Dear readers, as you requested in the comments on the long-term test drive Chevrolet Spark, we are talking about the new Kia Picanto, for acquaintance with which we had to go to Germany (well, not to Korea).
Now no one dares to say that Koreans do not know how to make cars. Learned, and how! In the global ranking of sales, the Hyundai-Kia concern outstripped Ford and confidently ranks fifth, passing ahead Toyota, Volkswagen, General Motors and the Renault-Nissan alliance. It's hard to believe that everyone suddenly introduced kimchi into their diet, but it is clear that when choosing a car, offers from Korean manufacturers often look preferable. The dynamics of the Russian market is a clear confirmation of this. The appearance in Russia in the summer of the new Kia Picanto will add pungency.
In the spring, the new Picanto dislocated in Germany. Summer is in Russia
In the spring, the new Picanto dislocated in Germany. Summer is in Russia. In the spring, the new Picanto dislocated in Germany. Summer is in Russia.
To get acquainted with the Korean novelty, I had to go not to Korea, but Germany, to Rüsselsheim, where the European scientific and technical center Hyundai-Kia is located. It poured a nasty fine rain, drops fell on the camera lens and spoiled frames. The mood was saved by blooming sakura, beloved in Korea no less than in Japan, and the realization that the machines were equipped with the most environmentally friendly engines in the Kappa series.
Two "Picanto" new (on the right) - more piquant
Two "Picanto" new (right) - piquant Two "Picanto" new (right) - piquant
The new Picanto in its size is practically no different from its predecessor, except that it has become six centimeters longer and a little lower. But the car added in style. The team worked on it under the leadership of the famous German designer Peter Schraer, who in 2006 moved from VW. Making a small car expressive requires a lot of skill! Great job, both inside and out, isn't it?
Picanto added in the trim, however, the plastic of the front panel remained harsh. But you can’t demand the impossible from a small car, and then, honestly, admit it, do you often have to touch the dashboard in the daily operation of the car?
Two-spoke steering wheel and front panel form a single ensemble
Two-spoke steering wheel and front panel make up a single ensemble Two-spoke steering wheel and front panel make up a single ensemble
Much more important is how comfortable you are in the chair. Landing on the driver's seat did not raise any questions. Not that spacious, but comfortable. A transparent sunroof adds light to the passenger compartment, while raindrops helplessly spreading over it reinforce the idea that the car is protected from the vagaries of the weather. By the way, riding in the rain confirmed the efficiency of the ventilation system. With four passengers in the cabin, neither the windshield nor the side windows were fogged up. KIA Picanto apparently also prepared well for winter conditions - in addition to the traditional heated seats and mirrors, not every automaker offers higher-class cars in addition to the heated steering wheel. I can’t say more, the first Russian winter will show.
KIA Picanto feels confident on the Autobahn
KIA Picanto feels confident on the Autobahn KIA Picanto feels confident on the Autobahn
Kia Picanto has completely updated the line of engines. To replace the four-cylinder engine 1.1 l 65 hp comes 1.2 l, 85 hp The three-cylinder liter engine increased power from 62 to 69 hp.
The use of a complex of technical solutions, which gave the name to the new Kappa engine series, allowed to reduce friction losses in the piston group and valve mechanism. The result is reduced fuel consumption, reduced emissions. According to Sihun Lee, general manager of Kia's European powertrain division, the results achieved allow the company to talk about its leadership in the production of eco-friendly engines.
Mr. Sihun Lee is confident in the success of the new KIA engines
Mr. Sihun Lee is confident in the success of the new KIA engines Mr. Sihun Lee is confident in the success of the new KIA engines
It is noteworthy that in Korea, the new Picanto will be equipped with 82 liter and even 110 hp liter engines. And yet, since in the national diet of the Korean fleet almost half is liquefied gas, the designers immediately offer Picanto owners a gas version. I don’t know what the Russian importers will do, but considering that there is enough gas in Russia, and at gas stations it is half cheaper than gasoline and diesel fuel, the purchase of a “gas” baby seems to me a very interesting offer.
Compact three-cylinder engine 1.0 l, 69 hp
Compact three-cylinder engine 1.0 l, 69 hp Compact three-cylinder engine 1.0 l, 69 hp
KIA Picanto - a typical city car. He does not need high speed and heavy-duty acceleration, more important than maneuverability and ease of control. Therefore, when starting from a traffic light, I did not try to catch up with the Porsche, but I did not feel flawed. I tried the version with a 1.0 liter engine 65 hp With a sharp press on the “gas” pedal, the engine responds with a “purring” characteristic of three-cylinder engines and is gaining momentum. Do not be alarmed if you stop at the stop line and hear no motor sounds. The motor did not break down and was not lost, but simply turned off - the start-stop system worked, saving fuel and taking care of clean air. At first it is a bit annoying, and then you grow up in your own eyes and the eyes of environmentalists. At some point, city or even federal authorities may pay attention to it and reduce the tax on an environmentally friendly car. Well, tell me, can such bright thoughts be visited by the owner of a sports car or a business class sedan? Never.
Not every manufacturer offers a sunroof in a city car roof
Not every manufacturer offers a sunroof in a city car roof Not every manufacturer offers a sunroof in a city car roof
On the unlimited German Autobahn, Picanto keeps in a stream, a speed of 150 km / h is on its shoulder. Well, do not go, if there are no restrictions, and there are no people who want to go faster on wet asphalt.
One and a half hours of acquaintance with the "spicy" baby flew by unnoticed. The car failed. As for its prospects in Russia, much depends on the price. I would like to see friendliness to nature reinforced by a careful attitude to the family budget. Then Picanto will definitely have to the table.
