"Changing Expectations | 2011 Kia Picanto 1.0L EX AT"

**ghosthunter** · February 28th, 2012 09:14 AM

Changing Expectations | 2011 Kia Picanto 1.0L EX AT
Words by Leslie Sy | Photos by Christopher Kho

On the topic of small sub-compact cars, I've always had the impression that driving these little things was an experience as exciting as waiting for grass to grow. It’s something to look forward to as much as getting a root-canal from your least favorite dentist. Excuses flowed from my mind as to why I couldn't drive that day as I was handed the keys to test drive the 2011 Kia Picanto. But I finally ran out of reasons and decided to give the car a try.

Fitting in

Walking around the car, it actually looks better in person than in the published pictures I've seen. It gets even better up close as it appears to be well put together for its price range. The headlights and front bumpers give the Picanto very modern sporty styling, while the trendy 15-inch alloy wheels enhance the car's somewhat stylish angular looks....

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**niky** · February 28th, 2012 11:08 AM

Still don't like the steering, but man is it a solid little car.

**ghosthunter** · February 28th, 2012 11:13 AM

Originally Posted by niky

Still don't like the steering, but man is it a solid little car.

Yup, solid little car that I wouldn't mind driving around the city. But the in-car stereo could be improved though, no amount of adjustment with the settings improved the sound output. Ironically this car (with it's smaller engine) seems to accelerate better than my friend's Hyundai Getz.

**cripple_rooster** · February 28th, 2012 11:52 AM

It's actually an interesting vehicle. Too bad it's not available with a diesel engine not even in Europe anymore...

**niky** · February 28th, 2012 05:21 PM

Shame. The 1.4 diesel in the Getz was a bit of a gas.

The Getz's problem is it had very long gearing, even in MT form. And it's bigger and heavier than the Picanto.

The sad thing is, the Getz was a very practical car... essentially a Yaris-sized vehicle for micro-car money. With it gone, we're left with micro-cars... at least the newer ones, like the Picanto, are getting bigger on the inside, so the loss of space compared to the Getz is not so bad.

**cripple_rooster** · March 1st, 2012 08:58 PM

Originally Posted by niky

The 1.4 diesel in the Getz was a bit of a gas.

The Getz's problem is it had very long gearing, even in MT form. And it's bigger and heavier than the Picanto.

The sad thing is, the Getz was a very practical car... essentially a Yaris-sized vehicle for micro-car money. With it gone, we're left with micro-cars... at least the newer ones, like the Picanto, are getting bigger on the inside, so the loss of space compared to the Getz is not so bad.

No wonder the Getz had been nicknamed "The Korean (Mercedes-Benz) A-Class" due to its practical side. BTW the Getz is still offered in some South-American and Middle-Eastern markets alongside South Africa, Egypt, Malaysia and Vietnam.

The 1.1L CRDi formerly used in the Picanto was based on the 1.5L CRDi 3-cyl used in the Getz.

**Walter** · March 1st, 2012 11:20 PM

Is this better than Hyundai i10?

**cripple_rooster** · March 3rd, 2012 10:06 AM

It seems to be technically the same thing as the Hyundai i10.

**jaymd** · March 3rd, 2012 11:33 AM

1.2 m/t EX ang maganda. solid.

**niky** · March 3rd, 2012 06:44 PM

The Picanto is bigger inside than the i10, drives more sportily and has better interior looks.

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But the i10 base model is very, very cheap in comparison.