Monopoly, but not a game. Pros and cons of the updated Kia Picanto
Material content
Review
Compact hatchbacks are assembled in Kaliningrad at Avtotor, where legitimate questions can be addressed from the spring of this year about the timing of the launch of the restyled version of the Kia Picanto 2021 model year. It has already been released in South Korea, where the Picanto is sold under the name Morning, immediately after the car was updated with the meaningful Urban prefix.
The 2021 Kia Picanto has gone through a major facelift, staying on the same front-wheel-drive platform with McPherson struts and a semi-independent, lightweight torsion beam rear suspension.
In the list of equipment, a new item is the ventilation of the driver’s seat, while in the “top” version of the equipment, the hatchback is still ready to boast six airbags, rear LED optics, cruise control, climate control, fog lights, a navigator, a rearview camera, power windows , six-speaker audio system and 16-inch alloy wheels.
Body
The result of the restyling of the Kia Picanto in 2021 was, first of all, new bumpers that significantly transformed the exterior of the Korean hatchback. At the front, the side air intakes got rid of the foglights, “transferring” them to a large central air duct and placing them in a rather expressive frame that visually increases the size of this part of the front optics.
A small false radiator grille “tiger nose” was decorated with a horizontal chrome strip, and the headlights – both front and rear – changed the modular “stuffing”, acquiring a full-fledged 3D effect.
At the rear, the bumper also updated foglights and flaunted fake pipe covers, located under a chrome decorative strip that supposedly frames a false diffuser. Another novelty is the wheels of another original design.
Salon
Inside the 2021 Kia Picanto, the displays have changed: a new 4.4-inch color screen has been placed on the tidy between the analog scales, and the one located in the center of the console has added 1 inch in size, becoming 8-inch. In addition, its functionality was expanded by adding a Bluetooth Multi Connection module, which is responsible for the simultaneous connection of two smartphones at once. The design has also changed slightly: the plastic of the front panel has become more textured, and the decor has received several additional “steel” shades.
Technical filling
In South Korea, the new 2021 Kia Picanto hatchback is offered with a single engine – a 1.0-liter 76-horsepower (95 Nm) gasoline engine. You can choose transmissions between the “boxes” 5-speed manual and 4-speed automatic transmission.
In Russia, the 2017-2018 version is equipped with a liter “three” for 67 “horses” (96 Nm) or a “four” with a volume of 1.2 liters, producing 84 liters. With. (122 Nm). The first option is supposed to be “mechanics”, and the second one comes only with an “automatic”.
The fuel consumption of these engines is expectedly low: the least powerful engine in mixed mode consumes about 4.4 liters per 100 km. mileage, and the appetites of a four-cylinder power plant are approximately 5.4 liters.
Video
Interior
Salon KIA Picanto 3rd generation looks even more beautiful than the exterior. As for finishing materials, although they are of a budget type (fabric, plastic, a little leather), they play almost no role here. In the center is a massive 7-inch display that supports touch input and has everything that is programmed into the vehicle. Under it there was a place for several deflectors, a couple of washers and only one row of keys that allow you to activate only the climate system.
The tunnel turned out to be quite narrow and short. It has a parking brake, a shift knob and one large hole for some small things. The armrest, oddly enough, was not provided. The steering wheel also got a stripped-down functionality. Thanks to him, you can only answer and end calls, as well as adjust and select songs on the music system. A dashboard was placed behind the steering wheel, equipped with the most common speedometer, a tachometer.
There was also a place for a modest on-board computer capable of displaying only mileage, oil temperature, fuel level, selected gear and driving mode. However, there is a panel around, on which, in the event of a malfunction, a certain indicator may light up, which notifies the driver of this malfunction. The seats are also not the most comfortable and best. They got a fabric finish, stuffed with not the softest material, so during long trips there may be some back problems.
However, they are equipped with several adjustments and settings. But lateral support is not worth waiting for. The second row is also simple. Although theoretically three can sit down, only two can comfortably accommodate. The luggage compartment has only 255 liters, but there was no point in waiting for some kind of records from a compact model. The rear sofa can be removed in unequal sections in a 60/40 ratio, which will already provide 1,010 liters of usable space. The underground niche received a compact spare wheel and a set of tools.
For active
Kia Picanto has two engines. Base – liter three-cylinder with a capacity of 67 hp. But such cars are reluctant to buy. And it’s not about low power, but about the fact that the motor is paired only with a manual gearbox.
The lion’s share of sales falls on cars with a gun. A 1.2-liter 84-horsepower engine works with a 4-speed hydromechanical gearbox. Its power is small, but it drives a light (less than a ton in running order) car quickly and provocatively.
In motion, the Picanto gives the impression of a very nimble and driving car. It feels very agile thanks to its light weight and low center of gravity. Although the feedback on the steering wheel is opaque and the car’s reactions to steering wheel turns are inaccurate.
Senior 1.2-liter engine with 84 hp optimal in terms of the balance of power and fuel consumption.
Senior 1.2-liter engine with 84 hp optimal in terms of the balance of power and fuel consumption.
For myself beloved (beloved)
The Kia Picanto is absolutely not suitable for the role of a family car. There is enough space in front in all directions, and in the second it is crowded for everyone, especially in the legs. You can put a child seat. But neither a stroller nor a bicycle will fit into a tiny trunk (volume 265 l). In terms of capacity, this is more of a large women’s handbag than a full-fledged car.
The second row is cramped – even people of average height are not at ease here.The second row is cramped – even people of average height are not at ease here.
According to official figures, the trunk holds only 265 liters. Loading and unloading is complicated by a high threshold. Obviously, the rear row of seats will be used more often for transportation.
According to official figures, the trunk holds only 265 liters. Loading and unloading is complicated by a high threshold. Obviously, the rear row of seats will be used more often for transportation.