Talking about the micro car segment today, Kia’s Picanto five-door hatch the best seller commanding 71 per cent of the segment- I’ve just driven the popular 1.2-litre S automatic.  One of our most affordable cars, presently $17,190 drive-away – With family cost pressures under the microscope it features an amazing amount of kit for the money – small yes but just so practical – just 995 kilos its just so easy to drive and park – The Picanto S auto features a 1.2-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder engine connected to a four-speed automatic – the latter somewhat dated, a five–speed would make it more relaxed whilst cruising, but the mechanical package is lively about town with ride/handling showing the local tuning expertise that Kia Australia is renowned for.

But it’s the specification that impresses most – autonomous emergency braking, a rear view camera with parking guidelines, rear parking sensors, hill start assist, electronic stability control, four-wheel disc brakes, tilt adjust steering, you soon forget this is one of our most affordable cars, LED daytime running lights, cruise control with a speed limiter, a seven-inch touch screen, Apple Car Play and Android Auto and steering wheel mounted audio controls.  And of course Kia’s seven-year unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price servicing at 1 year or 15k intervals. Disappointments – only a four star crash safety rating and a temporary spare wheel.

I’m David Berthon

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