TERRIBLE traffic, strewn litter, noisy nights, and horrendously poor parking. This is the reality of living in a city. Yes, a lot of the positives outweigh the negatives, like a pub on every corner, but please spare a thought for the car enthusiasts. Those people who enjoy living in the hustle and bustle, but also relish the chance to get behind the wheel and go for a rev or two.
This is one of the reasons that the small car game has come on in leaps and bounds over the past few years, producing some great city cars. But now the industry is starting to realise one of the things that us city-dwellers are calling out for – a small car that packs a punch.
This is one of Kia’s attempts – The Picanto X-Line S.
And from the get-go, it doesn’t half look sporty. Ours came is a feisty looking green (or ‘Lime Light’ in Kia speak – itself a £535 premium option), as well as 16-inch alloys, and a beautiful double-shotgun exhaust, which is one of my must-haves.
Now, it’s one thing to look like you pack a punch or two – well, as much as a city car can, but the real test comes from what’s under the bonnet. And of course, being a vehicle built for tight spots and space maximisation, you’d think that the engine is also on the small size. And you’d be right. The X-Line S packs a somewhat measly 1.25-litre, 83bhp powerplant, with a 0-60s time of feature-length 11.6s.
But, then really, speed isn’t the point of this car, especially when it’s built for roads that have traffic lights every 100-metres. No, what this car is built for is traversing the busy city streets without worrying about nicking the alloys on a curb, or not being able to fit through a certain passageway, or even struggling to park.
This was ever the focus of my week with the Picanto. When you get into the Kia, start her up, and get on your way, you realise that, although it looks small, it doesn’t feel unsafe, or that a crash may end up being your last. It feels sturdy, with good responsive steering. And although I did pick a few holes in it’s 1.25 engine, the pokey powerplant really isn’t all that lacking and feels more than enough on city roads and motorways alike. Kia’s top of the range, and sportiest, Picanto GT-Line S, for example – which the £14,545 X-Line S sits just underneath – delivers 99bhp from a 1.0-litre engine, and will hit 60 in sub-10s. That’s not terrible from a car that returns 49.6mpg-combined (48.7mpg in the X-Line S).
As well as this, the inside is a very nice place to be. In true city car minimalistic way, everything has a purpose, and there is nothing that you think “I don’t really see the point in that”. On the dash, the Kia is kitted with a seven-inch touchscreen ‘floating’ display which is compatible with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay, as well as being able to pump out some DAB radio, and direct you with TomTom satnav. Snazzy air vents and arms rest give the Picanto that much-desired character, with aluminium pedals reminding you of the car sportier exterior looks.
Our X-Line S was also fitted with some additional pleasures that the standard X-Line doesn’t get, including an electric sunroof, automatic air conditioning, cruise control, heated front seats and steering wheel, a wireless mobile phone charger and a smart key with engine start/stop button.
Luggage space was, however, at a premium being a city-car, although Kia says its 255 litres is the best in class. I was able to store a weekly shop and gym kit, as well as room to spare, which was nice. Fold the rear seats and this increases to 1,010 litres, enough for a splurge at Ikea.
All in all, the Kia was a fantastic surprise for a city car. A nice, punchy engine, decent storage space, good tech, easy to park, great to see out of, and all for just over £14,500. Plus, you’re covered by Kia’s mighty seven-year warranty too. However, my main gripe with the Picanto isn’t Kia’s fault at all, it’s Volkswagen’s. The German brand’s UP! GTi is such a good little motor, with better MPG than the Kia (58.9mpg) and looks incredible. So, if you have £15,000 to spend, and you’re wanting a sporty city car, I’d give both a go first, plus the Kia’s GT-Line S, before making up your mind.
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