Kia Picanto: Girls, Girls and Girls

Imagine driving along one of the most spectacular ocean roads in Lagos; the 3^rd Mainland Bridge: a bridge that links the Lagos Mainland to the high rise strewn section of the Centre of Excellence. When there is no traffic snarl on the bridge the scenery can be charming but the experience won’t be complete if you are not driving a Kia Picanto mini-car.

The 4 cylinder SOHC mini, housing 12 valves in its brain, takes the speed with an equated horse power of 61bhp at 5, 600 revolutions in one minute having a force of 836.3Nm to create a motion at 2900rpm. Having its 0-60mph pegged at 16.4 second, the engine really needs to be worked hard at, for overtaking or entering motorways from sliproads is a leap of faith. Although, this type of engine makes the 1.1-litre Picanto economical and nimble having 55.5mpg as its combined figure, the engine needs to be worked hard to maintain motorway cruise.

Aside creating a petite impression, it’s pleasing to know that the car comes with pleasantries that come with big cars; talking of the power steering, remote central locking and an alarm. Only at speed are some deficiencies in the Picanto’s chassis displayed; too much body roll and vague steering means it’s not up with the class leaders.

By being selfish in giving out all the goodies, I mean, withholding one which I am not quiet sure if it is an advantage or disadvantage. Or better still, maybe, I should call it an incomplete evolution of the mini, even though Kia PR department thinks otherwise, is the rationality of having just the front windows automatic, while leaving the back one manual.

It’s a pleasurable ride though when it comes to handling of the petite machine. It’s quite a worthy carrier to get around town with, especially, in the Lagos ever busy traffic laden roads. The ride is good, and it’s small enough to slip through gaps in traffic. Besides, the mini is one of the easiest to park vehicles, even when the park is filled!

Don’t be deceived by the exterior smallish size. Kia’s last born has an interior ambience for the tallest occupant. The volume of the boot supports a 220 litre of luggage though the shape compromised the amount that could be squeezed in, but gives you 800 litres of room with the seats folded.

The spec model you want determines what your Picanto offers, from alloy wheels, steel wheels, Instant Mobility system (TIS), CD & MP3 players, 4 speaker system, AUX, USB & iPod port (inc connecting cable) and so much more.

However, the little beauty doesn’t come without its own disadvantages, but if you are hooked with the price tag, then, other shortcomings could be forgiven. Unusual of a mini, the Picanto doesn’t have a spare; instead, it comes with TIS which is essentially a bottle of resin and a compressor to patch the tyre up to get you home. The minus is that the tyre can’t be repaired, but must be replaced. Do you still think it’s cheap!

In terms of reliability, the hatchback still enjoys the parent’s reputation in building the most reliable cars. Baby Picanto feels more solid than some other cars in its class, the build quality seems good. But with a clause on safety, the Picanto did badly in the crash test, only doing just enough to merit its three star rating. However, it is a big relief that the child occupant is well protected, where the parents are not too lucky, and also scoring poor in the pedestrians protection. The Picanto comes with ABS and two front air bags as standard, so it meets the standard you expect of a car this price

But, all in all, everything about the car speaks girls, girls, and girls! If nothing else, Kia Motors wins their hearts. With a name like Picanto, derived from the French word ‘piquant’ meaning ‘spicy’ and ‘Canto’ meaning ‘song,’ I might not be too off the mark if I say it is a great little car for them girls!