Micro car

Kia Picanto S

As the entry point into Australia’s new car market, the micro car class is all about affordable city-focussed motoring. The Kia Picanto S is the reigning class champion and embodies what it means to be a micro car.

Starting at just $14,190 plus on-roads, with a manual transmission, it’s affordable to own, easy to drive and has the bonus of a seven-year/unlimited kilometre warranty and roadside assist.

However, despite a five-star ANCAP safety rating when it first launched and the new Picanto clearly offering improved safety features, it doesn’t meet the revised ANCAP requirements necessary to attain the latest five-star rating.

A 1.25-litre four-cylinder petrol engine powers the little Picanto and is paired with an easy-shifting five-speed manual gearbox. It’s also available with an auto transmission for $15,690 drive-away. With such little weight to propel, it’s surprisingly perky and a well-tuned European suspension setup complements its good performance. This allows the Picanto to be agile in low-speed conditions, and the combination is perfect for a city/suburbs runabout car.

It’s a lively, entertaining drive and, even on the open road at 100km/h, it’s a competent enough performer, while recording outstanding fuel economy. However, while topping its class in smoothness and quietness, it’s a little noisier than those in the larger classes.

There’s no denying the Picanto is tiny, but the available interior space is used efficiently. The front seats provide better than expected comfort and support, while all the controls are conveniently placed and simple to use. Seating three across the back, even if they’re quite small children, is going to be a real squeeze. Two adults, however, will find there’s more rear leg room than expected and the head room is good.

Boot space is modest, but the split/fold rear seat adds a little extra versatility. Much like the other vehicles in this class, it’s evident the Picanto has been manufactured to a price, but on close inspection it’s solidly constructed and the trimming has a neat, durable appearance.

While a somewhat barebones vehicle for this budget-focused arena, when you add up the Picanto’s high scores for economy, environment, repair costs and warranty it has all the right fundamental ingredients.

It also delivers in design and function over its class competitors, with better than average comfort and ergonomics, which are features that will no doubt be attractive to buyers compelled to the entry point of new-car buying.