Kia Picanto NZ Review: Compact Car Excellence

The Kia Picanto is a popular compact car that has gained recognition since its release in 2004. If you’re in New Zealand and searching for a reliable and efficient compact car, the Kia Picanto is worth considering. With its impressive features, fuel efficiency, and competitive pricing, it ticks all the boxes for car buyers in New Zealand.

The Kia Picanto offers a second generation, which was released in 2011, with several updates that enhance its appeal. From new bumpers to a re-styled instrument cluster and redesigned steering wheel controls, the Picanto is a modern and stylish choice. The interior boasts a user-friendly layout with quality materials, making it a comfortable and practical option for everyday driving.

Equipped with modern features like Bluetooth and USB input, the Picanto keeps you connected on the go. Its ample legroom and comfortable seats guarantee a pleasant experience, whether you’re running errands around the city or going on a road trip. The Picanto’s solid build quality and impressive warranty coverage add to its appeal and provide peace of mind for car owners.

Key Takeaways:

• The Kia Picanto is a popular compact car in New Zealand.
• It offers a second generation with updated features and modern styling.
• The interior is user-friendly, comfortable, and equipped with modern technology.
• The Picanto delivers a satisfying driving experience with its performance and handling.
• It offers impressive fuel efficiency and competitive pricing.

Exterior Design and Color Options

The Kia Picanto boasts an eye-catching exterior design that blends cuteness with style. Its compact size is perfectly complemented by a range of vibrant color options to suit every taste. From the bold and vibrant yellow to the classic and timeless red, the Picanto offers a variety of colors that make a statement on the road.

The car’s exterior also features carefully crafted design elements that enhance its overall appeal. With alloy wheels that add a touch of elegance, a rear spoiler for a sporty flair, and sleek side skirts that accentuate its sleek profile, the Picanto exudes a smart and contemporary look.

These design choices make the Kia Picanto stand out from the crowd and cater to individuals who want more than just a practical car. The combination of colors and thoughtful exterior design elements ensures that the Picanto never fails to turn heads.

Interior Features and Comfort

The interior of the Kia Picanto is designed with comfort and functionality in mind, offering a pleasant driving experience for both the driver and passengers.

Step inside the Picanto, and you’ll be greeted by a well-thought-out cabin layout. The use of black plastic and silver highlights creates a sleek and modern aesthetic.

The seats in the Picanto are designed to provide utmost comfort during long drives. With ample cushioning and support, you’ll feel relaxed and at ease behind the wheel. Plus, the driver’s seat is height-adjustable, allowing you to find the perfect driving position that suits your preferences.

The steering wheel of the Picanto is wrapped in leather, lending a touch of luxury to the interior. It also features convenient controls for the stereo and phone, allowing you to easily access these functions without taking your hands off the wheel.

In terms of storage, the Picanto offers practical solutions for keeping your belongings organized. The doors are equipped with pockets and bottle holders, providing easy access to small items. A spacious glove box provides additional storage space for larger items, while the center console features rotating cup holders for added convenience.

When it comes to connectivity, the Picanto doesn’t disappoint. It is equipped with modern features such as Bluetooth and USB input, allowing you to easily connect your devices and enjoy your favorite music or take hands-free calls on the go. Additionally, a power socket is provided for charging your devices, ensuring that you stay connected throughout your journey.

Overall, the interior of the Kia Picanto combines practicality, comfort, and modern features to enhance your driving experience. Whether you’re on a daily commute or a long road trip, the Picanto provides a welcoming and comfortable space that caters to your needs.

Note: Image depicts the interior of the Kia Picanto, showcasing its comfortable seats and user-friendly design.

Performance and Handling

The Kia Picanto offers impressive performance and handling, making it a joy to drive. Equipped with a four-cylinder 1.25-liter engine, the Picanto delivers a power output of 64kW and 121Nm of torque. This engine is paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, ensuring smooth and efficient gear shifts, enhancing the overall driving experience.

Whether cruising around town or hitting the open road, the Picanto proves to be a nimble and agile car. With its peppy engine, the Picanto feels responsive and lively, allowing for quick acceleration and a satisfying growl when you put your foot down.

When it comes to handling, the Kia Picanto shines. It offers minimal body roll and excellent cornering abilities, allowing you to navigate tight turns and curves with ease and confidence. The firm suspension provides a comfortable ride, absorbing bumps and providing a stable driving experience even on rough roads. Additionally, the responsive brakes offer good feel and instill confidence when braking, ensuring a smooth and controlled stop.

Key Features:

• Powerful 1.25-liter engine with 64kW of power and 121Nm of torque
• Four-speed automatic transmission for seamless gear shifts
• Nimble and agile performance for city driving
• Minimal body roll and excellent cornering abilities
• Firm suspension for a comfortable ride
• Responsive brakes for confident braking

Overall, the Kia Picanto delivers a satisfying driving experience with its impressive performance and handling. Whether you’re navigating city streets or exploring winding roads, this compact car offers a dynamic and fun-filled ride that will keep you excited behind the wheel.

Safety Features

When it comes to safety, the Kia Picanto doesn’t cut any corners. It is equipped with a range of safety features that prioritize the well-being of its occupants. These safety features not only provide peace of mind but also enhance the overall driving experience.

The Kia Picanto incorporates advanced safety technologies to ensure optimum protection on the road. Some of the notable safety features include:

• Anti-lock Braking System (ABS): The ABS helps prevent the wheels from locking up during sudden braking, allowing the driver to maintain steering control.
• Vehicle Stability Management (VSM): VSM monitors various vehicle parameters and applies corrective measures if necessary, such as adjusting engine torque or applying brake force to individual wheels, ensuring stability and control in diverse driving conditions.
• Electronic Stability Control (ESC): ESC enhances vehicle stability and reduces the risk of skidding by automatically applying brakes to individual wheels, helping the driver maintain control during sudden maneuvers.
• Hill Start Assist: Hill Start Assist prevents the vehicle from rolling back when starting on an incline by automatically holding the brakes for a short period, giving the driver enough time to smoothly accelerate.

The protection of the occupants is further reinforced by the comprehensive airbag system in the Kia Picanto. The car comes equipped with six airbags, strategically positioned throughout the cabin, including front, side, and curtain airbags. The EX trim goes the extra mile with an additional driver knee airbag for enhanced protection.

Seatbelt pre-tensioners are also standard in the Kia Picanto, ensuring that seatbelts are tightly secured in the event of a collision. This feature minimizes the risk of injury by reducing the belt slack and restraining the occupants more effectively.

Moreover, the Picanto offers additional safety features that provide convenience and assistance during everyday driving. These features include rear parking sensors, heated electrically adjustable mirrors, and auto lights. These additions enhance visibility and make driving safer, especially in low-light conditions or tight parking spaces.

Overall, the Kia Picanto’s safety features make it a reliable and secure choice for car buyers. Its comprehensive safety systems, airbag protection, and advanced technologies work together to ensure the safety and well-being of both the driver and passengers.

Fuel Efficiency and Cost

The Kia Picanto stands out for its impressive fuel efficiency and affordability. Featuring a lightweight and efficient engine, the Picanto provides excellent fuel economy for both city and highway driving. Its fuel tank capacity of 35 liters allows for longer trips with fewer stops for refueling. This means more time on the road and less time spent at the pump.

In addition to its fuel efficiency, the Kia Picanto is priced competitively, making it an affordable option for car buyers in New Zealand. The base model starts at $18,990 NZD, providing great value for money considering the car’s features and performance. For those looking for additional features, the EX trim is available at $20,990 NZD, offering even more value for the price.

Overall, the Kia Picanto’s fuel efficiency and cost-effectiveness make it a smart choice for budget-conscious car buyers who want to maximize their fuel savings without compromising on quality and performance.

Comparison to Competitors

The Kia Picanto can be compared to other small cars in the market, and it stands out in terms of its features and performance. It offers a more grown-up feel compared to other small cars, with its firm suspension, solid build quality, and good handling. The Picanto does not have as many features as some of its rivals, but it compensates with its comfortable seats and smooth driving experience. It is a practical choice for daily use and offers excellent warranty coverage. Overall, the Picanto compares favorably to its competitors and stands out as a reliable and affordable option.

“The Picanto offers a more grown-up feel compared to other small cars, with its firm suspension, solid build quality, and good handling.”

Key Features Comparison

• Kia Picanto: Comfortable seats, solid build quality
• Competitor A: More features
• Competitor B: More features
• Competitor C: More features

Pros and Cons

The Kia Picanto offers several pros that make it an excellent choice for car buyers. Firstly, it handles well, providing a smooth and responsive driving experience. Whether you’re navigating city streets or cruising on the highway, the Picanto delivers a balanced and comfortable ride. Additionally, the car boasts a solid build quality, ensuring durability and longevity. You can trust that the Picanto will withstand the test of time.

Another advantage of the Picanto is its impressive warranty coverage. Kia is known for its generous warranties, and the Picanto is no exception. With extensive coverage for both the vehicle and powertrain, you can have peace of mind knowing that you’re protected against unexpected repairs and expenses.

Fuel efficiency is another strong point of the Kia Picanto. The lightweight design and efficient engine contribute to its excellent fuel economy. Whether you’re commuting to work or embarking on a road trip, the Picanto will help you save on fuel costs.

“The Picanto’s overall performance, comfort, and affordability make it a popular choice among compact car buyers.”

On the flip side, there are a few cons to consider. One notable drawback is the lack of advanced features such as cruise control. While the Picanto offers modern amenities like Bluetooth and USB input, it’s missing some of the high-tech features found in larger, more expensive cars. Additionally, the Picanto has limited storage space compared to its larger counterparts. If you frequently haul large items or need ample cargo space, you may find the Picanto’s storage capacity to be a bit restrictive.

Despite these cons, the overall performance, comfort, and affordability of the Kia Picanto make it a popular choice among compact car buyers. Its pros far outweigh the cons, making it an excellent option for those seeking a reliable, efficient, and stylish car.

Tall People-Friendly Cars

When it comes to finding a compact car that accommodates tall individuals, the Kia Picanto is a standout option. This small car has earned a spot among the top five recommendations for tall people in Australia. With its thoughtful design features, the Picanto provides both comfort and convenience for taller drivers.

One of the key features that make the Picanto tall people-friendly is its tall and flat roofline. This design element ensures that there is ample headroom for taller individuals, eliminating the discomfort of a cramped cabin. Additionally, the wide-opening doors make it easy to enter and exit the vehicle, allowing tall drivers to get in and out without any hassle.

Another advantage of the Picanto for tall people is its relatively high driving position. The elevated seating position gives taller drivers a clear view of the road and enhances their overall driving experience.

Inside the Picanto, tall individuals will find a surprisingly spacious interior. The ample legroom in both the front and rear seats ensures that tall drivers and passengers can sit comfortably without feeling cramped or restricted. The seats are designed to provide adequate support and cushioning, allowing for a comfortable ride even on longer journeys.

All in all, the Kia Picanto is an excellent choice for tall individuals seeking a compact car that doesn’t compromise on comfort. Its tall and flat roofline, wide-opening doors, high driving position, and spacious interior make it a practical and suitable option for taller drivers. Whether you’re commuting in the city or embarking on a road trip, the Picanto ensures that you can enjoy every mile in comfort and style.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Kia Picanto is a compact car that excels in design, features, and performance. With its stylish exterior design and a wide range of color options, the Picanto stands out on the road, making it a car with personality. On the inside, the Picanto offers a comfortable and user-friendly experience, with a well-designed cabin layout and quality materials.

When it comes to driving experience, the Picanto delivers with its impressive performance and handling. The four-cylinder 1.25-liter engine provides ample power for both city driving and highway cruising. The firm suspension ensures a comfortable ride while maintaining good cornering abilities, and the brakes offer excellent feel and responsiveness.

Safety is a top priority in the Picanto, with various safety features included to provide peace of mind for both the driver and passengers. The car is equipped with ABS, Vehicle Stability Management, Electronic Stability Control, and multiple airbags to ensure maximum protection on the road.

Lastly, the Kia Picanto is not only a well-designed and safe car, but it is also fuel-efficient and affordable. With its lightweight and efficient engine, the Picanto delivers impressive fuel efficiency, making it a cost-effective choice for daily commuting and long drives. The competitive pricing starting at $18,990 NZD makes the Picanto a compelling option for car buyers in New Zealand who are looking for a reliable and practical compact car that offers excellent value for money.