The Blogging Persons Small Car

Picanto One Of The Best Sellers

2010-02-04T21:02:00.000Z

2009 was a record year for Kia cars in the UK selling over 50,000 units.

The latest figures reveal things are going pretty much the same way with over 5,000 units already in the bag, a 200% increase over last January.

This now puts Kia into the Top Ten of retail brands. The marque’s Picanto city-car claimed third place in the A segment retail Top Ten and was seventh in all retail sales. Overall Kia climbed six places to become the 11th best-selling brand in the UK new car market.

Kia’s market share for the month now stands at 3.47 per cent – up from 1.52 per cent in 2009.

With a seven year warranty on the Picanto and also across the entire Kia range, we can see this trend continuing for the foreseeable future.

Picanto Gets 7 Year Warranty

2010-01-05T09:06:00.001Z

In a move to get it's 2010 sales campaign underway and show its intention to be the worlds No1 car maker, Kia extended its unique 7-year warranty across the entire Kia range.

Normally attributed to vehicles built at the European car plant in Slovakia such as the Ceed and Sportage, the 7 year warranty now makes the Picanto quite possibly the best small car proposition in the UK.

The warranty will apply to any Picanto sold and registered after january 1st 2010.

Aftermarket Picanto Fog Lights

2009-12-07T20:34:00.000Z

Probably the most asked question we get is "Do Kia do an accessory Fog Lamp kit for my Picanto"

The simple answer to this is no, at least not on UK specification models. Whilst Kia don't offer a genuine or approved accessory kit there are some third party kits out there.

The most popular being the one from BlingLights.com. Although we've never tested or had experience with these kits before they do appear reasonably priced and the kit appears to have everything you need in the box.

Whilst we don't endorse fitting third party kits to your shiny new Picanto, we would like to hear from any of our readers if they've had any experience with these kits or any others for that matter.

Comments always welcome.

Kia Replenishing Picanto Stocks

2009-11-13T13:48:00.001Z

After completely running out of Picanto stock dealers are reporting an improvement in product levels.

In May we reported how the Government Scrappage Scheme completely exhausted dealer stocks of 2009/2010 Picanto.

Although things are not entirely back to normal, dealers can at least fulfill outstanding orders to those customers who have been waiting patiently.

Kia recorded its best-ever month in September with sales reaching 9,772.
This meant Kia Motors (UK) Ltd acheived a new record for the brand in any European market. In fact no Kia subsidiary or distributor in Europe has ever sold so many new cars in one month throughout the brand's history and with total sales for the year passing 34,700 the UK performance has overtaken Kia Motors Deutschland - traditionally the biggest market in Europe.

Kia's Picanto was the runaway leader in terms of sales, with 3,395 registered during September alone. In fact things got so desperate that Kia Motors UK had to ask the factory to bring forward a whole years allocation of its 2010 models just to satisfy demand.

However, it wasn't all down to scrappage as Michael Cole, Managing Director of Kia Motors UK pointed out: "It would be wrong to say that the Government's scrappage scheme hasn't helped us and in particular Picanto has proved very popular amongst those trading in 10 year old cars. But our September performance and our year-to-date result cannot be attributed to scrappage alone." People are looking for attractive, quality products at sensible prices and currently the Kia range provides exactly that," he added.

Since then Kia have launched a limited edition Picanto Graphite with a host of extra's including Graphite Grey paintwork (F.O.C), 14 inch alloy wheels, two tone sporty bumpers and a rear spoiler in addition to standard equipment. The Picanto Graphite is priced for £8,495 on the road.

Scrappage Scheme Exhausts Picanto Stock

2009-05-21T09:26:00.005+01:00

In a letter to its dealer network Kia have revealed that they have received over 4000 orders for the Picanto 1.0 through the Scrappage Incentive Scheme, and as a result supply has been exhausted.

Further to this, supply of other Picanto models is now limited and Kia expect supply to run out by the end of May.

New 2010 Picanto Early Launch

In order to keep the momentum going Kia have taken the unprecedented step of pulling forward the launch of 2010 Picanto from October.

2010 Picanto 1.0 will be available to order from Kia from tomorrow with the Picanto Chill replacement available by the end of this month. Arrivals of the 2010 Picanto are expected in August with delivery to dealers by the mid part of the month.

The main changes to 2010 Picanto 1.0 will be an increase in price of £300 taking the entry model to £6495 on the road.

Changes to specification are limited to minor cosmetic changes only and these will be announced in more detail on June 1st. The Picanto 1.0 will be available in a choice of 3 colours; white (solid), black and silver.

Picanto from £10 per week

2009-04-24T14:04:00.006+01:00

With the budget finally out of the way (thank god) and the decision to follow other European countries and offer a car scrappage scheme, Kia have announced details on how you can buy a new Picanto 1.0 from only £10 per week.

Whilst the final details are yet to be ironed out, the car scrappage scheme basically means anybody owning a vehicle over 10yrs old, providing they have owned it for more than a year, can get £2000 off a new or nearly new vehicle.

The government's contribution, or shall we say the tax payers contribution, is £1000 with Kia stumping up the rest.

The latest offer from Kia applies to a new Picanto 1.0 5dr in conjunction with Kia's Access finance package or PCP (Personal Contract Plan). This is where the new car's future value is calculated in advance and then defered until the end of the agreement. At the end of the agreement the consumer can either purchase the vehicle for that amount or simply walk away.

The advantage the car scrapping scheme offers is that a larger amount of deposit (£2000 in this case) can be put down on the vehicle reducing the Picanto 1.0 down from £6195 to only £4195. The guaranteed minimum future value (GMFV) of the Picanto (approx £2500 over a typical 3yr agreement depending on mileage) is taken from the remaining balance. Kia are also advocating an additional £1000 from the consumer which would leave a small balance resulting in a low monthly payment of £40 per month or roughly £10 per week.

Given that the vast majority of consumers who drive an older car do so because a new car was previously beyond the purse strings, it's unlikely they'd want to stump up an additional £1000. Still even withut the extra deposit a Picanto 1.0 would still only be around £80 per month or £20 per week.

Still it illustrates how affordable and appealing a new car is to those of us who have had to drive in an older car for the last few years and had the repair bills to go with it.

One thing to bear in mind when looking to purchase through PCP schemes is they are tailored to annual mileage. Most manufacturers will quote the lowest monthly payment based on the lowest allowed mileage (usually between 7 - 10,000 per annum). However these packages are flexible so you need to be aware of this to avoid additional mileage charges when it comes to the end of the agreement.

Picanto Driving School Programme

2009-04-02T11:39:00.003+01:00

Kia announced an industry leading offer for Driving Schools for its April/May campaign.

The deal is available across a number of Kia models but is particularly adapt to the Picanto range as the car is a popular choice amongst driving instructors.

Included in the package is a Discount Fuel Card, Bumper Mouldings and Free Insurance. Dual Controls are not available free of charge on the Picanto but are available on the Rio, Ceed and Pro Ceed.

You can get details of this latest package from your local Kia Dealer.

Picanto Chill Goes Yellow

2009-04-02T11:31:00.002+01:00

Kia announced a new colour for the Picanto range.

The ‘Fresh Yellow’ colour will replace ‘Clear White’ on the 1.1 Picanto Chill from April. This is a solid paint colour (currently available on Picanto 3) and there is no paint charge for this colour.

Kia will slowly faze out the current production of white painted Picanto and replace these with Yellow over the next few months. This leaves the Picanto Chill colour range at 5 including Bright Silver, Soda Orange, Cool Blue, Galaxy Black and finally Fresh yellow.

Will UK Picanto Get Stop & Go

2009-02-03T17:28:00.002Z

As Kia announced that full scale production of six new Kia Ceed ISG (Idle Stop & Go) models will commence at it's new European factory in Slovakia, we started to get excited.

However a closer look at the small print reveals that only left hand drive models go into production with no announcment, as of yet, for right hand drive models. This asks the question as to whether it'll ever happen and if so will the new technology find its way to the Picanto.

The new Idle Stop & Go technology, or ISG for short, automatically switches the engine off when the car is stopped in traffic and restarts the engine instantly when the driver wishes to move again. In typical city driving conditions, with heavy traffic and constant stop-start motoring, the ISG system dramatically cuts fuel consumption and emissions – by up to 15%. In everyday mixed driving over town, country and motorway routes, the officially measured fuel saving is 6% on the combined cycle.

Kia revised the Picanto range to achieve lower emissions by removing one of the rear seats to reduce weight. Whilst this brought the Picanto range into the key Band B segment, the move is bound to hit sales for those wanting a 5 seat alternative like the Hyundai i10, which offers both lower emissions through new 'Kappa' engine technology as well as seating 5 occupants.

The delay in RHD production echo's the problem Kia had when delivering a diesel variant of the Picanto for the UK. With emissions and ecomony playing a major part in the decision making for car buyers, Kia can ill afford anymore design issue's which may effect what can and can't come to the UK.

However the Korean Corporation is in a different league to what it was two years ago and is continuing a massive investment in eco-friendly technologies for the future. Intensive R&D programs are developing hybrid, fuel cell and electric vehicles for volume production in the next decade. Hyundai recently announced that Idle Stop & Go technology will see its way into their new Hyundai i20 supermini so hopefully we'll see Kia employing the same strategy in their own small cars.

Kia Picanto In The Red

2008-12-01T16:27:00.008Z

Following on from the success of the ‘Picanto Chill’ special editions, Kia will shortly add the Picanto ‘Red’ to its small compact passenger car line-up. The Picanto ‘Chill’ special editions will still continue to be available.

Positioned between the ‘2’ and ‘3’ trims the factory built Picanto Red offers sporty looks with the practicality and economical running costs that can be expected from the Picanto.

Priced at £7,645 for the manual and £8,430 for the automatic, the manual Picanto ‘Red’ falls within tax band B at £35 a year, whilst the automatic remains in tax band C at £120 a year.

Specification Facts & Figures

1.1 litre engine with 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission
Low CO2 on manual engine – Band B £35 VED road tax
4 seats
Unique ‘Scarlet Red’ colour available – only available on ‘Red’
Air conditioning
Body coloured rear spoiler and side sills
New 14” Alloys
Chrome grille
Alloy pedals
Chrome interior trim – centre fascia, handles, parking brake button
Front fogs
CD audio, AUX/USB with iPod compatibility*
Red seat cloth
Driver’s seat height adjust
Leather steering wheel and gear knob
Body coloured door handles, mirrors and bumpers
Body coloured side mouldings
Front electric windows
Remote central locking with alarm (2 keys)

Picanto Gets Lower Emissions

2008-07-02T13:20:00.003+01:00

With cost of ownership, fuel and road tax playing a major role in modern day car buying decisions, Kia have made moves to reduce the emissions on the facelift Picanto.

From mid-July all production of Picanto's will be four seaters as opposed to some of the range having 5. The move reduces the overall weight of the vehicle which in turn improves fuel consumption on both manual and auto derivatives whilst reducing CO2 emissions. As a result the manual version drops to just 118g/km CO2 bringing it into VED tax band B, which costs the customer just £35 per year.

The first production models come in the way of a new special edition - the Kia Picanto Chill.

Available as either a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic, the Picanto Chill gets air conditioning, remote central locking, full iPod compatibility and a choice of funky colours, including a unique Cool Blue paint finish.

Priced from only £6995, The Picanto Chill also becomes exempt from the London Congestion Charge in the planned changes to the system due for introduction in October 2008. The automatic remains in tax band C with CO2 of 143g/km, costing £120 per year.

New Picanto To Launch 1st November

2007-10-25T15:09:00.000+01:00

Kia UK confirmed the launch of the facelift Picanto to its dealer network today.

On the 1st of November Kia are planning a mass mailshot to existing Picanto owners called Picanto Ice, which introduces the new model to existing Picanto owners by demonstrating the ways in which it is a “hot” new number, playing on the oxymoron of it being named “Ice”.

The mailing acknowledges the things that Picanto owners love about their current model, namely its “reliability and roominess” but also promotes the new model as being highly desirable by describing the Ice’s many attributes: from exterior features such as its chic chrome grille, stylish bumpers and body coloured door mirrors to it’s extensive interior features: contemporary new stylish seat cloth, driver’s seat height adjust, inner door handles, remote central locking and newly integrated CD audio with MP3 player.

In addition the numerous safety features of the new model are described to demonstrate the fact that it is a small car but its size does not mean compromises have to be made. These features include ABS with EBD ISOFIX child seat anchors, height adjustable rear head restraints, security window etching and an engine immobiliser and alarm.

The call to action is to invite current Picanto owners to be amongst the first to experience the spicy new Ice model by contacting 0800 775 777 or by popping into their local/preferred dealership in order to arrange a test drive. Once the customer has taken a test drive of a Kia model they will be able to claim a free £10 M&S voucher.

Kia To Reduce Picanto Roadside Assist

2007-08-02T14:19:00.000+01:00

If ever there was evidence that the facelift Picanto will get it's warranty extended to 5 years, the latest announcement by Kia to reduce its roadside assist package to 12 mths should go a long way to proving this.

Currently all Kia Picanto derivatives come with 3 yrs KIAssist (roadside and European recovery), but following a thorough review of the programme's usage and demand, Kia have indentified that utilisation of the programme has decreased significantly since its inception.

The service is only being used by 15% of customers in their first year of Picanto ownership, and this is falling further in years two and three. The top five call out requirements are all for user related issues such as lock-outs, running out of fuel and punctures. Incidents of actual vehicle breakdown are now running at a very low level during the three years of KIAssist cover due to Kia's improving product quality.

According to a document sent out to it's dealer network, Kia would rather use the saving of the second and third year cover and redeploy it's resources towards media investments and increasing the length of its standard vehicle warranties.

Warranty extensions have already been funded for the Kia Ceed 7 year bumper to bumper warranty and the recent extension of the Kia Carens from three to five.

All new Kia Picanto and other Kia vehicles, regardless of sales type, registered on or after the 1st September will be affected by this change. This shouldn't affect customers who have already ordered cars for the new September registration as dealers usually register vehicles prior to that date. Anybody not sure about anything should contact their Kia dealership for help.

Facelift Picanto To Be Launched Late 2007

2007-07-03T17:41:00.000+01:00

At the start of a new quarter, Kia have announced that the new facelift Kia Picanto won't be with its dealer network until the end of 2007.

Although no specific date has been announced as yet, the move is simply to clear the remaining stocks of the current Picanto models.

Although stocks are pretty low, the entry-level 1.0 GS at £5,995 price-point will continue to be advertised and the 1.1 litre LS grade in both manual and automatic transmission's will be available with 1 year’s free insurance.

Terms and conditions apply:

Full UK or EU Licence held 1 year minimum
£100 standard excess for main driver
£300 excess for drivers aged 21
£250 excess for drivers aged 22 – 24
Age 21-75 inclusive

In the meantime we'll just have to wait and see what information comes out of the Frankfurt Motor Show in September, with regards to the diesel and full UK specification.

New Facelift Diesel Picanto Will Be Built In RHD

2007-06-07T22:19:00.000+01:00

But will it find its way to the UK?

Although we do post this with caution, a source close to Kia tells us that the new 2007 facelift Picanto 'will' be built in right hand drive. Whilst we still remain sceptical the signs are optimistic.

To back this up, a recent press release kit from Kia Motors Corporation, although not yet published in the UK, reveals:

New 2007 Picanto will be available with the same three engines that have proved so popular in the current model range. Customers will continue to be offered a choice of two gasoline engines or a diesel powerplant — and either a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

For the 2007 model, the diesel engine will also be available in right-hand drive models.

It's that last sentence which sounds like music to our ears, lets just hope it becomes a reality.

On the subject of music, the press release also confirms what we already suspected, iPod and AUX connections in an audio system that Kia describe as an all-new centre stack with a factory-fitted, tailor-made radio/CD player.

Full audio integration was first introduced in the Kia range with the Carens SUV followed by the recent Kia Ceed hatchback and facelift Sorento. A welcome change we might add as there's nothing worse than a beautifully designed dashboard being ruined by a badly fitted aftermarket cassette/radio.

Engine specification is pretty much the same as the run out models, but we'll refrain from guessing the interior features as the press kit is aimed at European variants, although we can confirm the power steering is 'electrically powered' as opposed to speed sensitive as we suggested earlier.

No mention of the warranty either, although its more likely to be increased to 5 years as opposed to the 7 year warranty of the Ceed.

Watch this space!!

New Facelift Picanto To Get iPod Audio

2007-06-07T15:12:00.000+01:00

The new facelift Picanto will be going before the motoring press at Barcelona today and so we should see and hear more information regarding specification.

Meanwhile we spotted a news article on a Kia dealers website suggesting the new Picanto will have the same audio upgrade as its bigger brother the Kia Ceed and that only means one thing...iPod connectivity!

Still no suggestion of a diesel variant for the UK but we can only live in hope.

Facelift Picanto Diesel In The UK: Reality Or Pipe Dream?

2007-06-04T21:40:00.000+01:00

Were back to that old chestnut again. You know the one about whether we'll see the Diesel Picanto in any shape of form in the UK. Of course it's possible if some German or Dutch tourists happen to fancy a day out to old blighty, but so far we've been mislead and disappointed.

The recent facelift Picanto with its more rounded and intimate look (nice pic ED) and 40 mm stretch may give us hope, but somehow we doubt it'll happen. That is unless you really want it here in the first place.

So how can we manage to persuade Kia to bring an oil burning Picanto over to these shores? Simple! Convince them that your prepared to pay £7,500 for it.

This is the gospel according to Sun Motoring Journalist Ken Gibson when he says of 'the new Picanto: "One of the most impressive things about it is a great little 1.1 litre turbo diesel that does more than 55mpg."

Yes Ken we know!!

Ah, but there's still hope as Ken adds: "But Kia in the UK are debating whether to bring the engine here because it would cost up to £1,000 above the 1.1litre petrol and put the Picanto’s price up to £7,500 – which slightly defeats the model’s low-price appeal – and Kia know price is."

So he's either 'had words' with the Korean's or he likes winding us up.

Lets take his first point. The price isn't the issue at all as the Diesel Picanto 'stimulated' interest and accounted for the upturn in Picanto sales in Europe when it was launched. So if the German's, Dutch and Spanish will pay it, why won't we.

And on his last point about how price is "crucial in the entry-level city car sector", the Picanto Diesel will still be the cheapest small diesel car by a country mile at £7500 in the UK. And they'll still offer the Petrol model around £6000 as well.

Come on Kia, stop debating and get it sorted.

Facelift Picanto Update

2007-05-30T15:37:00.000+01:00

Kia have confirmed that the clear plastic lenses visible on the facelift Picanto wing mirrors are in fact indicator lenses, well spotted Kevin.

Although a Kia source did say that it will possibly be an option on the top of the range models and final specifications are yet be finalised for the UK.

On the subject of specification, a European website is reporting that a roof spoiler will be standard across the range, which extends across the full width of the car. Again we will have to wait and see.

In the meantime we'll keep the site posted with new information as and when it arrives.

Facelift Picanto Unveiled At Barcelona

2007-05-24T17:51:00.000+01:00

Though not a suprise to us, as our earlier post and various spy shots suggested, but Kia have upgraded the Picanto.

Due to be shown off at the forth coming Barcelona Motor Show, sporting a new bonnet, front wings and front and rear bumpers, the face-lifted Picanto will be 40 mm longer than the out going model.

As well as other changes including a redesigned grille (thank you) and new headlight clusters, the Picanto will also be available with new interior and exterior colours. Kia also announced the Picanto will have new audio equipment and power steering. This could mean iPod compatibility and speed sensing on the steering as is the norm these days.

As it's a facelift and not an all out new design, its unlikely we'll see a diesel Picanto anytime soon, although were going to have a good look under that bonnet to see if the changes are merely cosmetic.

And of course a new facelift Picanto only means one thing, great deals on the old model. Happy shopping.

Picanto Sets New Second Hand Residuals

2007-03-29T07:10:00.000+01:00

The cheeky little Picanto has been the envy of the segment for residual values for some time, turning rival models from Ford and Vauxhall green in the process. But now the Picanto is performing better than ever and is holding 62 per cent of its value after three years.

The impressive Kia Picanto residual values have been published in the used car industry ‘bible’ CAP, which rates and values vehicles on their resale performance.

Aside from good purchase value, high equipment levels and competitive customer service, the latest independent data shows Picanto vehicles have some of the best residual values in the industry.

Paul Philpott, Managing Director of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, said: “It’s increasingly more obvious that Kia product isn’t just about being good value as an initial purchase, the product is also a key performer when it comes to selling-on. Kia customers are benefiting from a growing brand and one which has been seen as reliable and good value for money. Now it is increasingly seen as a sought after brand. It’s not just about buying effectively, it is selling effectively too and we’re attracting more customers as a result.”

Picanto Loyalty Rewarded

2007-03-04T20:53:00.000Z

With the 07 registration plate well underway, Kia are offering the loyal Picanto owners a £500 incentive if they part with their old Pica for a shiny new one before the end of March.

As we reported earlier, Kia reduced the Picanto range down to 2 trim levels GS and LS respectively and at £5995 for the 1.0 GS and improved specification, the Picanto has never been more affordable and desirable as it is right now.

Minus that £500 reduction and at £5495, the Picanto is without doubt the pound for pound champion in the small car division.

In addition to this offer, Kia Finance have now reduced their standard PCP rate making Picanto an even better option for value conscious buyers for as little as £99 a month. As an example*, to purchase the entry level 1.0-litre GS buyers would pay a £1,800 deposit, first payment of £145 followed by 35 payments of £99 and a final payment of £1,701.

Well what you waiting for!!

Kia Realign Picanto Range And Prices

2007-01-11T20:58:00.000Z

For 2007, the Picanto range will be rationalised to a more focussed line-up which will offer even more value-for-money than ever before.

The entry model will now be the GS grade which is being re-priced to match the specification of the previous Zapp model at £5995.

There will also be a new LS derivative, which is based on the same specification as the previous 1.1 Zapp A/C models (i.e. GS grade plus air conditioning) priced from £6595. An automatic transmission is optional on the LS grade at £800.

Kia expect the LS with air conditioning to be the volume model in the range. The S, Zapp!, Zapp A/C, Zipp!, LX and SE Picanto will be phased out, indicating a new or at least a facelifted version later in the summer of 2007.

Kia Continue £20 Marks & Spencer Test Drive Incentive

2007-01-11T20:38:00.000Z

As we posted earlier, Kia are continuing with their incentivised test drive campaign which proved successful in the latter part of 2006.

The scheme, which offered a £20 Marks & Spencer voucher if you took a test-drive in a new Kia Picanto or other Kia model, resulted in over 11,000 test drive voucher downloads in 2006 and to date, more than 4000 redeeemed test drive vouchers, indicating the number of test drives taken.

Although the campaign in the 1st quarter of 2007 will largely be the same, Kia are modifying the creative message and the media placement to make the offer more bespoke to new car buyers.

More information on this offer visit the Kia website

Kia Sales Success Continues To Grow

2007-01-11T20:17:00.000Z

With the new year well under way, Kia Europe published their final figures for 2006 reaching a grand total of 271,261 units.

This was however, 2% down on 2005, but was to expected due to 6 new product launches, product shortages, a new factory in Slovakia to rectify those product shortages as well the up and coming Ceed launch to contend with.

Top of the European charts as usual was the Picanto with 83,203 units sold - including more than 16,000 in Italy, the model´s biggest market.

"Kia´s strong 2006 sales performance in Europe during our year of consolidation again demonstrates how our products now meet the needs of European consumers," commented Mr Jean-Charles Lievens, Senior Vice President Kia Motors Europe. "More and more new customers are switching to the Kia brand and this is very encouraging for everyone in our expanding dealer network as we start the New Year."

For Kia, the top markets in Europe in 2006 were Spain (46,378 sales, up 2%), Germany (42,920), the UK (36,583), Italy (36,090), France (19,972, up 4%) and Netherlands (19,114).

Globally the Picanto achieved (130,169 sales) and was Kia's second best selling car.

Merry Xmas!!

2006-12-23T14:57:00.000Z