Why Kia Picanto is an ideal compact car for the city: all the advantages of the model

The Kia Picanto traditionally takes the top spot in the rating of small city cars. It is an excellent and practical option for narrow European streets. The first generation Picanto was presented in 2003. The car was equipped with one of two gasoline engines: 1.1-liter with 61 hp or 1.1-liter with 65 hp.

Experts told us why Kia Picanto is still an ideal compact choice. In Europe, there is a demand for small city cars, but manufacturers are reducing their number in favor of "small" SUVs.

The latest generation of the Kia Picanto has space for several passengers, a trunk and all the equipment of a larger car, albeit with a modest 77 hp and a five-speed manual transmission.

A truly small car looks like a cheat code in the city. The Kia's modest engine has no real powerband, no deep torque, etc.

The Picanto is extremely resistant to understeer thanks to its kerb weight of less than a ton, its clutch, brakes and steering - all sophisticated but light.

Experts emphasize that the Picanto is one of the slowly dying segments of small gasoline cars, which are no longer as cheap as they used to be. The new GSR II (General Safety Regulations), introduced in the EU in July 2024, stipulate that small cars now need more than 20 safety systems on board, including advanced emergency braking, intelligent speed assistance, lane keeping assist, and more.

The second-generation Picanto was offered with two gasoline engine options: A 1-liter three-cylinder engine or a 1.25-liter four-cylinder engine. Top Gear named the Picanto "Car of the Year" in 2011.

In 2015, a modernized Picanto was introduced - the restyling included changes to the exterior (new bumpers, lighting) and equipment. The 3rd generation Picanto is equipped with 1 and 1.25 liter engines, the former is available in regular and turbo versions, the latter only in regular.

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