Road Test: KIA Picanto 1.2 EX

KIA Picanto 1.2 EX tested in South Africa 2015

Contrary to the broad racing stripe down the bonnet and circular race numbers tattooed on the doors of our particular test unit, the Kia Picanto 1.2 EX is not the start of a new performance division but merely the result of a little tongue-in-cheek marketing. Pity for secretly we quite admired its new plucky direction.

For 2015, changes to the Kia Picanto are far more mundane but as one of the brand’s best-selling models you can understand the reasoning. There’s a level of spunkiness to the Kia Picanto which is bound to attract the youth. The EX on test has the upper hand with anthracite alloys in 15-inch diameter and the new vivid range of colours is the base for a terrific contrast.

A forensic examination is needed to spot the other differences but have been directed on more muscular bumpers, updated grille and daytime running lights. Would you buy a new Kia Picanto because of these updates? Unlikely but it’s only the Volkswagen up! that manages to waltz the urban jungle with as much attitude.

Gasp no turbo… The Kia Picanto 1.2 EX deploys a 1.2-litre 4-cylinder normally aspirated engine while Kia South Africa continues to push for the 1.0-litre 3-cylinder turbo petrol engine available in selective global markets. Power still manages to stack up near the top of its division and the Kia Picanto covers the 0-100km/h in less time than its nearest competitors. Revving it to redline barely frazzles it and even this sort of ‘abusive’ behaviour couldn’t spoil the consumption which rested at 6.2l/100km. Turbo engines be warned…

The clutch is light but quick to engage and the five-speed manual gearbox precise but perhaps too taut. An automatic is available for an additional R12 000. Criticism about the nervous steering which affected earlier models has been quelled to some degree but now there’s vagueness to the helm that feels overly assisted and offers poor feedback. It’s an area where the Kia Picanto struggles against rivals like the Suzuki Celerio and Volkswagen up!

The tables are turned back in the Picanto’s favour once you climb inside. Build quality is excellent for the segment with ventilation controls and steering stalks maintaining a tight and consistent response. Doors close with a reassuring thud and interior tones and materials create a classy ambience, although the red fonts from the radio display are robust for the quaint cabin. The door bins are too narrow for even the most feminine hands but the retractable cup holders are brilliant at optimising storage space.

Being one of the smaller cars in the category, the Kia Picanto comes with (on average) 35 –litre less boot volume but flipping the seats forwards can treble the area.

The optional service plan is not uncommon in this price range although some brands like Suzuki and Toyota do offer them as standard. There are more spacious alternatives but the Kia Picanto possesses plenty of charm, quality fit and finish and an engine that looks untrendy on paper but delivers the goods. A well packaged car that plays to Kia’s strengths.

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