2008 Kia Picanto LX 1.1 from Spain
Summary:
It has less power than a liberal back bencher
Faults:
Nothing.
General Comments:
Goes slower than James May.
Having arrived in Spain expecting to climb into a Corsa, I was amazed to see this little shy puppy sitting in our parking bay! Its golden tan shining in the Spanish sunlight, and its weepy little eyes peering out from the shadows of its shelter.
First thing you notice is that you would struggle to put a baguette in the boot, so sales must be low in France? The back seat ends up being a luggage overflow to compensate for the lack of space availability in the trunk!
Compared to the Nissan Micra, the interior is almost space age, and the air con did nothing to effect the enthusiasm of the hamster under the bonnet; it was painfully slow with or without air con, reassuring when you know that Ronda is sitting at 5,000 above sea level.
The steering was a delight, and the drivers seat the most comfortable I have sat in to date, and having driven 30,000 miles a year since 1980, I've tried a few.
The tank held 45 euro worth of sin plomb, and the mighty acorn managed to cover 900 KM before its tongue fell out of the bonnet and dragged on the scorched Spanish highway. Having seen the warning light for approx 20KM before stopping at a watering hole, I would imagine I could have pushed it further if we had been going down a rock face!
If you're hoping to break any landspeed records, this is not the car for you, but if you're on the run from a very angry tortoise with asthma, you're in with a chance if you get a start!
All in all, a great little fun car and the embarrassment of being passed by the odd donkey soon fades into the sunset.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 16th July, 2008
14th May 2010, 02:56
I have a Kia Picanto, and sometimes I feel like I want to get out of my car and walk to where I want to be. And I can't even use the aircon, because then I would not get anywhere. They should take it off the market, well after I've sold my one :-)
Chimorne Lendor, Cape Town, South Africa.
19th Oct 2010, 11:19
Well I have bought a Picanto 1. Cheap as chips at £6495 OTR. No aircon - who needs, it in UK? I reckon it is very good value for money. Four doors, 53 mpg (I get) and brakes that are incredible. This is a model year 2011, so it has ESP too. Steering effortless.
On motorway it is not for the fast lane, but cruises at 70 happily and it is quiet. It is not for racers, of course and is really a town car. Seats are comfortable, boot small, but car is 3.5M long after all. Ride choppy on rough roads.
Downside, to me the seven year warranty - seems good - but the dealer servicing is expensive. He has quoted a deal of £620 for first three years; this seems very steep. The oil sump holds 3 litres and the car could be dismantled in a couple of hours, in my opinion of course.
All in all, it is good so far, and nicely finished off, no rattles, no trim loose or bits hanging around. (Ford please take note) The later grill look good too.
It does lack a clock, but has other features that are good for the money. Only in white at the 'poverty spec' though - unless you pay another £400 for black!
23rd Jan 2009, 04:23
A very entertaining review!