Insurance Group: 4
MPG: 67.3
CO2: 99
0-62 Mph: 13.9 secs
BHP: 68 BHP
Range: 518 miles
PROS: Low price, low running costs, decent level of standard kit, good looks
CONS: Poor quality, low-rent badge, harsh ride, numb steering, underpowered engine, small boot
The car’s 998cc 3-cylinder engine drones incessantly and has to be worked hard to deliver any sort of performance. It delivers 68bhp and 70lb-ft of torque, propelling the Picanto from 0-62mph in a pedestrian 13.9 seconds and on to a top speed of 95mph.
The Picanto has a tight turning circle which makes it feel very agile around town but the numb steering and lack of grip means that handling is poor on the whole. The brakes are too sensitive and, thanks to the tricky clutch, you'll find yourself stalling a lot too.
The ride is very choppy and body-lean is a real issue through the corners.
The Picanto was designed by Peter Schreyer, the man responsible for the Mk1 Audi TT, and it is a handsome and smartly designed little car. It doesn't offer the chic appeal of rival small cars, such as the Fiat 500, but is by no means an unattractive vehicle.
The cabin is stylishly designed but unfortunately is let down by low-quality plastics - a common criticism of Pacific-rim motors.
Standard equipment includes alloy wheels, air-con, electric windows all-round, CD player with MP3 connectivity and Bluetooth.
Kias are, on the whole, pretty reliable and, if anything should go wrong, buyers get a seven year/100,000 mile warranty.
In terms of safety kit, you get six airbags and stability control as standard. Although Euro NCAP has not crash tested the car yet, it is expected to receive a four-star rating.
Rear leg room is limited - taller passengers are going to be uncomfortable on all but the shortest journeys. On top of that the boot is quite small - 200 litres is all that is on offer with the seats up.
This model starts at £9595, so it’s a very reasonably priced car. On top of that you should get 67.3 mpg on the combined cycle so it’s incredibly economical when it comes to fuel. It is also car tax exempt due to very low emissions of just 99g/km of CO2.
However, the list price just isn't low enough to justify purchasing a Picanto. For £9595 you could get a Citroen C1, VW Fox, Ford Fiesta or a Vauxhall Corsa and these are all vastly superior cars.
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