The Kia Picanto 1.0 LX manual may be an entry-level car, but it still manages to deliver a decent driving experience, though there are some trade-offs.
The Kia Picanto may be small in size, but it has made a significant impact in South Africa and beyond. Despite its compact build, the Picanto has consistently been a practical choice across model generations, offering reliability, fun, and value. But does the latest model still live up to its reputation as a smart buy? Let’s take a closer look at what the Picanto brings to the party these days.
Fuel economy
One of the Picanto’s strongest points is its impressive fuel efficiency. My average consumption was 4,7 litres per 100 km, which is fantastic. With its small 35-litre tank, this car could potentially cover well over 600 km on a single fill-up, especially near the coast.
Engine and performance
The Picanto’s 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder engine produces 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque, which is adequate for city driving. The engine feels responsive and isn’t overly noisy – a relief considering the level of road noise from other parts of the car.
The slick, precise 5-speed manual gearbox adds to the driving experience, making gear shifts enjoyable and rewarding for those who like the feel of a manual transmission. However, the engine does start to struggle on steep hills, where it’s clear it lacks stamina for rapid acceleration. At 120 km/h, the engine runs at about 3 700 rpm, which is a bit high but doesn’t feel strained.
Exterior styling
From the outside, the Picanto looks compact and well-suited for city life, with a short, nimble profile perfect for tight urban spaces. However, I’m not a fan of the redesigned headlights, which make the car look narrower and less muscular than previous models. On the plus side, the rear light design, with its horizontal bar, adds a modern touch without going overboard.
Interior comfort and features
Inside, the Picanto is functional but basic. You’ll find a standard ignition key instead of a push-start button, which feels like a throwback, but not in a bad way. The armrests are a letdown, though; both the driver and passenger armrests are hard plastic without any padding, which can make longer journeys less comfortable. The driver’s seat is height adjustable, which is helpful, though there’s no central console or armrest for the left elbow.
The cabin does have decent headroom and legroom upfront, though rear passengers may feel cramped. The boot, unfortunately, is extremely small.
The infotainment system is straightforward and user-friendly, with wired phone integration and hard buttons below the screen for easy access. Sound quality is average – about what you’d expect for an entry-level model – but the controls are intuitive and responsive, with handy buttons for media, phone, and volume.
Driving dynamics
Driving the Picanto is enjoyable, with a well-calibrated power steering system that gives good feedback without needing frequent corrections. The car’s handling is nimble, ideal for navigating through traffic or making quick lane changes (though these should be done responsibly!).
Ride comfort is decent, with some bounce over potholes but generally smooth for a small hatchback. You do feel connected to the road, though road noise is quite pronounced – especially compared to rivals like the Suzuki Swift, which has better cabin insulation.
Safety and features
The Picanto 1.0 LX is equipped with essential safety features, including two airbags, ABS with EBD, intermittent wipers, and a rear camera. It also has a heated rear window, manual handbrake, and remote central locking. However, stability control is notably absent, which could be a drawback for some buyers.
Overall value
At R260 995, the Kia Picanto 1.0 LX manual sits in a competitive price bracket, facing strong competition from the Suzuki Swift range, which starts at R219 900. While the Picanto does offer decent fuel economy and a stylish, compact design, it may seem overpriced compared to rivals that offer more features and a quieter cabin for a similar price. Kia’s 5-year, unlimited km warranty, with two included services, does add to the Picanto’s appeal for those seeking a low-maintenance, economical city car.
Verdict and rating
In the end, the Kia Picanto 1.0 LX manual is a competent urban car with great fuel efficiency. It’s fun to drive around town, though some aspects, like the road noise and limited interior space, reveal too much of its budget origins.
The Kia Picanto 1.0 LX manual score 3 out of 5.
3.0 out of 5.0 stars
