2011 KIA Picanto Reviews

2011 KIA Picanto
2011 KIA Picanto Reviews

The Kia name derives from two Chinese characters ‘ki’ meaning rising up and ‘a’ meaning Asia – ‘rising up from Asia’. The success of Kia was such that Ford took Kia’s Pride small car to the USA and re-branded it the Ford Festiva with Kia’s Avella becoming the Ford Aspire some years later.

Kia improves quality
The improvement in Kia quality is such that it can now offer its unique 7 year, 100,000 mile warranty across the range, something that European manufacturers may not be confident enough to copy.

Kia calls the new Picanto “the small car, grown up” and for once motor industry hyperbole is absolutely accurate. At £7995 the 1.0 litre 1 is hard to beat and the 5 car Picanto range extends to £11,195 offering excellent value at every level.

STYLING KIA PICANTO 2011
The Kia Picanto gets on for seven years of age now – and it’s beginning to show wear and tear. About the plus side, a five-door layout promises decent versatility for any city car. Range-topping Graphite models get extra showroom appeal as alloy wheels along with a tailgate spoiler.

INTERIOR KIA PICANTO 2011
As the Picanto’s exterior has always been largely unchanged since its debut, the cabin has taken advantage of an important overhaul. Entry-level models really are a little spartan with regards to kit, although electric windows are standard. DRIVING And gratifaction

KIA PICANTO 2011
You don’t expect scorching straightline pace having a city car, however the Kia is slower than most. Pricier versions obtain the 64bhp 1.1-litre unit that boasts stronger mid-range torque. MPG AND RUNNING COSTS KIA PICANTO 2011
Few cars are as cheap to purchase and run since the Kia Picanto.

PRACTICALITY KIA PICANTO 2011
Given its dinky dimensions it’s no real surprise to find the KIA Picanto is lacking outright space. Lifting the tailgate reveals a cramped 157-litre load bay – folding the trunk bench flat liberates a far more useful 882-litres.

SAFETY AND RELIABILITY KIA PICANTO 2011
As the mechanically simple Picanto promises hassle free motoring, its safety record is really a cause for concern.

Equally important to the brand's sales growth has been the under-skin improvements on each new model released such as performance, safety, fuel efficiency and reduced tail pipe emissions.

Leading the charge in technology is the Idle Stop and Go (ISG) feature fitted to the manual LX model This replaces the 1086cc 48kW/99Nm power unit fitted to the outgoing model.

Three extremely competitively priced models are offered; a 5-speed manual 1.25 (ISG) LX which retails for $18,590 and two 4-speed automatic options the $18,990 LX 1.25 and the $20,990 EX 1.25.

Two x rear ISOFIX childseat anchors are also fitted across the range.The EX model moves up from 14”alloy wheels to 15” alloys and is fitted standard with extras such as front fog lights, leather steering wheel with audio controls (also LX auto) and reverse warning sensors.

Bluetooth hands-free is also standard on the LX (auto) and EX models
Past sales would suggest the Picanto is predominantly a lady’s car; hopefully the marketing team at Kia New Zealand can help change that perception.

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