The Blogging Persons Small Car

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

Picanto Sales Keep Kia On Target

2006-12-05T22:51:00.000Z

Kia posted yet another increase in sales for November, with oversea's sales of passenger cars and light trucks representing a 5.7% year-on-year increase.

With over 119,376 units sold in 2006, the Picanto remained Kia's best selling model in export markets, followed by the Cerato.

In addition to this, for the first eleven months of 2006, Kia’s overseas sales have risen by 2.6% year-on-year to reach 768,510 units. Europe showed the largest gain at 4.4%, while North American sales have increased by 2.9%; figures that buck the trend of the market for this month within the industry – general sales in Europe and North America for November are down 1.1%.

A delighted Jung-Moon Park, Senior Executive Vice President and COO of Kia Motors Corporation, said, “Our sales figures for November and for the first 11 months of 2006 are very positive – this continued year-on-year growth in global sales shows that we at Kia are really tuned-in to the wants and needs of consumers in the modern global market.

To cap this success, Kia also learned today that it has been named 'Automotive Manufacturer of the Year 2007’ by The Institute of Transport Management (ITM) in its recent report into global manufacturing processes and companies operating within the industry.

Over recent years, Kia Motors has made considerable progress in its efforts to promote sustainable development within the industry and these efforts have now been recognised.

The ITM report was designed to examine the companies within the transport industry taking strides to minimise the negative factors associated with it. Kia has, since outlining its programme for a new system of management – focused on the global environment – been committed to stepping up its efforts to tackle such problems.

Kia are keenly involved in the development of the next-generation of cars powered by hybrid-engines and fuel cells and batteries, and are set to expand the use of recyclable parts and materials for its models. Similarly Kia has implemented advanced technological solutions to minimise energy and water consumption, emissions and waste in manufacturing plants. On the product side, major achievements include reduced fuel consumption and widespread use of catalytic converters – leading to a reduction of exhaust emissions.

These issues are, according to Mr. Byung-Kwang Jang, President of Kia Motors (UK) Ltd, very important and in response to this recognition of Kia by the ITM he said: “From the outset, we at Kia have been making cars with the driver in mind. The consumer has responded by placing Kia Motors in the enviable position as one of the fastest growing car companies in the world. This award is recognition of our Company’s ongoing commitment to surpassing customer expectations through continuous automotive innovation.

“While the automotive industry continues to place great importance on new creative concepts in product design and development we at Kia have responded by developing an exciting range of vehicles from the Picanto to the extremely popular Sorrento SUV. As a result the Kia brand is rapidly gaining a world-class reputation and we can now count ourselves as one of the top automotive producers in the world; selling more than one million cars per year,” he added.

Is This The New 2007 Picanto?

2006-10-26T12:48:00.000+01:00

And will we finally see a Diesel version in the UK?

Although we don't usually like spy shots, we were quite drawn to these recent pictures of what Auto Express are claiming is the all-new Kia Picanto.

The first thing we noticed was how the front and rear side window frames were identical, when compared to the current model. This naturally suggests were looking at a Picanto, as no two vehicles would be identical in this way, although a closer look suggests the wing mirror is different to throw us off.

Rear end changes are also apparent, but most obvious is the A-pillar which means new front wings, grille and bonnet. A move that could mean more space under the hood to drop in an oil burner and that means...diesel power.

Despite the spin coming from the Korean's PR dept, rumours are the real reason the RHD diesel Picanto never got to these shores was the fact the diesel engine is significantly larger than the petrol. Coupled with the fact that steering columns, brake servo's, clutch and pedals are all on the opposite side, Kia may have felt it un-economically viable to spend the extra £££ on redesign's, especially if a new version was on the horizon.

This new model could also be available in a GTi version, powered by a 97 bhp petrol (why not make it 100 bhp).

So what were seeing here is either a face-lifted version of the current Picanto with a more 'European' look or the platform for Hyundai's forth-coming 2007 Amica, which is due to be launched early 2007.

Fingers crossed it's not the latter.

Test Drive A Picanto And Be Quids In

2006-10-19T09:53:00.000+01:00

Kia launch test-drive incentive

To increase sales and maintain awareness, in what is considered the toughest period of the sales calendar, Kia are offering a £20 Marks & Spencer voucher if you take a test-drive in a new Kia Picanto.

The campaign, starting today until 22nd December, will be launched in the national press, radio and naturally on-line.

Customers must go to the Kia website at www.kia.co.uk/testdrive, although it says the page isn't working right now, we are assured it will be. Once on the website you must do the following:

Fill out the electronic form
Select preferred dealer
Book the test drive directly
Print out the form
Take the form into your preferred dealership
Have your test drive

A few points worth remembering. After your Picanto test-drive, make sure the dealer stamps the form as it's your responsibility to send the form directly back to Kia Motors UK. The address is:

Kia Motors (UK) Ltd
FREEPOST CV1879
Rugby
CV21 1BR

Have fun and don't spend it all at once!!

October Picanto Deals

2006-10-05T17:28:00.000+01:00

Quick post about Kia's current offers for the month of October.

First off there's a consumer offer of £500 cashback on the 1.1 Zapp with air conditioning. Please bear in mind that this is the only model eligible, as the 1.0 Zapp is in very short supply and most dealers have opted to register what little stock they have, on 56 plates, to attract buyers in the quieter Autumn period.

So for £5995, after your cashback, you can drive away a high specification limited edition Picanto with air conditioning, electric windows, central locking, ABS, power steering, CD Player with MP3 and a host of other goodies, not to mention a three year unlimited mileage warranty and roadside assist.

Automatic for the price of a manual

For those of you who are tired of the gear stick, Kia, through it's dealer network, are also offering a brand new Picanto 1.1 LX Automatic for the price of a LX manual. At £7195 on the road, that's pretty good value for money for a small high specification automatic.

Kia To Offer 7 Year Warranty

2006-09-27T21:27:00.000+01:00

Sadly not on the Picanto!!

Well at least not for now, but great news never-the-less, as this could be the start of seeing Kia's current warranty programme, which is excellent by the way, extended beyond their current 3 yr unlimited deal.

As Kia unleash their new models at the Paris Motor Show, we speculate that Kia will probably go the same route as it's parent company Hyundai, and offer a 5 yr unlimited mileage warranty on the Picanto and the rest of the range.

The decision comes on the back of a new launch model known as the Kia Cee'd, a product of the new European plant in Zilina, Slovakia and sends a clear message to it's rivals that they mean business.

Every Kia cee´d marketed by Kia Motors Europe will benefit from a 7-year / 150,000 kilometre new car warranty, comprising five years cover on the entire car and an additional two years cover for the powertrain. The warranty will be free and transferable to subsequent owners, provided the vehicle is regularly maintained in accordance with the servicing schedule.

Watch this space you read it here first!!

Picanto Contract Hire Deals

2006-09-20T13:34:00.000+01:00

We have been noticing that the amount of car manufacturers pushing car leasing, or contract hire as it's also known, is on the increase.

Kia seem to be the exception, with nothing or very little information on their website or the dealer network, the latter probably preferring to handle enquiries as and when it’s requested.

This is a shame really, as a quick search around the web reveals some really good deals on the Kia range, where leasing a Picanto costs only £110 per month plus V.A.T.

This will be partly due to the fact that the Picanto lost less than any other car in the UK during 2005, with the strong residual value's offsetting the balance to borrow and therefore keeping the payments low.

As a business user, the benefits of Contract Hire are there to be seen:

50% of the V.A.T on monthly rentals is reclaimable.
No disposal or depreciation worries as the vehicle is handed back at the end of the contract.
100% V.A.T is claimable on the maintenance element of the vehicle should you choose this.
No capital investment

Sounds good if you’re a business user, but what if your not. Apparently all the benefits of Contract Hire also apply to you, except your payments are inclusive of V.A.T and you can’t claim a portion of this back.

What you waiting for?

*Note - if any of our readers find other good deals on Picanto, please post them here.

Fuel For Thought!!

2006-08-31T20:56:00.000+01:00

Readers regularly email us regarding the fuel economy on their Picanto's. Some are disappointed with the fuel return, others are extremely suprised how frugal their Picanto petrols can be.

One reader in particular points out that the latest Whatcar research into fuel economy, should be enough to convince Kia to sit up and produce a Diesel Picanto variant for UK shores. While we totally agree the Diesel Picanto should be available in RHD (Right Hand Drive) in the UK, we doubt it'll ever happen.

So is the Picanto petrol really that bad on fuel? Can a vehicle ever match it's official fuel economy claims? It depends on who you talk to, but a quick scan at the chart reveals the Picanto 1.1 is better than the Nissan Micra 1.2SE, Fiat Panda 1.2, Ford Fiesta LX, Renault Clio 1.4, Toyota Yaris 1.3, VW Polo 1.2, Vauxhall Agila, Vauxhall Corsa Easytronic and a smidgen off the Corsa 1.0. That's pretty much everything in it's class.

The report, carried out by Peter de Nayer, a former AA senior research engineer who invented the motoring organisation's own fuel economy tests in the 1980s, suggested that both the Kia Picanto 1.1 and it's bigger stablemate, the Rio 1.5 CRDi, struggled to match their manufacturers' claims and were both 11.6mpg less efficient than claimed. The Picanto only achieving 46.0 mpg.

The tests were carried out by inserting a special meter in the fuel line to measure the precise amount of fuel used over a series of pre-determined road routes used in identical conditions.

While were not doubting this methodology, one wonders how the Government produce their own set of 'official figures' and why such a differential. Answers on a postcard please!!

So it's all subjective really. What is important however, is the opinions of what the real drivers say, those who actually own the cars, as conditions vary from one destination to the other. What we can't take seriously is the Whatcar 'top tips' on how to achieve 'real world' fuel figures and save ourselves a fortune on fuel bills.

Quite clearly today's top motoring experts don't live in the 'real world', or venture out on to todays roads if they seriously suggest you:

travel off-peak, avoiding the busiest, most congested times and you'll use less fuel". What if you work?
Switch off. If you're stuck in a traffic jam, turn the engine off so it's not using fuel needlessly. Are they being serious?
Avoid small fill-ups. A small amount of petrol evaporates when the fuel cap is removed. Are we really reading this?

What about these suggestions:

Boycott greedy fuel stations for a while, pedal or walk to work if possible, causing panic amongst the government and fuel moguls, eventually forcing fuel prices down.
Kia, build us a RHD Diesel Picanto so we can do 68.0 mpg or not!!

Is The Picanto A Classic?

2006-06-27T10:30:00.000+01:00

Ellie Wright, a PR executive from London, seems to think so!

"Public relations executive Ellie Wright (left) works with a company dealing with classic cars, and she thinks her Picanto is a classic as well.

Ellie bought her Picanto last year and has already clocked up a healthy mileage.

She said: “Although I work in London, my friends and work are spread around the country so I have done quite a few miles – and enjoyed every minute. The Picanto is just as good on the motorway as it is around London.

“What’s great in town is how easy the car is to park!”

What attracted Ellie to the Picanto originally was a Limited Edition model she saw in Glamour magazine. “It has slightly different styling at the front and loads of equipment – plus it came with one year’s free insurance which is extremely useful when you are 22 and live in London!”

Kia Picanto Best Value Car In The UK?

2006-06-22T09:52:00.000+01:00

Is the Kia Picanto the best value car in the UK? Well the judges at Auto Express think so as they judged it the best Budget Car in their New Car Honours 2006.

The cheeky looking Picanto pulled out in front of its bigger brother the Kia Rio and rival Fiat Panda to clinch the award and proves that style and design do not need to be sacrificed for a price.

Paul Williams, Managing Director, Kia Motors confirms that: "This award from Auto Express confirms what we at Kia already knew – that every penny counts and when you combine the Picanto’s £5895 price tag with top class residual values we have the best value car in the UK."

The recent investigation by Parker’s Car Price Guide into car depreciation, confirmed that no car in the UK offers better value than the Picanto with a year’s ownership in 2005 costing an average of just £1,091!

This isn’t the first time Picanto has received recognition from Auto Express, earlier this year it scooped a victory in the Small Car category at the Auto Express Used Car Honours 2006.

And in Auto Express’s recently published results from EurotaxGlass’s guide to cars that make the best investment over the next three years, the Picanto 1.1 SE stormed to the top of the City Car group as it retains almost 47% over three years.

Picanto line-up and pricing:

Picanto 1.0 S - £5,895
Picanto 1.0 Zapp! - £5,995
Picanto 1.0 GS - £6,395
Picanto 1.1 LX - £7,195
Picanto 1.1 LX Auto - £7,895
Picanto 1.1 SE + - £7,795