Picanto impresses

About a week or so back I had a vehicle that was bigger than my house, could empty a garage's fuel supply quicker than a Ceppwawu strike, could do twice the national speed limit and cost more than many countries' yearly GDP.

In other words, it was totally useless. In fact rowing around the South Pole in a rubber dinghy with one oar felt like a better alternative than driving this monster on a daily basis.

But it was at the opposite end of the pendulum I found myself last week when checking out the new Kia Picanto during its launch in KwaZulu-Natal.

And it really is a "new" car when you compare it to the generations that have preceded it.

This 2011 version is most definitely aimed at the young market and, with its funky, stylish new look coupled with an impressive specification level and affordable pricing - well the Picanto looks like doing very well in the increasingly competitive A-segment.

It will be available in three models - two with a 1.0-litre engine and one with a 1.2-litre powerplant.

We'll look at the engine later but what first hits you is the attractive design the Koreans have come up with.

The bulging lights, both front and back, made an immediate statement, and, viewed from the side, the lines of the vehicle are more prominent than the model it replaces.

Also those built-in fog lamps - which are deeply set back into the front bumper - add to the slick look.

Throw in tinted windows all round and the look is definitely "happening".

It may still be quite a tiny vehicle, but, with its extended wheelbase and extra length and width, it is by no means a "dinky toy".

In fact, those extra dimensions are transferred quite nicely to the interior, so that even if you are around two metres tall, you will still fit quite comfortably into the driver's seat. Anyone sitting directly behind might not be so happy though!

Same goes with the boot. It's ample for a couple of overnight bags, but more than that and you will be battling for space.

In keeping with the theme that this vehicle is primarily aimed at a young crowd, the car comes in a wide range of colours - some of which go by the name of Honey Bee, Lemon Grass and Cafe Mocha.

The interior range is thankfully not so graphic, with black cloth interior trim standard across all three models.

Worth noting is the fact that all three models are available in both five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, which will add a smile to those tired of manually chopping and changing gears on busy roads.

Whether opting for the entry-level Picanto 1.0 (R99995), the 1.0 LX (R107995) or the 1.2 EX (R114995), the range of standard features is impressive.

Even with the base model you will get air-conditioning, alarm-immobiliser, keyless entry, driver air bag, power steering, radio-CD, shift indicator light (manual only) and body-coloured bumpers.

So it's all very well to have the looks but there's not much point if you are going to spend your time in the slow lane being overtaken by everyone including cyclists.

Fortunately with the Picanto that won't happen.

The 1.2 EX I drove at the launch is surprisingly quick and even the sight of a steep incline doesn't hinder its progress.

It has a claimed top speed of 169km/h and with no trouble at all I managed a comfortable 140km/h from the 1248cc Kappa engine.

Road handling is also very sure and the ride steady with no understeer to note.

Now, one of the reasons someone is looking at buying a vehicle in the A-segment is because you are looking for a car that is going to be economical to run.

If the figures supplied by the Kia people are correct, then the Picanto is one of the more frugal cars on the road when it comes to sipping the juice.

A fraction under 5.0 litres per 100km is claimed and that's better than some hybrids can produce.

If when buying a car you place a high value on safety features, you would need to look at the more expensive 1.2 EX, where ABS, additional air bags and an emergency stop signal system are standard.

A sunroof is also available only on the top-of-the-range 1.2 EX for an additional R6000.

Speaking of extra costs, one would be silly not to consider the two-year/45000km service plan, which is available for just R3255.

That aside, the car does come with a standard five-year/100000 warranty.

There are now a number of vehicles priced at around R100000 from manufacturers from all around the world.

Some you would be proud to have in your driveway ... others you wouldn't want to be seen dead in. This new range of Picanto sits quite comfortably among the better ones.

Kia Specs:

Kia Picanto 1.0 litre

Engine: 998cc three-cylinder, 12-valve petrol

Power: 51kW at 6200rpm

Torque: 94Nm at 3500rpm

0-100km/h: 14.3 seconds

Top speed: 155km/h

Fuel consumption: 4.9l/100 km (claimed/combined)

CO2: 117g/km

Price: R99995

Kia Picanto 1.2 litre

Engine: 1248cc four-cylinder, 16-valve petrol

Power: 65kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 120Nm at 4000rpm

0-100km/h: 11.6 seconds

Top speed: 169km/h

Fuel consumption: 5.0l/100 km (claimed/combined)

CO2: 118g/km

Price: R114995

We like:

Great looks / Good price

Nice interior features

We don't like:

ABS not available on base model