Kia Picanto 1.0 Shadow 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 equipmentSitting above 1 and 2 trim, Shadow trim is where things start to feel a bit more modern. It comes with 15in alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights, an 8.0in touchscreen infotainment system with DAB radio, Bluetooth and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto smartphone mirroring, a reversing camera, a six-speaker stereo and faux-leather upholstery.
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.
