A wise buy in today’s not so clever world

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Car Reviewed: KIA Picanto 1.0 T-GDi GT Line S

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With motoring costs soaring, many drivers are downsizing and face the dilemma of what to buy, yet do not realize how good a modern small car can be.

In fact, a recent study found the typical family car today has over £32,700 of features fitted as standard, which were not there a decade ago after adjusting for inflation.

We recently found ourselves facing a 400 miles trip with our Kia Picanto 1.0 triple-pot engined five-speed manual test car and began with some apprehension but also excitement at the opportunity to give a decent run to a modern city car. It was a wise move as it turned out.

Kia Picanto MY23 is the third generation of Kia’s baby car. It spans nine models in six trim levels, with 66 or 99bhp 1.0-litre petrol engines and five-speed manual or automated manual transmission from £13,400 to £18,025.

Depending on the chosen trim, the creature comforts build on a standard package in the Picanto comprising collision avoidance technology, hill start assist and dynamic stability control, sophisticated anti-skid brakes, wireless charging, heated front seats and steering wheel, an eight-inch infotainment display, sat-nav, DAB radio, parking camera and sensors. Top models get KIA Connect mobile services and Android and Apple links.

The X-Line S models are slightly roomier and have five seats, but all models get a very comprehensive seven years or 100,000 miles warranty that is transferable to subsequent owners.

The sophisticated three-cylinder petrol engine was very free-revving and while it sounded busy when stretched over the drive, it was always smooth and settled down to a sewing-machine distant buzz most of the time. There were moments on motorways when I wished for a six-speed higher ratio instead of the five-in-hand, but I was delighted with the economy of 56 mpg most of the time before it slightly dipped to our overall 54.2mpg on cross-country sections.

The responsive engine and quick-change direct gearbox contributed to its eager feedback. Its direct electric steering and tight turning circle mean it was agile on twisting roads and easy to park in urban streets. It reminded me of some hot hatches of the 70s and 80s but brought up to date with modern infotainment and comfort controls.

Cold mornings and nights make you appreciate the variable heated front seats, steering wheel, rear window heater, quick warming cabin, and screen clearing air conditioning.

Infotainment is by a decent-sized touch-screen display atop the dashboard and buttons on the steering wheel, and it is straightforward and quick to respond to inputs.

The driver has an excellent sized display for engine and road speed directly in front and a changeable rolling display between them for settings to suit what they wish to see. Everything is very clear.

Heating and ventilation controls were simple, strong and effective, backed up by four powered windows but no sunroof. Front and rear wash and wipe kept the glass clear and the lights were well up to their task in poor visibility.

Decent-sized powered door mirrors, a coloured rear view camera and sensors aided parking, but the slim roof pillars did not present a problem when reversing or pulling out either.

The seats’ adjustment was reasonably wide and the front pair were nicely shaped to give support around the back and under thighs. Access was good, but you had to bend over a bit to slip into the rear pair of seats and legroom might be tight for some passengers.

An offset split back-rest meant the luggage area could be gradually increased in capacity from taking just some bags of shopping or two medium suitcases to much bigger items under the fifth door with its sensible deep and long load bed.

On the road it easily kept up with traffic flow and using the ratios and power underfoot, it could quickly nip around slower traffic without drama, if with some excited engine noise.

Handling was good, and the feedback from steering and brakes was intuitive, while the road-holding never caused a moment’s concern, even when it hit some severe potholes.

The ease with which the Kia Picanto GT Line S covered ground and a variety of roads earned my respect for a modern small car. Knowing it comes with Kia’s outstanding warranty is a reassurance for any driver. 

It’s a wise buy in today’s not-so-clever world.