Test Drive Kia Picanto since 2011 Hatchback

All photos Kia Picanto since 2011

Piquant citizen

Kia Picanto.

First presented in Frankfurt in September 2003.
Produced with one body type (five-door hatchback) and two gasoline engines: 1 l, 46 kW / 63 liters. With. and 1.1 l, 48 kW / 65 liters. With. The gearbox is a five-speed mechanical or four-stage automatic machine (last only for version 1.1 l).
There are two basic configurations of LS and GS, which differ in the level of equipment. Range of prices from 9800 to 12 650 y. e.

Compact, all such a rounded, lanny, with fashionable now the features of the face, Kia Picanto, even with all our Russian disregard for kids, it looks very attractive. And what? In his arsenal, the range of youth colors and shades, variations from two engines, gearboxes and, of course, additional equipment. In a word, you immediately feel that the novelty seriously aims not only to our Penates with you, but also on the spoiled Europe.
In the first approximation

At first Kia Picanto is assessed as a close classmate very popular with us Matiz. Undoubtedly, this is so, but not forget that new models are born including in order to take into account the shortcomings of competitors, it is better to become more attractive. So here, tuned at first in search, so to speak, the minimum differences, suddenly note that as you get to the car, the programmed similarity is melting right in front.
Salon at Picanto wider and more spacious, the interior is more serious and richer. And although it is dominated by inexpensive plastic, it looks like it even presentable. It seems that the creators of the car seriously worked on the internal content tried to give it primarily solidity. This can not be not felt in the intensities of the front panel with large scales, the combination of instruments, as, however, in the control packers of the auxiliary equipment, and even in the symbols of the ventilation system handles.
The driver's seat has in order to get a job without any discounts on the size of the car. Thanks to the range of longitudinal adjustment, an adult retracting from the steering wheel and pedals. About excess free space, it is clear that it is not necessary to speak (perhaps above your head), but it is organized rational: sitting on the right passenger does not support you shoulder, and everything else does not cause feeling of compression. Alas, the back is much closer
Brought to automatic

Wow, and insidious this combination: a liter engine and automatic transmission. At first, even wonder that all this goes at all and even switches itself. Of course, the acceleration of the car is so-so, modest, but the left leg knows myself whims aside. But you already felt the car, osmpelles can be experimenting.
The Motor Picanko buried, looked at his sixty with excessive powers, and the box had quickly responded quite quickly, finding the necessary transmission, and-and-and you were leisurely merged with a smoothly accelerating flow, nothing specially distinguished on his motley background. At first it seems that I was none, I missed, especially since the accelerator loads the right leg unexpectedly much effort. Then suddenly you understand this all, more from the car is unlikely to achieve, at least in a ragged city pace.
But that's what the roads are free, the more cheerful car. It turns out that the engine loves turns, and when the tachometer arrow rolls over 3.54 thousand, everything falls into place. Picanto acquires mobility and begins to move not only on the principle is turned on-off, but also to vividly react to the movement of the accelerator. On the highway 130140 km / h for the kid not the limit, at least on the speedometer. At the same time, however, it is frankly noisy: you hear the engine, and tires, which are rapidly reacting to the change in the coating.

Ambiguous and suspension settings. Barely trying them in the case, immediately running to check the air pressure in the tires so hard and noisily the car reacts to small irregularities. However, there is no loud without good. Being frankly shaking, Picanko at the same time copes well with the majority of serious pits and Koldybin. Everything seems to be promoted, now a characteristic blow ending the wheel disk will be heard. But no, the car shakes, of course, is pretty, but the blow he is withstanding adequately, and most importantly without consequences.
Korean handling is averaged in most situations. Clear feedbacks of the machine here are supported by a good feedback tie, its speed. From the seating surprises, I will note only early slipping of tires, beginning hysterically to twist in very harmless turns. Just that the car regularly listened to the steering wheel, and suddenly the front wheel was loaded as if she walked out, and she swam out of the viragee, even without stopping. Of course, it is possible to adapt, but at first it is better not to overestimate the limit possibilities of Picanto, at least on tires 155/70R13.
What is the result?
In the European market Kia Picanto position, first of all, like a youth car. It is most likely to follow the fate of the lady vehicle. Not yet cheap, but convenient, compact, maneuverable and well-equipped with all the benefits of civilization.