ith many motor manufacturers producing smaller more economical vehicles to alleviate the vice-like grip world economy has on buyers' wallets, it was with great anticipation that I secured a Kia Picanto to drive. What a fantastic little vehicle it is with modern exterior styling and a fresh ergonomic interior. This petrol-sipping hatch comes in the 1.0LX manual, 1.2EX manual, 1.0LX automatic and the 1.2EX automatic.
All the Picanto derivatives have front disc brakes and rear drums. Suspension is made up of McPherson strut and stabaliser at the front with coupled torsion beam axle at the rear. Fuel tank size is 35 litres across the range and fuel is unleaded.
The Picanto enjoys a host of features which includes air conditioning, alarm, immobiliser, colour-coded bumpers, central locking, ISOFIX child restraint anchors, CD frontloader, radio with MP3 connection, 60/40 split rear folding seats, tilt steering, trip computer and automatic headlight function. Safety features include a driver airbag (1.0 litre) and ABS (anti-lock braking) for the 1.2EX only. Added safety featrures include a new ESS
W