Supermini city cars are experiencing a modest revival in Europe. The Kia Picanto is an affordable example. He is a pleasant, small car, tested for real-life usability.
What a fantastic assignment it is to be a motoring journalist, where you get to explore the roads of Europe at the helm of cars, each increasingly luxurious and powerful than the last. However, sometimes it's time to return to the fundamental: cars that are within reach of everyone. A necessary return to basics. The Kia Picanto fits the bill perfectly. There's no question of moving backwards or downgrading it, as it's actually no easier being small and efficient than being technologically advanced and flashy. So, full of curiosity, I took the keys to the city car in its chic GT Line for a week of testing on all types of roads in Belgium.
Techno
Right from the start, the 8-inch central touchscreen is a showstopper. Kia has clearly grasped that the city car market caters to many young drivers, likely making this their first brand-new vehicle purchase. Not only the styling is crucial, but also the interior, which is modern and cutting-edge. The Korean model comes with navigation and is also compatible with Android Auto and Apple Car Play, facilitated by a convenient USB-C port. The dashboard behind the steering wheel is equally as digitalized. It features controls on the steering wheel and a row of traditional, physical buttons for the climate control, providing an ergonomic alternative to the on-screen options numerous times over. And that makes it perfect for part of Kia's target audience: grandparents.
Good leverage
As soon as you begin driving, you'll notice a minor drawback. The cruise control is somewhat impractical when the displayed speed is not visible. I looked but couldn't find a way to display the activated limit on the dashboard, which makes it less useful. However, it might be usable on an extended highway drive. The old-fashioned handbrake between the seats, often replaced by an electric automated system, has a nostalgic feel to it. Apart from the fact that it can help with making sharp turns on snowy roads with winter tires, this traditional device is also cost-effective. Not to mention that the 5-speed manual transmission is another example of this. That said, Kia hasn't forgotten about customers seeking an easy-to-drive vehicle, which is why the Picanto can also be equipped with an automatic transmission, even with the 62hp base engine.
A drink of fresh air
It's a 1.2 litre 4-cylinder naturally-aspirated engine delivering 79 bhp and 113 Nm. Not exactly effortlessly rapid. Times recorded go from 0 to 100 kph in approximately 13 seconds. With the right foot poised to press firmly on the pedal every time a gear is shifted, thanks to the swift and forceful use of the left foot. Since there is no turbocharger, the engine needs to be revved up in order to achieve the minimum amount of power. Changing lanes requires good anticipation and consistent shifting of gears, and even taking a 5-3 gear ratio to avoid lagging behind for too long. As soon as you exit the 30 and 50 speed zones, you have to make sure to maintain vehicle speed to keep momentum. It's there that we are able to keep fuel consumption within environmentally friendly boundaries: 5.6 litres per 100 kilometres.
Well
Overall, the car is very pleasant to drive. Particularly in town, it's docile and easy to handle, with good steering that's precise and properly assisted. It navigates the urban environment with ease and turns around just as easily. In underground parking lots, you don't feel like you're cramped. The Picanto is equipped with necessary driving aids, and for a reasonable price, you can upgrade the ADAS (alternatively referred to as driving aids) with a package of options. On the other hand, a reversing camera is a standard feature. Another advantage for parking. Although it measures 3.60m in length, the Kia is officially classified as a 5-door, 5-seater. At 4, it's practical, at 5 it's cramped. The trunk is in line with the car's size: small. As a result, some of the weekly grocery shopping has ended up in the back seat. Which folds down.
Nothing goes right
This year's anti-pollution standards and safety requirements for new cars don't address the main issue for the average buyer in 2024: affordability. The Kia Picanto, despite its pleasant features, comes with a price tag of at least €16,000 with a 58hp engine, and almost €20,000 to make it versatile with the 79hp engine we tested. The GT-Line model exceeds €21,000 in Belgium and CHF25,000 in Switzerland. However, in France, it remains under €20,000 in its most stylish form. At least the options are limited, and the package including a sunroof and all driving aids is priced at €900 in Belgium and France. The automatic transmission costs €1,000. Fortunately, tax is still deductible. Additionally, Kia offers a 7-year warranty on the Picanto. Fortunately! In the end, the Picanto is a car that will appeal to both young people and elderly drivers. It's neither too hi-tech, nor too basic, the Picanto understands that driving can sometimes be an essential need that must be simple yet comfortable and enjoyable.
Motorland of Hearn (MH) with Olivier Duquesne - Source : Kia - Picture : copyright Olivier Duquesne
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