Kia Picanto 1.0 1 5dr [4 seats] Review
Category: Small car
Section: Version review
The model
Read full reviewThe Kia Picanto is a very fine small car, with a smart interior, tidy handling and – if you pick our favourite 3 trim – a very easy to use and well-equipped infotainment system. The Hyundai i10 is a bit more polished in terms of ride and refinement, though, and a Dacia Sandero offers more space but costs even less.
The trim
See full equipmentEntry-level '1' trim is as bare as a derelict cottage, with steel wheels and no air conditioning. However, you do get automatic lights, a trip computer, remote central locking, a passenger vanity mirror, an AM/FM stereo with two speakers, automatic light and electric front windows. The Sandero is even more spartan, but it's also a lot cheaper.
The engine
See full engine specsThe non-turbocharged 66bhp 1.0 MPi is pretty much the default choice. That's because it's available with the majority of trims and with a manual or automatic gearbox. 0-60mph takes just over 14sec (or 16.6sec for the auto), which sounds slow but it's quicker than the Volkswagen Up and, actually, fine for pottering around town. It's an engine that thrives on being revved, so while you need to work it hard on faster roads it does feel more eager than the numbers suggest.
