Australians don’t really get too excited about super-minis, the category below the likes of the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris. Yep, even smaller. But the new Kia Picanto might make a few more people pay attention.
It is tiny, but nevertheless, Kia’s Picanto boasts some features which grow its appeal and has been warmly received by critics in Europe.
What’s it all about?
Super-mini fans and ‘Kiaphiles’ will recall the Picanto – the last of the previous generation - first arrived in Australia barely 12 months ago. At the time, Kia said it was a ‘toe-in-the-water’, ‘study buyer reactions’ exercise. Now, buoyed by the results, Kia has launched the new generation of its micro entry-level model.
The essential five-door hatchback concept remains, as does the 62kW/122Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission.
But the new lineup includes an available five-speed manual, more equipment and locally-developed suspension and steering tune - all underpinned by a new chassis platform. The badging has also gone through a slight change, with the previous ‘Si’ grade now an ‘S’.
How much does it cost?
At $14,190 (plus on-road costs), the Kia Picanto manual is one of Australia’s cheapest cars. Backup is impressive: Kia’s seven year/unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price servicing which runs seven years or 105,000km and costs $2552. That’s decent value right there.
New features for the latest Picanto include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reversing camera, cruise control, front and rear power windows and auto-on headlights. A colour 7.0-inch touchscreen atop the dashboard is a key feature of the redesigned interior
Six airbags are standard, as are reversing sensors, air-conditioning and one USB charger, but disappointingly the steering wheel still only adjusts for rake .
The wheels are steel, and the spare is a space saver.
Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is not currently included but is expected later in the year.
Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
If you’re in the market for a tiny vehicle like this – the Picanto is just 3.595m long and has a meagre 255 litre boot – then there is none better. Yes, it’s that simple.
In fact, based on that new architecture, and with its suspension and steering tuned for Australian conditions, the Picanto provides a level of ride quality which shames some more expensive cars.
In terms of handling, the Kia Picanto is significant as it is the first super-mini to offer torque vectoring. And the light, precise, electric-assisted power steering is at home whether you’re manoeuvring in a carpark or at speed on the open road.
Refinement is also a step up for cars in this league. The Picanto isn’t hushed – no super mini is - but it’s not a strain to participate in conversations with those seated alongside or in-front/behind.
Unsurprisingly, it struggles most when it comes to hills. The engine has good low-down response but can’t carry big hills in high gears. The manual requires third gear for any serious climbs.
Speaking of the gear shift, trying to get reverse proved to be genuinely difficult. Possibly our test car needed some adjustment, but do check it out during your test drive.
Our test fuel consumption average came out at 6.4L/100km versus the 5.0L/100km claimed by Kia.
When is it available in Australia?
The Picanto is on-sale in Australia now. But you’ll have to wait a few months if you want AEB
There is also the prospect of a 1.0-litre turbocharged Kia Picanto GT hot-hatch (warm-hatch?) arriving by year’s end.
Who will it appeal to?
This is an urban car which can seat two adults and two small children. But a family couldn’t share the car with their weekly supply of groceries…it’s people or goodies, not people and goodies.
That said, there is adequate storage for bottles, phones and such stuff around the cabin, and I did manage to squeeze a full-size mountain bike in the back with the seats folded (there is a step in the floor) and the bike’s front wheel removed.
The dashboard is well presented and easy to use, although the plastics are rock hard and whatever material is used to cover the shift lever escaped the chemical plant before the final stage of refining. Those hard plastics also mean you’ll knock and bruise your right elbow on the inappropriately named armrest.
Where does it fit?
Automotive industry statistician VFACTS officially classifies the Kia Picanto in the micro category, where it takes on the likes of the Fiat 500, Holden Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage and Suzuki Celerio. Picanto is better than any of them.
So the micro Kia is an obvious car for first-time buyers… or downsizing last-time buyers car for that matter. At both ends of the age and experience spectrum, the Picanto’s small stature and easy diving will be appreciated.
In terms of motoring.com.au recommends, the Picanto fits into the First Cars segment. The old model made the top five alongside the Skoda Fabia, Ford Fiesta, Holden Spark and its own big brother, the Rio.
So what do we think?
The Kia Picanto is a terrific little vehicle and it certainly ranks ahead of other super-minis in terms of value and refinement. As for the driving dynamics – well right there is clear confirmation of the benefits of Kia’s Australian suspension and steering development.
The biggest drama is its small size. On Australian roads, dwarfed by trucks and SUVs, it can be a bit intimidating sitting in the Picanto (or any other super-mini car).
That’s not the Picanto’s fault of course. Maybe there just needs to be more cars like this out on the road.
Kia Picanto S Pricing and Specifications:
Price: $14,190 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol four-cylinder
Outputs: 62kW/122Nm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 5.0L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 117g/km (Estimated)
Safety Rating: TBC