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2017 Kia Picanto Si Review

 

Good points

  • Great value for money
  • Actually very decent to drive
  • Roomy enough for four

Needs work

  • Not that cheap to run
  • Dated interior, no colour screen
  • Steel wheels are a bit 90s
2017 Kia Picanto in Signal Red

This is the cheapest new automatic car that you can buy – the 2017 Kia Picanto Si. At just $14,990 on the road, the pint-sized Picanto undercuts all of its similarly-sized automatic rivals. The Kia is about $4,000 cheaper than a Holden Spark; about $2,500 cheaper than a Mitsubishi Mirage, and about $2,000 less than a Suzuki Celerio.

The catch is that the other city cars often can be had for less if you don’t mind a manual gearbox. But these cars are meant for zipping around town, so an automatic can’t be beat. Kia smartly offer the Picanto in just one spec – and it’s a real bargain, combining a willing four-cylinder engine, a simple four-speed auto, cute looks, a decent interior and a seven-year warranty.

At fifteen grand you expect the Picanto to be pretty basic – and it is. So, after spending a week with the smallest Kia, is the Picanto all the city car you need – or is it worth stepping up to a more expensive and larger car?

2017 Kia Picanto size and profile

Key specs (as tested)

Engine
Capacity
1.2L
Cylinders
4
Induction
Naturally aspirated
Power
63kW at 6,000rpm
Torque
120Nm at 4,000rpm
Configuration
Continuously variable automatic (CVT)
Power to weight ratio
71kW / tonne
Fuel
Fuel type
Petrol
Fuel capacity
35L
Consumption
5.3L/100km
Average Range
660 kilometres
Drivetrain
Transmission
Automatic
Drivetrain
Front wheel drive
Engine configuration
In-line
Gears
1
Dimensions
Length
3.6 metres
Width
1.6 metres
Height
1.5 metres
Unoccupied weight
885 kilograms
Cargo space seats up
200 litres
Cargo seats down
605 litres

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The estimate provided does not take into account your personal circumstances but is intended to give a general indication of the cost of insurance, in order to obtain a complete quote, please visit www.budgetdirect.com.au. Estimate includes 15%^ online discount.
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Budget Direct Insurance arranged by Auto & General Services Pty Ltd ACN 003 617 909(AGS) AFSL 241 411, for and on behalf of the insurer, Auto & General Insurance Company Limited(ABN 42 111 586 353, AFSL 285 571).Because we don’t know your financial needs, we can’t advise you if this insurance will suit you. You should consider your needs and the Product Disclosure Statement before making a decision to buy insurance. Terms and conditions apply.

Indicative quote based on assumptions including postcode , 40 year old male with no offences, licence suspensions or claims in the last 5 years, a NCD Rating 1 and no younger drivers listed. White car, driven up to 10,000kms a year, unfinanced, with no modifications, factory options and/or non-standard accessories, private use only and garaged at night.

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