy enough around town. The 0-62mph sprint takes a leisurely 15.4 seconds, so you'll need to plan overtakes carefully.

The five-speed manual gearbox is a pleasure to use, with a light, precise action that makes zipping through the ratios a breeze. It's just as well, as you'll be doing plenty of that to keep the little engine on the boil. Where the Picanto really shines is in urban environments. The tight turning circle and compact dimensions make it a doddle to park and manoeuvre through congested streets. The steering is light at low speeds, which is great for city driving, but weights up nicely as you pick up the pace.

Out on the open road, the Picanto acquits itself well for such a small car. The ride is generally composed, soaking up most bumps and ruts with aplomb. Only the harshest imperfections make their presence felt in the cabin.

Push on through the corners, and you'll find the Picanto handles with a surprising degree of verve. There's a decent amount of grip on offer, and while there's some body roll, it's well controlled. It's no hot hatch, but it's certainly capable of raising a smile on a twisty B-road.

Motorway journeys aren't the Picanto's forte, but it copes better than you might expect. Wind and road noise are noticeable at higher speeds, and you'll need to work the engine hard to maintain momentum on inclines. However, for occasional longer trips, it's more than up to the task.

Running Costs
One of the Picanto's strongest suits is its frugality. Kia claims an official fuel economy figure of 54.3mpg, and in real-world driving, you should be able to get close to that.

CO2 emissions of 116g/km put it in a reasonable VED band, too. Kia's seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty remains a major selling point, offering peace of mind that few rivals can match.

Verdict
The updated Kia Picanto 2 proves that there's still a place for well-executed city cars in today's market. It's smart, well-equipped, and surprisingly capable on the road. While it may not set pulses racing with its performance, it excels in its intended environment - the urban jungle. For those seeking an affordable, reliable, and easy-to-live-with small car, the Picanto makes a compelling case for itself. It's a testament to Kia's ability to pack big-car features and quality into a small package, all at a price that won't break the bank.

Fast Facts (as tested)
Kia Picanto 2
Price £15,595
998cc 3-cylinder engine
62hp
0-62mph in 15.4 seconds
Top speed 90mph
Combined economy 54.3mpg
Emissions – 116g/km CO2
Insurance group 4A