So I forgot slotting in the Kia Picanto in making my pick for best small car. By the price range, it should’ve been thrown in with the Hyundai models (Getz and i10). The release of the 2012 edition of the Picanto should put it back in the running if all for economy considerations.
The new car’s update comes mainly with the looks with the 2012 version sporting the more aggressive and sporty look of cars today. The grooves and edges running down the sides redefines the Picanto as a more aggressive car.
In the engine department, powering the car is a 1.0L engine that dishes out 70 hp. It’s mated to either a five-speed manual and a four-speed automatic. Base price is dependent on the transmission with the manual starting at Php 545,000 and the auto at Php 599,000.
The manual sits on top of 14-inch rims while the auto gets 15-inch rims. That’s where the Php 44,000 peso difference lies. To round up the package, the car also gets a USB-ready in-dash CD JVC radio, power doors and locks, and 60-40 folding rear seats. ABS and airbags do not come as standard.
The new small engine and the price should position it as a direct competitor to the i10 and the Suzuki Celerio. The i10 has a larger (1.2L) and more powerful 76 bhp albeit thirstier engine than the Picanto and the Celerio. Like Hyundai, Kia offers a five-year warranty so for those looking for a car under Php 600k, this should be a worthy consideration
Source: Kia Philippines