Increasingly common under the hood of our cars, diesel engines continue their territorial conquest on gasoline. The mini-urban segment longer escape the rule, the little Kia Picanto has had to get up to date and follow the same trend as competition. She is now preparing to try the diesel for the first time.
A friendly face
After the trio C1, 107 and Aygo, Fox or the Panda to name a few, it is the turn of the little Kia Picanto know its heyday. With reduced size are (3.50 m long), its 5 doors and its full equipment, this mini-city is perfect for small urban trips daily.
If the Picanto has charm to spare with its smooth lines, its large optical and bright colors, the finish “EX Premium Package” that team this diesel version, provides “little extra” that he lacked a kit incorporating fog front, side skirts, 4 aluminum wheels and a roof spoiler.
Cockpit
The manufacturer has chosen not to propose a high quality finish “EX Premium package” on the diesel version. Inside, the best and the worst.
Upon opening the doors, we are surprised by the equipment. The seats and gear knob are leather-covered part, the 4 windows are electric and the radio thinks disco with its multicolored lights. The finishes are correct but the quality of materials is only fair.
Detail that makes the difference, the doors seem to be relatively robust and do not slam into a metal sound unpleasant. The equipment is complete, but the spare wheel is exchanged against a tire repair kit and the wheel is available in cake accessories.
Regarding the measurements, the Picanto has the best livability of its class. In fact, 5 people can sit in comfort on board very correct. Spacious, it offers good headroom even for larger (s) with 1003 mm front and 966 mm for the rear. Girlfriends models will not be staying with legroom of 1041 mm for the front, but will have more trouble with the 872 mm available at the rear. Unless they are professional swimmers, three of them take the back seat since space is on the shoulders of 1,290 mm front and 1292 mm rear.
Modularity side, we regret that the rear seat (folding 60/40) is not sliding because the trunk does not offer a capacity of 127 liters.
Behavior
With door-to-fake very short, the Picanto is perfect for parking in town. Its wheelbase is a guarantee of stability, which is confirmed even when braking in support. It is further equipped with 4 disc brakes, vented in front.
Level ride, the result is good with a caring attitude and a reduced body roll. The suspensions have been even a bit more flexible to increase comfort in town.
The electric power steering is ideal for the city, however, on major routes it proves too frank and causing some body movements. Moreover, the Picanto is quite sensitive to crosswind.
Engine
With only 984 kg on the scale, the Picanto can afford to get the 4-cylinder 1.5 CRDi injection high pressure common rail present on the Rio and Cerato and amputate a leg. The 3-cylinder 12-valve 1.1 CRDi resulting develops 75 hp at 4000 rpm, making the Picanto, the city’s most powerful in its class.
Peugeot 107 / Citroen C1 / Toyota Aygo => 1.4 HDi / D 54 HP
VW Fox => 1.4 TDi 70 bhp
Fiat Panda => 1.3 M-Jet 70 hp
KIA Picanto => 1.1 CRDi 75 PS
Certainly the most powerful, the Picanto is not yet the most powerful nor the most vivid in its class. She asked no fewer than 16 seconds to reach 100 km / h, between 1 and 3 seconds slower than its competitors.
To catch up, it offers a top speed of 162 km / h and a torque of 153 Nm available from 1900 rpm thanks to its variable geometry turbo (VGT). The gearbox 5-speed manual is smooth and well staged. Associated with high torque, it avoids having to juggle relationships.
The drinks are reasonable enough to allow the performance close to 800 km with the tank. The engine is coupled to a particulate filter. CO2 emissions do not exceed 116 grams per kilometer.
Conclusion
With its good equipment for money, the little Korean should find its place in the highly reactive mini-urban, despite a young and aggressive competition.
Available from € 7990 for both gasoline and diesel at € 12 750 with the unique high quality finish “EX Premium Package”, the KIA Picanto competes with the original trio 107, C1, Aygo and also the VW Fox has only 3 doors. The Lancia Ypsilon and the Toyota Yaris a cut above the rest are also more expensive.
The Picanto KIA shall be guaranteed 3 years unlimited mileage and assistance 3 years 24/24h – 7/7d.
