Unencumbered, very unencumbered. After testing the Kia Picanto with the 1.0 T-GDi engine, I made a cross between the other engines in the Picanto range. The problem is not with the other engines — the atmospheric 1.2 version doesn't even manage badly in urban traffic — this small Turbo engine is what gives a new color to the Korean city dweller.
There are 100 hp of power and 172 Nm of maximum torque (between 1500 and 4000 rpm) for just 1020 kg of weight. Result? We always have “engine” under the right foot, even in the highest gear ratios. Official performance proves it: the Kia Picanto X-Line 1.0 T-GDi covers 0-100 km/h in just 10.1 seconds and reaches 180 km/h. As for consumption, I got an average of 5.6 liters/100 km on a mixed cycle.
And do we have a chassis for that engine?
We have. The chassis of the Kia Picanto X-Line 1.0 T-GDi follows the thrust of this engine well. The solidity of the set is in a good plan, which is not unrelated to the fact that 44% of the material used in the chassis is Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS). Even on the most extreme requests, the behavior is manifestly strict.The work operated on the suspensions also helps. They are firm without impairing in-flight comfort too much.
Inside
Times are different. If in the past it took a certain amount of courage to travel in an A-segment model (they were cramped, not very powerful, poorly equipped and unsafe) to the Algarve (for example), today the conversation is different. This applies to the Kia Picanto X-Line 1.0 T-GDi and, as a general rule, to all models in this segment.
The interior, despite being marked by hard plastics, offers a rigorous assembly and there is no lack of items such as air conditioning, on-board computer, automatic headlights, leather-covered steering wheel and, for another 600 euros, an infotainment system with a 7″ screen ( which adds a navigation system and rear parking camera). Full list of equipment at the end of the article.
You live right inside the Kia Picanto X-Line 1.0 T-GDi. There's no shortage of space in the front seats, and in the back you can even sit that former couple of yours — whose relationship didn't end in the best way … — with the guarantee that there's enough space between them so that a tragedy doesn't happen. If participating in extreme social experiences isn't in your plans, kids' chairs have plenty of space too. As for the suitcase, it has 255 liters of capacity — enough for most situations.
The height to the ground is greater by 15 mm.
SUV airs
The Kia Picanto X-Line 1.0 T-GDi is the most adventurous version of the range. It's more eye-catching than anything else — even though the brand has raised ground height by +15 mm — but the off-road details actually give the Picanto a more robust look. The bumper with a lower part to imitate a protection for the crankcase and the wheel arches with black plastics were well achieved.
As for the price, the Korean brand asks for the Kia Picanto X-Line 1.0 T-GDi a total of 15 680 euros. Amount from which a campaign in effect must be subtracted from 2100 euros. In short: 13 580 euros.