And charge crap loads of money for it!
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2017 Kia Picanto (3rd Gen)
- Thread starter FiestaST
- Start date
And charge crap loads of money for it!
pinball wizard
Honorary Master
I keep reading your username as semen.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Oh dear
FiestaST
Honorary Master
DRIVEN: Kia Picanto 1,2 Smart Manual
Over the past few years, there has been a hive of activity in the local A-segment, with both fresh and refreshed contenders joining the jocund jostle for position … and a few stalwarts bowing out, too.
In addition, a handful of somewhat larger offerings (such as the ubiquitous Volkswagen Polo Vivo, popular Toyota Etios and big-on-value Renault Sandero) have muscled in on the traditional city car’s pricing territory, offering more space for similar money, while a couple of crossover variants have also been added to the mix (think cut-price Renault Kwid and charming Suzuki Ignis).
This, then, is Kia’s answer to the increasingly stiff and varied competition: the restyled, third-generation Picanto. And the Korean automaker appears to be taking direct aim at the Volkswagen Up! right off the bat, challenging the sophisticated little German for maturity and refinement as it seeks to return to the sales summit of the segment.
Has it grown?
It may not be any larger than its forebear, but with its axles shuffled slightly further apart, the latest version of Kia’s smallest offering boasts a smidgen more cabin space and as many as 50 additional litres of luggage capacity (Kia claims a class-leading total of 255 litres, or more than 1 000 with the 60:40 split rear seats folded down). Perhaps more important than a few extra millimetres of wheelbase, though, is the marked improvement in the quality of materials used inside.
While we were afforded access to only the range-topping, kit-filled Smart derivative (read about standard specifications and pricing of the rest of the range here) – besides a short but useful run in the outgoing model – first impressions suggest the fit-and-finish is vastly improved over the already solid second-generation Picanto (which debuted as long ago as 2011), with most surfaces in the new model eminently more pleasing to both the touch and the eye. A further highlight, in addition to the comfortable, dual-tone leather front seats, is the seven-inch colour touchscreen display (supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) – again, exclusive to flagship Smart variants – that sits proud of the facia.
This newfound big-car feel extends to the ride, with the latest Picanto delivering both improved road holding and a dash more comfort. While the torsion beam setup has been retained (albeit in a slightly modified form) at the rear, stiffer anti-roll bars and a quicker steering rack help provide the city car with sharper reflexes. On-road refinement, too, is greatly improved (although tyre roar over coarse tarmac is difficult to ignore), with engine noise becoming intrusive only once the tachometer needles heads well into the second half of its available travel.
Engine line-up unchanged
So, what’s under the bonnet? Well, the naturally aspirated engine line-up has been carried over from the outgoing range, although the Seoul-based automaker has executed a few tweaks in the name of efficiency. The entry-level 1,0-litre three-cylinder mill now makes 49 kW and 96 N.m (the previous version was worth 51 kW and 94 N.m), while the 1,2-litre four-pot sends 62 kW (down from 65 kW) and 122 N.m (up from 120 N.m) to the front wheels.
Why no 1,0-litre turbo-triple, which has already been announced for other some other markets? Well, Kia’s local distributor told us that it was “pushing hard” to bring this 74 kW/172 N.m unit to South Africa at a later stage, but admitted that it would have to come in at somewhat of a premium (and render the forced-induction Picanto far pricier than all of its direct rivals).
Still, the free-breathing 1,2-litre – which out-punches virtually all of its A-segment rivals – has little trouble hauling the 1 370 kg Picanto around (and is certainly a better bet than the 1,0-litre should you often venture outside of the city), while the five-speed manual and light clutch-action lend themselves to fuss-free shifting. An ageing four-speed torque converter is also available should you prefer not to use your left foot.
More choice…
The local range has expanded from seven to 11 variants thanks to the addition of a fourth trim level, but Kia Motors SA has managed to keep the pricing bookends largely unchanged. The base model – which now comes standard with an audio system – costs R5 000 more than before (at R134 995), while the R195 995 range-topper can no longer be specified in automatic form (had a self-shifting 1,2-litre Smart derivative been included, we’re told, it would have been positioned untenably close to the R215 000-mark).
As many as five of the seven variants in the outgoing range lacked ABS, and Kia Motors SA has thankfully rectified this shortfall in safety – for the most part, anyway. Now, only the three base Start-badged derivatives (each with just a driver’s airbag) do without what we believe is an essential safety feature, while the eight other models add a passenger airbag to the mix. Bluetooth, meanwhile, is now standard across the range, but a service plan is unfortunately still a cost extra. That said, the Picanto does pip its rivals in terms of its unlimited kilometre warranty, which stretches as long as five years.
The Smart derivative we drove is impressively equipped, featuring standard items such as LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lamps, LED indicators, electrically folding (heated) side-mirrors, aluminium pedals, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, 15-inch alloys as well as the infotainment system and leather upholstery mentioned above.
Summary
Prospective buyers in this segment are positively spoilt for choice. Sure, the market is due for yet more change – what with the Hyundai i10 soon to be discontinued locally (leaving the Grand i10 to do duty as the Korean automaker’s entry-level model) and the Spark set to exit the stage along with the rest of Chevrolet’s wares at the end of 2017 – but the Picanto still faces plenty of competition, both from within the A-segment and outside it.
So, what exactly does Kia Motors SA hope to achieve with its new Picanto? Well, the local distributor has lofty ambitions indeed, boldly aiming to double its monthly sales total to 650 units, which would put the city car at the very top of the A-segment once again.
An achievable target? First impressions suggest it is. You see, the very best contenders in the city car segment offer either a measured maturity (think VW Up!) or outright value (like the well-equipped yet aggressively priced Suzuki Celerio). And the third-generation Picanto has found a pleasing middle ground thanks to an even wider spread of derivatives than before and a notable improvement in comfort, build quality and overall refinement.
Fast facts
Model: Kia Picanto 1,2 Smart Manual
Price: R195 995
Engine: 1,2-litre, multi-point injection, four-cylinder petrol
Power: 61 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 122 N.m @ 4 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 12,0 seconds
Top Speed: 170 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 4,6 L/100 km
CO2: 104 g/km
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Maintenance Plan: service plan optional
http://www.carmag.co.za/driving_impression/driven-kia-picanto-12-smart-manual/
Over the past few years, there has been a hive of activity in the local A-segment, with both fresh and refreshed contenders joining the jocund jostle for position … and a few stalwarts bowing out, too.
In addition, a handful of somewhat larger offerings (such as the ubiquitous Volkswagen Polo Vivo, popular Toyota Etios and big-on-value Renault Sandero) have muscled in on the traditional city car’s pricing territory, offering more space for similar money, while a couple of crossover variants have also been added to the mix (think cut-price Renault Kwid and charming Suzuki Ignis).
This, then, is Kia’s answer to the increasingly stiff and varied competition: the restyled, third-generation Picanto. And the Korean automaker appears to be taking direct aim at the Volkswagen Up! right off the bat, challenging the sophisticated little German for maturity and refinement as it seeks to return to the sales summit of the segment.
Has it grown?
It may not be any larger than its forebear, but with its axles shuffled slightly further apart, the latest version of Kia’s smallest offering boasts a smidgen more cabin space and as many as 50 additional litres of luggage capacity (Kia claims a class-leading total of 255 litres, or more than 1 000 with the 60:40 split rear seats folded down). Perhaps more important than a few extra millimetres of wheelbase, though, is the marked improvement in the quality of materials used inside.
While we were afforded access to only the range-topping, kit-filled Smart derivative (read about standard specifications and pricing of the rest of the range here) – besides a short but useful run in the outgoing model – first impressions suggest the fit-and-finish is vastly improved over the already solid second-generation Picanto (which debuted as long ago as 2011), with most surfaces in the new model eminently more pleasing to both the touch and the eye. A further highlight, in addition to the comfortable, dual-tone leather front seats, is the seven-inch colour touchscreen display (supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto) – again, exclusive to flagship Smart variants – that sits proud of the facia.
This newfound big-car feel extends to the ride, with the latest Picanto delivering both improved road holding and a dash more comfort. While the torsion beam setup has been retained (albeit in a slightly modified form) at the rear, stiffer anti-roll bars and a quicker steering rack help provide the city car with sharper reflexes. On-road refinement, too, is greatly improved (although tyre roar over coarse tarmac is difficult to ignore), with engine noise becoming intrusive only once the tachometer needles heads well into the second half of its available travel.
Engine line-up unchanged
So, what’s under the bonnet? Well, the naturally aspirated engine line-up has been carried over from the outgoing range, although the Seoul-based automaker has executed a few tweaks in the name of efficiency. The entry-level 1,0-litre three-cylinder mill now makes 49 kW and 96 N.m (the previous version was worth 51 kW and 94 N.m), while the 1,2-litre four-pot sends 62 kW (down from 65 kW) and 122 N.m (up from 120 N.m) to the front wheels.
Why no 1,0-litre turbo-triple, which has already been announced for other some other markets? Well, Kia’s local distributor told us that it was “pushing hard” to bring this 74 kW/172 N.m unit to South Africa at a later stage, but admitted that it would have to come in at somewhat of a premium (and render the forced-induction Picanto far pricier than all of its direct rivals).
Still, the free-breathing 1,2-litre – which out-punches virtually all of its A-segment rivals – has little trouble hauling the 1 370 kg Picanto around (and is certainly a better bet than the 1,0-litre should you often venture outside of the city), while the five-speed manual and light clutch-action lend themselves to fuss-free shifting. An ageing four-speed torque converter is also available should you prefer not to use your left foot.
More choice…
The local range has expanded from seven to 11 variants thanks to the addition of a fourth trim level, but Kia Motors SA has managed to keep the pricing bookends largely unchanged. The base model – which now comes standard with an audio system – costs R5 000 more than before (at R134 995), while the R195 995 range-topper can no longer be specified in automatic form (had a self-shifting 1,2-litre Smart derivative been included, we’re told, it would have been positioned untenably close to the R215 000-mark).
As many as five of the seven variants in the outgoing range lacked ABS, and Kia Motors SA has thankfully rectified this shortfall in safety – for the most part, anyway. Now, only the three base Start-badged derivatives (each with just a driver’s airbag) do without what we believe is an essential safety feature, while the eight other models add a passenger airbag to the mix. Bluetooth, meanwhile, is now standard across the range, but a service plan is unfortunately still a cost extra. That said, the Picanto does pip its rivals in terms of its unlimited kilometre warranty, which stretches as long as five years.
The Smart derivative we drove is impressively equipped, featuring standard items such as LED daytime running lights, LED tail-lamps, LED indicators, electrically folding (heated) side-mirrors, aluminium pedals, rear parking sensors, a reversing camera, 15-inch alloys as well as the infotainment system and leather upholstery mentioned above.
Summary
Prospective buyers in this segment are positively spoilt for choice. Sure, the market is due for yet more change – what with the Hyundai i10 soon to be discontinued locally (leaving the Grand i10 to do duty as the Korean automaker’s entry-level model) and the Spark set to exit the stage along with the rest of Chevrolet’s wares at the end of 2017 – but the Picanto still faces plenty of competition, both from within the A-segment and outside it.
So, what exactly does Kia Motors SA hope to achieve with its new Picanto? Well, the local distributor has lofty ambitions indeed, boldly aiming to double its monthly sales total to 650 units, which would put the city car at the very top of the A-segment once again.
An achievable target? First impressions suggest it is. You see, the very best contenders in the city car segment offer either a measured maturity (think VW Up!) or outright value (like the well-equipped yet aggressively priced Suzuki Celerio). And the third-generation Picanto has found a pleasing middle ground thanks to an even wider spread of derivatives than before and a notable improvement in comfort, build quality and overall refinement.
Fast facts
Model: Kia Picanto 1,2 Smart Manual
Price: R195 995
Engine: 1,2-litre, multi-point injection, four-cylinder petrol
Power: 61 kW @ 6 000 r/min
Torque: 122 N.m @ 4 000 r/min
0-100 km/h: 12,0 seconds
Top Speed: 170 km/h
Fuel Consumption: 4,6 L/100 km
CO2: 104 g/km
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Maintenance Plan: service plan optional
http://www.carmag.co.za/driving_impression/driven-kia-picanto-12-smart-manual/
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Pricing as the article mentioned:
"The base model – which now comes standard with an audio system – costs R5 000 more than before (at R134 995), while the R195 995 range-topper can no longer be specified in automatic form (had a self-shifting 1,2-litre Smart derivative been included, we’re told, it would have been positioned untenably close to the R215 000-mark)."
Ahh a price point issue and that's also most likely excluding the sunroof which is another 5k I think. So is the "smart" basically the added infotainment system? Parking assist, camera etc
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Smart spec is top dog with all the convenience & tech. And some styling detailing I believe.
Didn't you read the numerous articles FiestaST posted on the previous pages? The specs got mentioned over and over again...and sunroof is an extra R8,500
Drifter
Honorary Master
Lol, U2?
FiestaST
Honorary Master
CypherGate0
New Member
- Joined
- Aug 7, 2017
- Messages
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- Reaction score
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Hey guys,
Do any of you know if we will be receiving the GT-S line models? The look of those are FAR better than what we have now. The new ones are nice, but the GT line is much nicer. My wife loves the GT line one and told her so far there is just rumours that it might come to SA around November this year. If it doesn't come here then I feel Kia is moronic not to bring that in. Much sportier and much much better looking and would prove to be loads more popular.
Do any of you know if we will be receiving the GT-S line models? The look of those are FAR better than what we have now. The new ones are nice, but the GT line is much nicer. My wife loves the GT line one and told her so far there is just rumours that it might come to SA around November this year. If it doesn't come here then I feel Kia is moronic not to bring that in. Much sportier and much much better looking and would prove to be loads more popular.
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Personally I'll be surprised if they do guy.
Kia SA was very strategic with new Picanto pricing locally, flagship model falls below the physiological R200k barrier.
The gap between the current flagship model & the base Rio models is not particularly large:
Kia SA was very strategic with new Picanto pricing locally, flagship model falls below the physiological R200k barrier.
The gap between the current flagship model & the base Rio models is not particularly large:
stroller
Expert Member
- Joined
- Jan 19, 2012
- Messages
- 1,055
- Reaction score
- 115
What is that?:wtf:
FiestaST
Honorary Master
2017 Kia Picanto Review | motoring.com.au
[video=youtube;jY_Gdz_7l74]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY_Gdz_7l74[/video]
[video=youtube;jY_Gdz_7l74]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jY_Gdz_7l74[/video]
FiestaST
Honorary Master
The New KIA Picanto
New KIA Picanto Driven Review
To many, the big and burly Range Rover Sport SVR currently in my basement is the ideal “dream car” with its high driving position, head-turning looks and thunderous soundtrack to accompany all 405 of its force fed kilowatts. However, the idea of running around in it on a daily basis is somewhat terrifying when one considers the indicated 42 l/100km fuel consumption figure I managed between my apartment and the highway. That’s not a typo – 42, as in 21 + 21 ….
It is at this point then, that I start to hear the murmuring voice of sensible John in the back of my head, reminding me of usable power and practicality and realistic blah blah blah. The fact of the matter is this – YOU DO NOT NEED A RANGE ROVER FOR YOU AND YOUR GYM BAG!
This brings me to the KIA Picanto, the sensible bastion of all things small, frugal and good valuey. “You made that word up” shouts a font of knowledge in the background, and yes, I did, but it’s done as much harm as KIA has by packing sturdy build quality and appealing design into the all-new Picanto – none! From the not too radically different exterior design to the interior consisting of materials bordering on premium, the entire package is a master class in the sub-B Segment and proves that you don’t need to spend silly money on a stylish and “nice” car that will get you and some things from A to B, wherever those A and B might B.
Rather cleverly, we were forced (yes forced) to drive the previous generation KIA Picanto to Philadelphia (in the Cape amen) where we would then exchange the old for the new, a back-to-back comparison if you will. Immediately, it was noted that the tactile quality of everything has improved drastically. Add to this the impressive NVH( Noise, Vibration and Harshness Technology), especially for this segment, and mature road manners and what you have is, by far, the best car in its segment. Interestingly, it’s boot is just 1-litre smaller than that of the Hyundai Grand i10 which competes in the segment above, and KIA are hoping that with competitive pricing and the good old “bums in seats” principle, they are going to capture some of that larger B Segment.
The motor lineup remains unchanged with the 1.0-litre (49 kW/95 N.m) and 1.2-litre (61 kW/122 N.m) petrol motors still the only options, although some fettling and tweaking has been done to further improve what are already perfectly suitable motors. South Africa might be lucky enough to see a little turbo motor somewhere in this Picanto’s lifetime, too… The 1.0-litre variant wasn’t available on the launch, but the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder motor was more than capable of hauling the snazzy little KIA Picanto around the streets of Cape Town and around the Cape Countryside.
Pricing is hugely competitive (R134 995 – R195 995) and makes one wonder why some of the competitors have similarly priced or more expensive products with worse quality and specification, although KIA’s have always been known for their lovely standard spec offering.
Four models are on offer – Start, Street, Style and Smart, and the cheapest model still comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity and a driver’s airbag. No ABS, however…
Mid-range vehicles receive other wonderful luxuries such as ABS, electric windows and another airbag and those with not so much money but the urge to splurge get foldy mirrors, a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system, leather here and there and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, amongst others. There are also three automatic models, which can be had in Style trim with a 1.2-litre motor or 1.0-litre motor and Start trim with the 1.2-litre motor.
KIA Picanto Pricing in South Africa
Picanto 1.0 START Manual – R134 995
Picanto 1.0 STREET Manual – R149 995
Picanto 1.0 STYLE Manual – R159 995
Picanto 1.0 STYLE Auto – R172 995
Picanto 1.0 SMART Manual – R179 995
Picanto 1.2 START Manual – R150 995
Picanto 1.2 START Auto – R163 995
Picanto 1.2 STREET Manual – R165 995
Picanto 1.2 STYLE Manual – R175 995
Picanto 1.2 STYLE Auto – R188 995
Picanto 1.2 SMART Manual – R195 995
http://www.themotorist.co.za/kia-picanto/
New KIA Picanto Driven Review
To many, the big and burly Range Rover Sport SVR currently in my basement is the ideal “dream car” with its high driving position, head-turning looks and thunderous soundtrack to accompany all 405 of its force fed kilowatts. However, the idea of running around in it on a daily basis is somewhat terrifying when one considers the indicated 42 l/100km fuel consumption figure I managed between my apartment and the highway. That’s not a typo – 42, as in 21 + 21 ….
It is at this point then, that I start to hear the murmuring voice of sensible John in the back of my head, reminding me of usable power and practicality and realistic blah blah blah. The fact of the matter is this – YOU DO NOT NEED A RANGE ROVER FOR YOU AND YOUR GYM BAG!
This brings me to the KIA Picanto, the sensible bastion of all things small, frugal and good valuey. “You made that word up” shouts a font of knowledge in the background, and yes, I did, but it’s done as much harm as KIA has by packing sturdy build quality and appealing design into the all-new Picanto – none! From the not too radically different exterior design to the interior consisting of materials bordering on premium, the entire package is a master class in the sub-B Segment and proves that you don’t need to spend silly money on a stylish and “nice” car that will get you and some things from A to B, wherever those A and B might B.
Rather cleverly, we were forced (yes forced) to drive the previous generation KIA Picanto to Philadelphia (in the Cape amen) where we would then exchange the old for the new, a back-to-back comparison if you will. Immediately, it was noted that the tactile quality of everything has improved drastically. Add to this the impressive NVH( Noise, Vibration and Harshness Technology), especially for this segment, and mature road manners and what you have is, by far, the best car in its segment. Interestingly, it’s boot is just 1-litre smaller than that of the Hyundai Grand i10 which competes in the segment above, and KIA are hoping that with competitive pricing and the good old “bums in seats” principle, they are going to capture some of that larger B Segment.
The motor lineup remains unchanged with the 1.0-litre (49 kW/95 N.m) and 1.2-litre (61 kW/122 N.m) petrol motors still the only options, although some fettling and tweaking has been done to further improve what are already perfectly suitable motors. South Africa might be lucky enough to see a little turbo motor somewhere in this Picanto’s lifetime, too… The 1.0-litre variant wasn’t available on the launch, but the 1.2-litre 4-cylinder motor was more than capable of hauling the snazzy little KIA Picanto around the streets of Cape Town and around the Cape Countryside.
Pricing is hugely competitive (R134 995 – R195 995) and makes one wonder why some of the competitors have similarly priced or more expensive products with worse quality and specification, although KIA’s have always been known for their lovely standard spec offering.
Four models are on offer – Start, Street, Style and Smart, and the cheapest model still comes standard with Bluetooth connectivity and a driver’s airbag. No ABS, however…
Mid-range vehicles receive other wonderful luxuries such as ABS, electric windows and another airbag and those with not so much money but the urge to splurge get foldy mirrors, a 7-inch touch screen infotainment system, leather here and there and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto, amongst others. There are also three automatic models, which can be had in Style trim with a 1.2-litre motor or 1.0-litre motor and Start trim with the 1.2-litre motor.
KIA Picanto Pricing in South Africa
Picanto 1.0 START Manual – R134 995
Picanto 1.0 STREET Manual – R149 995
Picanto 1.0 STYLE Manual – R159 995
Picanto 1.0 STYLE Auto – R172 995
Picanto 1.0 SMART Manual – R179 995
Picanto 1.2 START Manual – R150 995
Picanto 1.2 START Auto – R163 995
Picanto 1.2 STREET Manual – R165 995
Picanto 1.2 STYLE Manual – R175 995
Picanto 1.2 STYLE Auto – R188 995
Picanto 1.2 SMART Manual – R195 995
http://www.themotorist.co.za/kia-picanto/
genetic
Honorary Master
FiestaST
Honorary Master
Yes, that goes without saying.
pinball wizard
Honorary Master
Costs an arm and a leg...