The new Kia Picanto continues unabated. The starting 1. April, the third generation of the microcar extends as before to a length of 3,60 meters and thus keeps enough distance to the next larger model in the Kia portfolio, the recently also rebuilt small car Rio. The only offered as a five-door Picanto costs in conjunction with the 1,0-liter three-cylinder (49 kW / 67 PS) from 9.990 Euro. The 1,2-liter four-cylinder (62 kW / 84 PS) is with additional better equipment from 11.890 Euro in the price list.
Schick looks like the little one. Among other things, the vehicle takes on the typical "tiger nose front" bonds at the new Rio and it stands by the shortened front and rear overhangs now fuller on the road. If he drives in the equipment variant GT-Line (from 14.990 Euro), the Picanto is even a real eye-catcher. Large air vents in the front, LED daytime running lights and taillights, 16-inch alloy wheels, side skirts and a rear diffuser with double exhaust pipe make something.
If you sit in the vehicle, you quickly forget that you are traveling in a small car. This is due to the good space. At least on the front seats it comes to kommod. The seats are also comfortable. Unfortunately, the steering wheel can only be adjusted in height and not in depth. In the rear, the sense of space is of course not only subjective, but also objectively more limited. The trunk volume has grown significantly, it now sums depending on the position of asymmetrically in the ratio 60: 40 divided rear seat back between 255 and 1.010 liter. When folding the rear seat backrests, there is no step, the cargo bed is flat. We also liked the ride comfort of the automobile winzling. The Picanto convinces with a balanced chassis. Uneven ground is ironed out comparatively well, the "Hoppeleffekt" is very low.
So chic or sporty, the Picanto presents at least in the GT line - the engines are quite typical of the class more home cooking and appeal to the reason of the buyer. At the market launch, the two already familiar from the predecessor sucker units, a three-cylinder with 49 kW / 67 PS and a 1,2-liter four-cylinder with 62 kW / 84 PS, to choose from. Muscles can not be shown with the revised engines, you train at most your own in the switching arm to keep the engines in torque mood.
The three-cylinder, which can not deny its design, chattering clearly to himself. The 67 PS are only suitable for drivers who do not put much emphasis on liveliness. In 14,3 seconds from 0 to 100 km / h, a maximum speed of 161 km / h and an average consumption of 4,2 liters (with start-stop) are the key data. The torque of 96 Nm must be caressed by eager switching. For trips in the urban environment, the three-cylinder should be enough. However, if you also occasionally want to dare to take the highway or even the highway, you will be better off with the 1,2-liter four-cylinder engine (62 kW / 84 PS).
The conveys a certain acceleration, the maximum speed is reached at Tempo 173. The standard spurt succeeds in 12 seconds. The standard consumption value is given by Kia with 4,5 liter. From autumn, Kia will expand its engine offering with a turbo three-cylinder with 74 kW / 100 PS. The turbo (172 Nm, Vmax: 180 km / h) should then be able to bring GT line and driver's claim in better harmony.
With a base price of almost 10.000 Euro, the Picanto is priced at the level of its competitors such as Suzuki Celerio, Opel Karl, Fiat Panda or VW Up. However, in the lowest trim level, you are not allowed to make any big demands on comfort. Most customers will leave both the basic version and the expensive GT-Line left and opt for the Dream Team Edition (from 12.690 Euro). Here is actually everything in it, what you need to feel good. These include air conditioning, electric assistants for windows and mirrors, height-adjustable driver's seat, heated seats and a heated leather steering wheel.
However, Picanto buyers can also invest more money in comfort and appearance apart from the chosen equipment variant. Driver's knee airbag, automatic climate control, navigation infotainment system with 7-inch touchscreen, a sliding center armrest at the front, Apple Carplay, Android Auto or a striking color make the Picanto a really large vehicle - and also an expensive one. The price gap to a small car is then quickly used up.
But even if the budget is tight: For 590 Euro, the tiny can be upgraded with an autonomous brake assistant, which is active to Tempo 165. Definitely order. By contrast, the 7 annual warranty is part of the factory standard. (Elfriede Munsch / SP-X)