Kia Picanto Review
Published: 25th April 2005
Kia Picanto Review
The Kia Picanto went on sale in the UK on the 25th May 2004, the 60th Anniversary of the founding of Kia Motors.
Kia Motors Corporation, is among the world's fastest growing car companies. As part of the Hyundai-Kia Automotive Group, Kia aims to be a 'Top 5' global automaker by 2010. Kia's 15 manufacturing and assembly operations in 12 countries make more than one million vehicles each year. These vehicles are sold and serviced through a network of distributors and dealers covering 190 countries.
Kia have moved on since the introduction of Kia Pride and with the introduction of the Picanto, Kia aim to meet the needs of a new and younger customer base.
The Picanto is available as a four or five seater with a choice of two petrol engines. The initial three model line-up includes the 1.0 litre GS 5-Seater, 1.1 litre LX 5-Seater and 1.1 litre SE 4-Seater. A 1.1 litre diesel engine will be introduced in 2005. Prices range from £5,495 for the 1.0 GS to £7,295 for the 1.1 SE.
We tested the 1.1 SE to find out if the Picanto really is 'the thinking persons small car'.
Kia Picanto Review Road Test Data | |
| Model Reviewed | Kia Picanto 1.1 SE |
| Body Type | 5-Door Hatchback |
| Colour | Orange Mica |
| Performance ~ manufacturers figures | |
| 0 - 62 mph | 15.1 Seconds |
| Top Speed | 96 mph |
| Transmission | 5-Speed Manual |
| Fuel Type | Unleaded Petrol |
| Economy ~ manufacturers figures | |
| Urban | 46.3 mpg |
| Extra Urban | 65.7 mpg |
| Combined | 57.6 mpg |
| Insurance Group | 3 |
| Euro NCAP Rating | 3 |
| Warranty | 3-Year unlimited mileage manufacturer warranty 3-Year roadside assistance package covering the UK and mainland Europe 6-Year anti-perforation warranty |
| Price when tested on the 25/04/05 | £7,295.00 OTR Test car £7,590.00 includes metallic paint £295.00 option |
