2018 Kia Picanto X-Line review - verdict
Can't decide between a city car and small SUV? Well, the Kia Picanto X-Line could be the answer. We've driven it in the UK...
With a starting price of £12,595, the X-Line sits between Kia's '2' and '3' trims, but includes a unique equipment list: 3's larger 7.0in infotainment screen and automatic emergency city braking safety tech, but the even more expensive sporty GT-Line's upgraded lights.
It looks decent value then, and the X-Line is a more rounded faux-SUV to drive and sit in than a Fiat Panda City Cross, Vauxhall Viva Rocks or even Suzuki Ignis. Even better, going for X-Line's bigger wheels and raised ride height doesn't impact CO2 emissions – the manual X-Line emits the same 106g/km as standard 1.2-litre cars. Of course, Kia's class-leading standard seven-year warranty is thrown in, too.
But we still think its worth going for Kia's 1.2-litre petrol, 3 trim and manual gearbox before it. Our favourite combination only costs £155 more at list price, which is an even more negligible increase when broken down over monthly payments. The fact the 3 rides better and comes with equipment such as cruise control, climate control and a reversing camera seals the deal for us.
What Car? says...
Rated 4 out of 5
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Rivals:
Kia Picanto 1.25 X-Line
Price £12,595 Engine 4cyl, 1248cc, petrol Power 83bhp at 6000rpm Torque 90lb ft at 4000rpm Gearbox 5-spd manual 0-62mph 11.6sec Top speed 107mph Official economy 61.4mpg CO2, tax band 106g/km, 20%
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