Whenever, Wherever
Introduction: The Kia got its inspiration to name the Picanto, from
the home of Paella, Siestas, The Flamenco, and ice-cold fruity Sangria’s – Yes, the
culturally rich country of Spain! Picanto actually means “spicy” in Spanish, so
immediately Shakira, the Spanish singer who is both popular like the Picanto
and spicy, came to mind! I thought that the title of one of her hit songs,
Whenever, Wherever, would be fitting to this appealing little beauty! After 20
years of being in South Africa and with over 100000 units sold locally, the car
has evolved into a car with all the zest and character that Picanto lovers would
have grown to expect.
Engine/ Economy/ Drive/ Comfort: The 1.0-litre inline-3-cylinder petrol
engine produces 49 kW and 95 Nm of torque. I found myself revving through the
gears with much joy, so as to keep the revs excited for the changes in this 5-speed
manual transmission car, weighing in at about 850 kilograms of nett kerb weight.
Kia claims a six Liters per 100 kilometres fuel average and I actually matched
it, despite all my driving around Thekwini like a wannabe Fernando Alonso! The front
axle drive was enjoyable and comfortable on the 14-inch steel wheels, and I was
pleased to see that the Picanto comes with dual front airbags, EBD, ABS and
IsoFIX child-seat anchors.
Features: The
manual air conditioning worked very well and is standard with other features
including: electric mirrors (they say they are heated, but I unfortunately overlooked
this), a large 20 cm infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, remote/
immobiliser alarm system, electric windows all round, a crystal clear rear-view
camera, 4 more than capable speakers to pump Shakira, Kia Bluetooth and I call
it Kia BT because it is one of the fastest connectivity’s in the market so
deserves its brand name linked to it, because it is not just standard BT), leather
trim for the steering wheel which really gave the car a premium feel and it had
a rake-adjustable steering column and height adjustment for the driver’s seat,
which worked for me, with my portly beer tummy being the decider of the
steering wheel position, albeit, thankfully still perfect for driving.
Interior/ Exterior/ Boot: The interior looked great and had all
the necessary appeal for those buyers wanting a clean and simple approach to a well-appointed
dashboard. I loved the colour coded bumpers, new lights and bumper in the front,
but the best part of the new Picanto, well at least for me, was the eye level
straight lined rear brake light from left to right, that sets this A segment
car, apart from other competitors. The 200 Liter boot was perfect for the
school run and I would say that you would have to be a tad mindful of space for
a trip up to Mtunzini on KZN’s beautiful North Coast for the up-and-coming
Philocaly Trail. In fact (Darren) I would go so far, as to say that you would
have to remind that mate of yours with his stunning bokkie, that you are going
for the night and not on a one-week trip overseas!
Price/ Warranty/ Service Plan: R260995/ All prices include Kia’s
5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan.
In Summary: What a super
little car, with an economy that will suite the wallet of many existing or new
patrons effected by the current tough economy or those budget wise students, enthused
by the excitement of a new car and who now have the maturity of booking the
holidays that Mom and Dad still pay for! Whomever buys the Picanto, young or elderly,
they will definitely be impressed by the brilliant maneuverability of the car, especially
when trying to park in the bays that are big enough to fit perfectly into Durban’s
Mini town (a miniature version of Durban with miniature cars and buildings etc)
- You know which ones that I am referring to!
The Chorus of Shakira’s “Whenever, Wherever”, sums up
my sentiment about this car, “Whenever, wherever, We're meant to be together, I'll
be there, and you'll be near, And that's the deal, my dear Thereover,
hereunder, You'll never have to wonder, We can always play by ear, But
that's the deal, my dear…”
*This
article is written in my opinion only. For detailed information on the specs,
please contact Kia SA*
