Automotive

Car Review: Kia Picanto – Means Good Micro-Motoring

Further research put the Picanto name on a better track with – “spicy”, “hot”, “raciness” and, for mine the most appropriate, “sharp”.

So I test drove the Kia Picanto last week and there was one question I was asked about it more than any other: “What does Picanto mean?”

Given I couldn’t answer that on the spot and found myself grappling to come up with a suitable made up response that would make me sound sophisticated and worldly, I decided to research the word and answer the question before getting on with the job of telling you all about this entry level model from the Korean car maker.

My first thought was that it likely had Italian origins and meant small and nimble… or some kind of new exotic coffee Pokemon-hunting Gen Ys (are we still in Gen Y territory or is it Alpha Gen now hitting the streets?) are ordering.

But, no. The best I can come up with is that it is derived from the Spanish word: Picante.

At first glance, it appears not such a great choice of name for a small car aimed at capturing the attention of first time car buyers and those looking for that second, or even third, affordable new car to shoot around town in.

There in Google translations it was: “Pungency”. Not great. And very much not appropriate for this basic but honest little offering.

Further research put the Picanto name on a better track with – “spicy”, “hot”, “raciness” and, for mine the most appropriate, “sharp”.

That’s a really good description for the 1.25-litre four-cylinder Picanto which hits the streets at a driveaway price of $14,990.

It is what it is – a micro segment city runabout – and doesn’t pretend to be any more.

It has enough of everything for that very competitive price tag. A basic CD play and radio, Bluetooth, USB port, airconditioning and front and back power windows.

The interior finishes are nothing special but practical, none-the-less. I found the seats reasonably comfortable and the exterior styling relatively, well, sharp!

Importantly, the Picanto has a five-star ANCAP crash test rating, rear parking sensors, traction and stability control, six airbags and disc brakes front and back.

And then there’s the 7 Year unlimited km warranty which is great peace of mind for the buyer, whether a first timer or other.

As for performance, while it doesn’t really live up to the “raciness” tag attached to its name, the Picanto gets the job it is designed to do done.

The four-speed auto is easy to drive, handles well and has sufficient power through the city streets and 63kW and 120Nm of torque – and with a claimed thirst of just 5.6L/100km.

Certainly not “pungent”.

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