Road Test Review: Kia Picanto GT-Line S
Highlights
- High-performing
- Nimble handling
- Good level of storage available
- Extensive list of features
Introduction
With motoring costs soaring, a lot of drivers are downsizing and face the dilemma of what to buy, yet do not realize how good a modern small car can be.
We recently found ourselves facing a 400-mile trip with our Kia Picanto 1.0-litre 3-cylinder 5-speed manual model, and began with some apprehension but also excitement at the opportunity to give a decent run to a modern city car. It was a wise move, as it turned out.
Engines and Performance
The latest Kia Picanto is the third generation of Kia's baby car and spans nine models in six trim levels, with 66bhp or 99bhp 1.0-litre petrol engines, 5-speed manual or automatic transmission.
The sophisticated 3-cylinder petrol engine was very free-revving and while it sounded busy when stretched over the drive, it was always smooth and most of the time settled down to a distant buzz.
There were moments on motorways when I wished for a 6-speed higher ratio instead of the five-in-hand, but I was delighted with the economy of 56mpg most of the time before it slightly dipped to our overall 54.2mpg on cross-country sections.
The responsive engine and quick-change direct gearbox contributed to its eager feedback, while its direct electric steering and tight turning circle mean it was agile on twisting roads and easy to park in urban streets.
Robin Roberts
It reminded me of some hot hatches of the '70s and '80s, but brought up to date with modern infotainment and comfort controls.
On the road it easily kept up with traffic flow and using the ratios and power underfoot it could nip around slower traffic without drama.
Handling was good and the feedback from steering and brakes was intuitive, while the roadholding never caused a moment’s concern, even when it hit some serious potholes.
Design and Practicality
The GT-Line S models are slightly roomier and have five seats, but all models get a very comprehensive 7-year or 100,000 miles warranty that is transferable to subsequent owners.
Cold mornings and nights make you appreciate the variable heated front seats and steering wheel, rear window heater and the quick warming cabin and screen clearing air conditioning.
The seat adjustment was reasonably wide, and the front pair were nicely shaped to give support around the back and under thighs. Access was good, but you had to bend over a bit to slip into the rear pair of seats, and the legroom might be tight for some passengers.
An offset split backrest meant the luggage area could be gradually increased in capacity from taking just bags of shopping or two medium suitcases to much bigger items under the fifth door with its sensible deep and long load bed.
Equipment and Technology
Depending on the chosen trim, the creature comforts build on a standard package in the Picanto comprising collision avoidance technology, hill start assist and dynamic stability control, sophisticated anti-skid brakes, wireless charging, heated front seats and steering wheel, 8-inch infotainment display, sat-nav, DAB radio, parking camera and sensors. Top models get KIA Connect mobile services, as well as Android Auto and Apple CarPlay links.
Infotainment is done by a decent sized touch-screen display atop the dashboard and buttons on the wheel-spokes, and it’s clear and quick at responding to inputs.
The driver has a good-sized display for the engine and road speed directly in front, and a changeable rolling display between them for settings to suit what they wish to see. Everything is very clear.
Heating and ventilation controls were simple, strong, and effective, backed up by four powered windows but no sunroof. Front and rear wash and wipe kept the glass clear, and the lights were well up to their task in poor visibility.
Decent sized powered door mirrors, a coloured rearview camera and sensors aided parking but in reality, the slim roof pillars did not present a problem when reversing or pulling out either.
Summary
The ease with which the Kia Picanto GT Line S covered ground on a variety of roads earned my respect for a modern small car, and knowing it comes with that outstanding warranty is a reassurance for any driver.
The top-of-the-range GT-Line S offers the best experience possible in the Kia Picanto. Packed with technology and features, as well as great performance for a compact city car.
