Picanto Reviews

PR17: 1.1 LX Manual

2006-10-26T12:38:00.000+01:00

Reviewer: Samir
Country: Romania
Model: 1.1 LX Manual
Model Year: 2006
Ownership: 1 - 6 months

Good points: Interior space is roomy, silent drive even on highway at 120km/h, very good assisted steering, perfect match for city, pleasant interior and dashboard, excellent-sporty gearbox, excellent brakes even without ABS.

Bad Points: Engine a little weak and not as economical as expected in the city, but at least is clean related to the environment. Maybe an 75hp petrol engine is more suitable.

Your Review: Very good package for its price (3yr warranty unlimited km, A/C, automatic windows). Nice to drive in town on small streets, and also in traffic. Comfortable in the long trips (I recently drove 4300km in 2 weeks going to Greece). Very good for small young families.

Comfort (marks out of 5): 4
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 4
Performance (marks out of 5): 4
Overall (marks out of 5): 4

PR16: 1.0 S Manual

2006-10-13T17:48:00.000+01:00

Reviewer: Andrew Mockridge
Country: UK and Ireland
Model: 1.0 S Manual
Model Year: 2005
Ownership: 6 - 12 months

Good points: It drives nicely, very economical, cheap to buy and run. Comfortable, surprisingly roomy inside, very smart interior design, lots of headroom; driving position is very good, easy to get in and out of.

Bad Points: Fiddly 3rd party radio/CD, indicator stalk on the wrong side, no clock (except if radio correctly setup and left switched on).

Your Review: Overall I'm very pleased with the car. It ticks all the right boxes for good cheap motoring, and its a very pleasant car to live with day in day out.

Comfort (marks out of 5): 4
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 4
Performance (marks out of 5): 3
Overall (marks out of 5): 4

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PR15: 1.1 LX Manual

2006-10-05T22:57:00.000+01:00

Reviewer: No Name
Country: UK and Ireland
Model: 1.1 LX Manual
Model Year: 2004
Ownership: 1 - 4 weeks

Good points: Fun and cheap to drive

Bad Points: Key remote button in wrong place

Your Review: I changed from a 4x4 to be able to afford a smaller car and found myself wishing i had bought a Picanto ages ago. I am 6ft 7ins and love driving my new car, my 14 yr daughter loves it too much, it's mine!

Comfort (marks out of 5): 4
Reliability (marks out of 5): 4
Economy (marks out of 5): 5
Performance (marks out of 5): 5
Overall (marks out of 5): 5

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PR14: 1.1 LX Automatic

2006-09-27T21:56:00.000+01:00

Reviewer: Lee Onslow
Country: UK and Ireland
Model: 1.1 LX Automatic
Model Year: 2004
Ownership: 6 -12 months

Good points: It starts without fuss. Good access via all doors, Supportive seats, Controls well laid out*, Effective storage and cubby areas, variable speed wipers are a nice touch. Overdive function is a good feature. Engine consumable items easy to access. Light bonnet. Great fold down seats (just like the Pug 205 used to be)

Bad Points: Poor fuel consumption for a small auto (urban). More rake needed for steering wheel, Coolant temp light could be much brighter (non adjustable ilumination) A boot 12v dc socket an omission (for my solar panels) KIA please adopt euro convention on *steering wheel stalks! Stereo a bit naff, doesn't play MP3's and the fascia panel doesn't come off. Air con could be stronger (ie colder). Auto locking could be set for a longer period, Key remote function could be put on the flat rather than on the edge of the key fob.

Creep function tends to grab from a non gas 'on' start.

Your Review: I needed a small car with an auto box in a hurry. The Picanto looks the part and does have an edge over others that cost more. On balance I do feel a little let down. Even my wife commented on its distinct lack of engine power or torque. Also she needs a booster cushion to see above the high binnacle. Some soft feel plastics, a beefier engine, plus swapping those infernal stalks to euro convention would make this car even better. Nice try Kia, but you could do better.

Just roll out the Diesel Auto!

Comfort (marks out of 5): 3
Reliability (marks out of 5): 3
Economy (marks out of 5): 2
Performance (marks out of 5): 2
Overall (marks out of 5): 3

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PR13: 1.1 LX Automatic

2006-09-23T09:15:00.000+01:00

Reviewer: Kate Skillett
Country: UK and Ireland
Model: 1.1 LX Automatic
Model Year: 2006
Ownership: 1 - 4 weeks

Good points: Economical, Comfortable and Sexy!!!

Bad Points:

Your Review: I bought PJ, my second Hippicanto after deciding that my confidence in Henry, my first Hippicanto, was not as it should be following an accident in the first month of ownership.

PJ is beautiful, he is dressed in metallic black and adorned with pink hibiscus flowers. Fully automatic the drive is amazing, the fuel economy superb and I am definitely smitten with this car!

Sadly, after 4 days of ownership I got a screw in my front tyre, don't ask me how - I think maybe thats for another blog. Anyway, one call to the dealership and they came out with a spare wheel kit - yes, you can get one, and it does fit under the boot mat!

The new wheel was fitted and the 'old' tyre stowed for inspection. You guessed it, it was not repairable but at a low cost of around £30 I now have a spare AND of course the strange stuff supplied with my Picanto to get you home if you get a puncture!!

Sizewise my Picanto is just right - they may seem small on the outside by my partner who is tall can drive PJ with ease.

The usual plusses apply - for the one price the Picanto comes as standard, MP3 player, electric windows, air-conditioning, little compartment under the passenger seat for my atlas and glasses case on the drivers side for my spare pair!

The boot is big enough for my needs and if anyone out there still thinks the Picanto is THAT small - I have transported a full size body workout machine home in mine, when my daughter won it on Ebay!

Comfort (marks out of 5): 5
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 5
Performance (marks out of 5): 5
Overall (marks out of 5): 5

Additional Comments: I have photos of my new boy - but cannot see where to put them in this review?

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PR12: 1.1 LX Manual

2006-05-11T14:14:00.000+01:00

Reviewer: No Name
Country: UK and Ireland
Model: 1.1 LX Manual
Model Year: 2004
Ownership: 6 -12 months

Good points: Excellent on fuel and a fun drive. EXCELLENT CAR

Bad Points: No spare wheel. Also a small boot . They are the only bad ponts

Your review: I am a driving instructor and having a good car is very important. I have had lots of other cars in my time but not one of them compares to my Picanto. It's easy to drive and fun, it saves me a lot of money with fuel. It's a great little car and hope to see more types in the future.

Comfort (marks out of 5): 5
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 5
Performance (marks out of 5): 5
Overall (marks out of 5): 5

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PR11: 1.1 LX Automatic

2006-03-08T22:13:00.000Z

Reviewer: Roy Heath
Country: United Kingdom
Model: 1.1 LX Automatic
Model Year: 2004
Ownership: Over a year

Good points: Economy, comfort and drive quality

Bad Points: None

Your review: Coming from a big car family - Jaguar, Vauxhall Omega it was a difficult decision to buy a Picanto for my wife. I've been so impressed by this little car that I admit to driving it more than my Omega and enjoying it more. It completely fulfills my requirements for transport and does it on a shoestring. The sheer quality of the Picanto is overwhelming.

Comfort (marks out of 5): 4
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 5
Performance (marks out of 5): 4
Overall (marks out of 5): 4

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PR10: 1.0 GS Manual

2006-01-24T19:50:00.000Z

Reviewer: Gail Steven
Country: United Kingdom
Model: 1.0 GS 5dr Manual
Model Year: 2005
Ownership: 1 - 6 months

Good points: Very ecconomical with petrol, Power steering makes the car great to drive, no spare wheel I am a woman driver so I dont need to change it, free 3 years RAC cover.

Bad Points: The first time you drive it the blue light flashes on till the car heats up very misleading but apart from that great wee car to drive

Your review: No text

Comfort (marks out of 5): 4
Reliability (marks out of 5): 4
Economy (marks out of 5): 3
Performance (marks out of 5): 4
Overall (marks out of 5): 4

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PR9: 1.1 LX Manual

2005-12-22T18:00:00.000Z

Reviewer: Amy Jackson
Country: United Kingdom
Model: 1.1 LX 5dr Manual
Model Year: 2005
Ownership: 1 - 6 months

Good points: The colour, the CD player, its got 4 speakers and is really narrow and can fit through almost anything.

Bad Points: Because it's a Kia and is not really aimed at the younger generation.

Your review: You get lots of different little things like a sunglasses holder and a tray under your seat. I like the fact that the car beeps when you have not got your seat belt on. If i unlock my car using the remote and don't get there within 30 seconds, it locks itself.

I'd buy another one but would like Kia to put in a bigger engine as the 1.1 engine is not as fast as i'd like. The colour coding on the oil cap and water filler is a good idea, this way i know where to check things. I think it's really good value for money.

Comfort (marks out of 5): 4
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 5
Performance (marks out of 5): 3
Overall (marks out of 5): 4

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PR8: EX Airco 1.0

2005-12-18T21:00:00.000Z

Reviewer: Philip & Agnes
Country: Netherlands
Model: EX Airco 1.0
Model Year: 2004
Ownership: Over a year

Good points: Very small car on the outside, but very large inside.

Bad Points: The engine needs to much petrol, even when we are driving slowly. The original tyres of Hankook make a lot of terrible noise.

Your review: I've had never bought a Kia, but one day he came on the commercials on the Dutch tv. In a moment we were in love with this model, so the next day to our Kia dealer and went driving with the Picanto, wow wow, what an experience.

Now we are driving for one year with this car, and we don't have any regret to buy this car.

Comfort (marks out of 5): 5
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 4
Performance (marks out of 5): 5
Overall (marks out of 5): 5

Additional Comments: Dealer service 5 points

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PR7: 1.1 LX Manual

2005-12-18T20:40:00.000Z

Reviewer: Peter Morley
Country: UK and Ireland
Model: 1.1 LX Manual
Model Year: 2005
Ownership: 6 - 12 months

Good points: Roomy in the front with stacks of leg room. You get plenty of equipment as standard which i like and its really easy to drive.

Bad Points: My only disapointment is the economy really as I can't seem to get anywhere near the figures quoted in the brochure. Ive only done 2500 miles so far and it does seem to get better as the engine gets bedded in, but its not what i expected. Also i wouldn't recommend it as a motorway car if you spend a lot of time on them.

Your review: Like i said for motorways it's not ideal but then again small cars with little engines are not designed for that. I love the specification and the easy way it drives. So far no problems and i dont expect to have any on a car as new as this. For value for money it's difficult to beat as i looked at quite a few small cars and they were nowhere near as kitted out as this for the price.

Overall i'm happy with it but would have prefered a diesel for the ecomony if they did one.

Comfort (marks out of 5): 4
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 3
Performance (marks out of 5): 4
Overall (marks out of 5): 4

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PR6: 1.1 SE Manual

2005-12-12T11:43:00.000Z

Reviewer: Kevin Dyas
Country: UK and Ireland
Model: 1.1 SE Manual
Model Year: 2005
Ownership: 6 - 12 months

Good points: The Kia Picanto comes with an excellent specification along with a superb price tag! Fog lamps, full electrics windows, electric mirrors and air conditioning! I love the colour and the two-tone seat covers.

Bad Points: My Picanto is currently suffering from squealing brakes but it is going back into the dealer to be looked at. Suspension can give it a bit of a bumpy ride.

Your review: Great little car, but there aren't many aftermarket products available in the UK although I was able to get replacement wing mirror covers with LED indicators in. The seats are comfortable and I like the drive.

Comfort (marks out of 5): 4
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 4
Performance (marks out of 5): 4
Overall (marks out of 5): 5

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PR5: 1.1 LX Automatic

2005-12-07T20:41:00.000Z

Reviewer: Tony Ellis
Country: UK and Ireland
Model: 1.1 LX Automatic
Model Year: 2005
Ownership: 1 - 6 months

Good points: Superb specification for the money. Drives well and feels like a much bigger car. Good build quality with an unoffensive interior.

Bad Points: Sometimes get the impression the engine is racing ahead of the actual acceleration involved. Boot is small but we knew that when we bought it. Hope we never have to use the tyre inflation system.

Your review: Good all round package if space isn't a prime concern although four adults can be accommodated in reasonable comfort. The automatic gearbox is excellent for easy town/city driving but a lot of short journeys will impact on fuel economy. Over 2,000 miles we have a low of 30 mpg and a high of 45 mpg. The overall average since new is 37.8 mpg.

The car is a good drive, even on motorways were it had little problem keeping up with the flow in the outside lane!

It is impressively equipped and feels comfortable no matter which of the seats you occupy. The all round disc brakes could surprise new owners as they are particularly effective (reassuring) but you soon get used to a 'light touch' on the brake pedal.

No regrets at all in our decision to buy. One year's free insurance was a bonus!

Comfort (marks out of 5): 4
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 4
Performance (marks out of 5): 3
Overall (marks out of 5): 5

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PR4: 1.1 LX Manual

2005-12-07T15:55:00.000Z

Reviewer: Richard Parkin
Country: UK and Ireland
Model: 1.1 LX Manual
Model Year: 2005
Ownership: 1 - 4 weeks

Good points: Equipment, visibility, and interior space considering how compact the exterior is. Also a very good motorway cruiser I have found .

Bad points: Boot is very small, if only the car was a couple of inches longer!

Your review: I bought the car a few weeks back, encouraged by the numerous positive reviews in the motoring press. I think they are all justified as its a cracking little car. As well as the boot being a bit small, I would also like to have slightly better plastics inside. Sure, its well constructed, but I'd have paid an extra couple of hundred if the interior materials were "heavier" quality. Paint quality is good, ride and handling acceptable but a bit bouncy over speed humps (but you'd expect that with a short wheelbase car). The Steering is nicely weighted, and the dash layout nice and logical. Overall, its a fantastic value piece of kit, and if it had a Ford badge in the front, they'd be everywhere.

Comfort (marks out of 5): 4
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 5
Performance (marks out of 5): 4
Overall (marks out of 5): Select a mark

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PR3: 1.1 Glamour

2005-12-05T20:26:00.000Z

Reviewer: Anonymous
Country: United Kingdom
Model: 1.1 Glamour Manual
Model Year: 2005
Ownership: 1 - 6 months

Good points: Where do I begin! The picanto glamour edition offers so much for your money and I can always see people looking at it and wondering what car it is as it just doesn't look like a normal streetcar- it has something special about it! the alloys are a lovely edition and the roomy interior is fantastic!

Bad points: The car doesnt come with a spare tyre which is definatly a worrying bad point. You are instead provided with a can of tyre 'fixer' which doesnt look easy to use. However in kia's defence all kia's come with RAC membership free!

Your review: Well, I have only had my car for 3 months and it is definately without doubt the best thing I have ever bought!! It is such a pleasure to drive its roomy and the exterior is so special. It looks so much more expensive than what it is. And of course, its a safe car and that pleases mum and dad! But my favourite thing is definately the pink glamour that is written on the car. It's so cool having and girlie and I just love it!

Comfort (marks out of 5): 5
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 5
Performance (marks out of 5): 5
Overall (marks out of 5): 5

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PR2: 1.1 LX

2005-12-01T21:53:00.000Z

Reviewer: Mrs Goulding
Country: United Kingdom
Model: 1.0 LX Manual
Model Year: 2004
Ownership: Over a year

Good points: Power steering as my last car was an old Corsa and didn't have it.

Bad points: I don't like the fact there's no spare wheel and only a repair kit which i think is a bit mean of Kia. I had to go and pay extra for a spare which i got from my dealer.

Your review: Compared to my last car i find the Picanto easier to drive and the steering is nice and light. It seems good on petrol and is nippy around town.

The drivers seat could do with being adjustable as i am fairly long in the back and i feel a little high in the seat. I like the fact it is well equipped for a small car and fehttp://www.blogger.com/img/gl.link.gifels very safe to drive.

I would recommend anybody to try one and am more than happy with the car and service from my local dealer. I am scoring it 3 for comfort only because of the seat position for me.

Comfort (marks out of 5): 3
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 4
Performance (marks out of 5): 5
Overall (marks out of 5): 4

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PR1: 1.0 GS

2005-11-22T23:24:00.000Z

Reviewer: Anonymous
Country: United Kingdom
Model: 1.0 GS Manual
Model Year: 2005
Ownership: 6-12 months

Good points: Easy to park and nippy around town.

Bad points: I don't like the way the blue temperature light comes on when i start from cold, although i'm used to it now i understand what it is, it's just over use of technology and pointless.

Your review: I think the Kia is a great little car because it handles really well. I'm really impressed with the brakes especially for such a small car and the big mirrors make it easy for me to park and reverse.

The interior has improved a lot and does not feel cheap and 'plastic' like other Korean attempts, although i'm not keen on the colour of the seat fabric (minor point).

Fuel economy is fine at about 45 to 50 mpg, though not so good if pushed too hard. All the gadgets and buttons for no extra cost was a big bonus, such as ABS EBD brakes, front electric windows. Basically, the Kia is a solid and reliable car at a respectable price.

In general, I'm happy with my Picanto and like it's quirky looks and front wide grill. Hats off to Kia. I'd purchase another from the brand.

Comfort (marks out of 5): 4
Reliability (marks out of 5): 5
Economy (marks out of 5): 4
Performance (marks out of 5): 4
Overall (marks out of 5): 4

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