I absolutely love this type of car. Small, unpretentious, unassuming, and endlessly entertaining without making a song & dance of everything. It's absolutely perfect. I love the yellow too. If I was in the market for a new small car, this would be the one I'd choose. People used to laugh at Kia, but the joke is now on anybody who pays more for a badge and ends up with something only half as good. From small acorns with the 1990s Pride, Kia is now well and truly at the top of it's game.
@@goldenretriever6261 Sadly we're heading in the same direction in the UK. Most of the new cars available are now SUV's, and even the 'small' SUV's are too big for us. There are very few decent, quick small hatches like the Picanto GTi, as most manufacturers think that anyone who wants a small car will settle for bottom-dollar performance and cheap build quality.
James, I watch the channel to hear you talk about the cars….you are seriously entertaining and very informative. Don’t change-your content is awesome! But that was a pretty funny way to start the video.
We just picked up a 2019 GT-line late last year for the wife. Its awsome and the heated seats and steeringwheel work great even in Swedish winters. I had some alterior motives tho and took it out in a local autocross a few weeks ago and it was great fun, not fast (although that could be the driver) but really enjoyable and tossable.
Yank here - the greatest compliment I can give you (James) is that - because I’m watching so much of your content - I sometimes forget what side of the road I’m supposed to drive on. ❤️
Huge advocate of Kia/Hyundai and their new cars (I own one now)… but as an ex Up GTI owner I just wouldn’t consider this. The appeal of the GTI for me at least was the simplicity of it. Manual box, light, nice (admittedly fake) exhaust noise, no fancy tech, good performance and a hilarious bit of kit. That was the appeal!
Great video as always and agree with everything you say about the Picanto - but just a bit surprised you made no mention of it's cousin the Hyundai i10 N-Line - that would make for a very interesting comparison.
It really is genuinely fun to drive haha. I drove a base auto picanto and enjoyed it. Even coming from my 130i. So a manual turbo version would be even better again.
After I went kia with my latest car (2019 rio 3 1 litre turbo) I won't go anywhere else now. I haven't got a single complaint. It was affordable, the quality is amazing, the engine is actually very good fun and very efficient. It even gets 70 mpg at 80mph (I mean 69.5mph) on the motorway.
Hi from Tasmania, Australia. I love this car. It's everything I like. Small, light, nimble and fun to drive in a very non threatening way. I love the fact that you can enjoy a thoroughly inexpensive little car like this and point out all of its great features, for the price. Especially as you drive so many cars at the opposite end of the spectrum. You are one of the best, most honest, knowledgeable and impartial reviewers on RUclips. Brilliant work.
I've been really impressed with Kia's of late, the proceed I just reviewed was packed with kit even at the base model, and I'm thoroughly looking forward to a week with the new Sportage next month. I would say potentially the Ibiza FR is an alternative to this despite being more fiesta sized, but I think the Kia definitely provides the best value. Such extremely low running costs, but fun because you can wring it out!
Kia are a car manufacturer I want to see succeed. I really respect their honesty and the faith they put I their products, offering a 7 year warranty on all their vehicles. I believe the car-per-£ ratio is better than any other manufacturer, without a doubt. There's no shame in driving a Kia whatsoever. Kudos to their drivers. 👍😎👌
As good as the Kia is, one thing you missed from the equation is personality. The Up gti has it in spades. The economy in the Up gti is also far better even thrashing it we get 45 mpg. Driving sensibly easily sees 60-65 mpg. These are big mpg differences. Let's also not forget about future retained values.
While looks are a personal preference, the Up! looks better too in my opinion. I might be biased though, I have Tungsten Silver Up! GTI since they were first realised back in 2018 ;)
@@asifnoaman8978 This segment no doubt is a very dangerous to drive. I struggle to see a car this size to survive all sorts of potential accidents. If you care for safety I think you should buy the next segment up.
@@asifnoaman8978 bollocks. It had a 5 star rating. It has been lowered to 3 now due to not scoring well in pedestrian safety which takes more precedence nowadays (and rightly so). So it’s far from a death trap. Many larger vehicles such as SUVs score worse. Worse for both pedestrian safety due to their size/weight and for their occupants due them more likely to roll in a crash (height centre of gravity).
Keep doing these videos as you always do them James they are always entertaining also kia has been doing very well the last 5 or so years its amazing to see how much theyve progressed with hyundai
We have a 2018 Kia Picanto GT Line S, had it from nearly new. Initially bought it for the school runs etc, but.... I absolutely love the thing, I build and drive rally cars for a living and have driven many quick cars, but this thing is just so much more fun than somthing with 4x the power and price tag. It's a car that you can actually use to it's full (ish) capabilities sensibly without loosing your licence and at the same time having a lot of fun. We will definitely be trading this one in for a brand new one (my Subaru barely gets used in favour of the Kia now 🙂)
More fun driving a slow car fast than a fast car slow, more fun thrashing a cheap car now, than waxing an expensive car for the show. Who knew? I'm guessing you knew!
@@khelgarironfist3301 the front lip spoiler has made contact with the road (maybe after a little yump or two...) but it doesn't have any problems with speed bumps etc.
I have a 2019 Picanto GT Line Turbo, which misses out on a couple of bells and whistles like the heated seats and steering wheel, but apart from that it is pretty much the same. I absolutely love it and it packs a decent punch without being very fast. I just purchased 2 years servicing including it's first MOT for only £369. I can't think of another car that brings so much fun for so little money.
@@khelgarironfist3301 It is obviously a city car so you can't expect much. But I had to drive offroad in mine and it handled it beautifully. Except the tyres of course.
I have a Kia Niro at present which I am changing mid march for a Kia Picanto x line s, this will be my second Kia, love them they are well finished, reliable and great warranty
Thanks for raising awareness of this, I didn’t know it existed. We’ve just bought one having also considered an Up GTi, after seeing your review. What a great car it is.
I remember when I started driving, I thought it would be a brilliant idea if manufacturers detached the styling and features of a car from the performance. It tended to be a case of, you buy lower performance car, you get less interesting styling and lower rent interior. If you want a plush fully loaded interior and sporty styling, you had to upgrade engine-wise at the same time. Thankfully, in more recent times, many manufacturers have cottoned on to this with their trim levels. OK, so the Picanto does get an engine boost, but it's modest.
I just want to know James, if you talk that way when down the pub with your mates? If so, that is absolutely awesome! I love your presenting style and intro - very nostalgic from Top Gear in the 90’s 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
James it is funny how prices vary around the world. Here in New Zealand I bought a Suzuki Swift Sport with almost the same features and much more powerful engine for just under £15000? Probably not as well finished inside as the Kia but very frugal and rapid. Love seeing you looking at the market sector which is about the amount many can afford.
We get a version here in Au as the GT. With 74kW 172Nm 73.5 kW/t as opposed to the GT-Line's 62kW 122Nm 62.3 kW/t. They look exactly the same to me. £12,500 GBP drive away new.
I see you mentioned this has disc brakes all round, however that’s not necessarily the best option. Drum brakes generally have a much stronger initial bite than discs, making them great for handbrake turns.
Drums aren't good for Brake-based Torque Vectoring. The Picanto uses all wheel discs for brake vectoring, which greatly aids stability and traction when cornering at speed.
Really fabulous review. As a driver of a VW Up! TSI and under the impression that this had no direct competitors, this car is now well and truly on my radar. My local dealer has one in stock so I'm off for a test drive :)
So glad you've decided to a review on this, I;ve been wanting one of these for ages, but I find them just a bit too expensive, you can however tune them to 140hp which just makes it worth it imo.
Spend the same £16000 on a 41kwh Renault Zoe, it's an absolute riot to drive too, my cousin who regularly drives cars with 500hp or more had an absolute riot with it on the back roads, the front seats are very comfortable and the boot is quite a bit bigger even with the car staying in the same size range as the Picanto. 5 Stars in Euro NCAP too for the pre-2019 models.
Kia Rio 2011 serviced once at the dealer, the rest of the time i changed my own oil and filter. 180000kms later its still going strong! yeah people knock it for owning a kia. i think its the best car money can buy! and ill gladly buy another one again.
Hi James. I’m old enough to remember when Daihatsu launched the Charade GTti back in the mid 80s. I was in my teens at the time and was excited by the press cars (all in white) that seemed to offer a great value, more reliable alternative to the mainstream Fiesta, 205 et al. The formula was similar to this Picanto - 1.0l, 3 cylinder turbo kicking out 100hp (massive at the time) which combined with lower weight than a modern car (due to lack of gadgets and safety features) made it an absolute riot to drive (apparently). Maybe if you could get your hands on one of those to drive, it would in some way be a bizarre direct comparison. Happy hunting. I’d like to see your new millennium take on one 👍
Kudos for creating a sensible, information packed review. It's also refreshing for someone not to award a German car the winner just because of the badge. The VW Up! came first in interior practicality once, this despite only having two seats in the back compared to the competitions three....go figure (free hospitality perhaps)? The Picanto or i10 is on our short list when we come to replace our 108.
At last somebody who gets the Picanto and gives it a honest and decent review, I have now shared the link for the video with the Picanto members group on FB hopefully they well also leave some good comments. Keep up the good work
This is my 2nd one now I had the brilliant x line previously with the 1.25 engine. But now have a 21 GT LINE S turbo I have done 12500 miles in it with out any issues.
Also not sure if you are aware but any Picanto that has the uvo software you can download an app on your phone and control the car and check you car fuel location etc
Happy to be corrected...believe from both the badging and the lack of the electric glass sunroof, the car you have there is the non-S, GT-Line. I had a black MKI Picanto 54 plate SE (top trim level), 1.1, 64bhp, 119g/km £30pa road tax, air-con, alloys, 4 electric windows, remote locking, 4 wheel disc brakes, electric mirrors, front fog lights, radio/CD, mid-40's MPG, just fantastic value, reliable and low running costs. New cost £7,220, with inflation today that would be £12,200...car inflation...
Kia's are the cars of people who know that image is second to value, the stinger GT would've sold in crazy numbers if more buyers weren't so vain about badges
Agree 100% We had one new on a 68 plate, held out for the Turbo rather than the 75bhp MPI and it was an absolute gem. Only reason we don't still have it is exactly the reason you gave. I bought an SLK then six months later my father could no longer drive and we need to run them around regularly, often with luggage or shopping. The back seats were fine but the boot just did not cut it. When I get the soft top ownership out of my system we will definitely return to having one of these as the 2nd car.
Great video, yet again. My neighbour bought a red one of these the other day, it’s a stunning little car, how far kia have come. I would still prefer an up gti to this but it’s s close call for me!
3:45 ohhhhh, so that's what honey bee yellow looks like, I pick parts in a hyundai/kia warehouse and to pass the boring times I daydream about what the colours look like based off there names, black 1k, dark penta metal, true red, runway red etc and honey bee yellow is definitely one of them... Gotta admit I always imagined it being a much brighter yellow
This reviewer is one of the very best and does not waste a second trying to be funny or speculative. That said, his very English way with words is innately witty. Alongside Matt of CarWow I reckon we are lucky to have such expert reviewers who are not snobby and snide. Kia cars have varied quite a lot over the years, as big sister company Hyundai has developed middle sized and larger cars -- evidently much used by police forces in numerous European countries. Where Kia has excelled is in small and small family cars (as well as being the leading non-Chinese EV brand at fair prices), yet some people still confuse the very basic Hyundai i10 with Kia's Picanto. The Picanto always had more passenger comfort and easier gearboxes, indeed I have often felt that overly upholstered seats with bounce have been at the expense of boot space and seat height for older people. Both related brands use separated spring and shock absorber suspension and this saves on repair costs. I could just wish that Picantos were a bit higher off the ground at seat level like the Hyundai i10 is. Perhaps James or someone in the comments has some ideas on altering wheels/suspension to vary this. Kia steering remains immediate and road holding without roll is better than on most lower price segment cars I have driven in recent years. I also like that essentials are solid, electronic gadgets at a minimum and build quality rather better than on European brands. Matthew Godwin's comments sum up the essence of the difference.
I was 'forced' into one of these for a 250mile journey after delivering a fully loaded Range Rover Sport.Sublime to the ridiculous sprang to mind.I wasn't looking forward to it to be honest.Que 20 miles later giving it the beans on both country roads and motorway....forgotten all about the Range Rover it was great fun.
Great review again, James's. So much so I've just ordered a brand new one in Astro grey as a second car as we already have a family car. Such good value for money.
Looked at one as a driving school car. And loved it. Stupid RED driving school said too small for decals. I think they didn’t want a Kia on fleet. When Corsa garbage. Work that out. This is a great car. And good for tall drivers
Not sure if there was a period you went to a different outro music etc, but this one is definitely my favourite and sometimes I watch multiple videos to the end just for it
When I look at cars the Korean manufacturers never pop in to my head. I don't know why because they make some very good cars, the kia stinger was incredible and hyundais n cars are fantastic. The hyundais are even compared to the old school honda civic type r, light small and fun as hell.
A Thai speaker would definitely appreciate that registration. 5 is "hah", so 555 is essentially the Thai equivalent of LOL . . . and from your review, it seems fittling for a fun small car :)
I honestly love these kinds of car reviews. I love a good super car as much as the next guy but there’s something about affordable snappy little cars that is just so good when popping out to the grocery store or just a fun scenic drive. I’ve got an NB Miata with absolutely zero power mods (lots of handling and track oriented upgrades) and I find myself grabbing the keys to that over my F Type R all of the time. Not that I don’t love the F TYPE to pieces but it seems like over kill on the small roads around my area so I really only use it for my highway driving. Keep up the amazing variety. We definitely need channels like yours that go into all sorts and all years of cars. New car are looking and driving so similarly to one another that one really has to look into the past for any sense of spice.
Same. Couldn't give a toss what Ferrari or Aston Martin are up to. It's totally irrelevant to normal people - and there's something nasty about someone driving a car costing more than most people's houses....
Yea, I 've bought the Hyundai, and it 's slightly bigger, nicer looks, maybe a tad slower, but as I'm also a little bit taller it fits better and gives you more trunk capacity, on the other hand only 5 yr. warrant.
I agree with your mother about the yellow not being yellow enough. It's almost a very light green. Bright yellow would look lovely with the black and chrome parts.
Three cylinders and below is motorcycle territory though. Unacceptable. Buuut I'd still want one. Or a SUZUKI Swift Sport of course. As long as it's yellow.
It's great to see a car reviewer drive and describe the experience of down to earth car in a down to earth way, Except when comically comparing it to super cars. Can you try out a Hyundai Getz?
Better in every way, except one.... The VW's engine bay won't randomly catch fire on you while driving it down the road. Huge issue 3 years ago with KIA and Hyundai vehicles. Now it's cropping up again, with more recalls from both brands.
If I could ever afford to do it, I could easily see myself buying one of these sort of cars as a second car, purely to have fun in (this, an i10, up!, swift etc). Wouldn't cost me much to run, yet could help put a smile on my face every day. I had a Mk2 Picanto for 4 years as my first car, and I already miss it. I've recently upgraded to a 2019 Rio, and whilst the Rio is better in every single way, it doesn't make me smile like the Picanto did.
We have our GT-Line S now and it doesn’t disappoint. Such a hoot to drive. It’s like driving a classic Mini but with all the safety features & modern tech. We are very pleased with it.
Nice honest review, as usual. Thanks for sharing. Although, if I may, the eye twitching was a bit distracting at times. Perhaps due to fatigue or lack of sleep? Take care of yourself.
Needed a second car and test drive the up and the citi go then tested this.Bought the kia.Never had so much fun in a little car.Absoluye hoot.I bought the previous version gt line s and you get a sun roof but you don't now.Its such a great car to throw around.The citi go brakes were terrible.Overall very pleased.
I would place the Up! GTI at a level above when it comes to desirability. High spec'd price aside, the only reservation I'd have with the GTI would be the drum rear brakes (not all round as you implied), however there seem to be no issues with them for road use. I think really that the two cars suit entirely different markets.
Did James imply all-round drums or did you merely _infer_ that's what he implied? It's very well known that front discs and rear drums are a common practice on smaller cars to keep costs down. I struggle to think of a mainstream production car designed since the 1990s that used front and ostensibly all round brake drums.
Nothing really wrong with drums in back on a lightweight low-powered car. But it does shout cost-cutting, especially when the cheaper car comes with all-round discs.
id say the best rival is the Mazda2. 14-19k (based on spec which i belive is more than the Kia), and you can get a 6spd 115ps 1.5l from the mx-5 (the engine the car was built around). genuinely give it a look, i think its a cracking car
@@anhondacivic6541 yup, I own a current Mazda3 and it's absolutely beautiful inside. It's ergonomic bliss in an era of capactive switches and shitty gloss plastic. Even the Mazda2 with its interior from 2015 is still really good even against modern rivals like a Hyundai i20 or a VW Polo
@@kotarojujo2737 I always considered the Mazda2 as a bit of an In-between. A bit too big for A segment and a bit too small for the B segment. Pricing kinda reflects it too I think
Got one. WITH Sun-Roof. So it's almost perfect. Exceleration is even much better than 9.9 sec in reality. Downside: Needs a bit too much fuel in city traffic.
I own a 2017 model GT line which is a 1.25litre and love it, I was looking to upgrade to a newer one but unfortunately the newer ones are only 4 seater
Great video great car. We have a Viva SL for our second car bought it four years ago for £8400 value today £8400 that’s what I’ve been offered but the car has only done 5700 miles does 41 mpg around town another Korean wonder car great value too. Would agree the Kia has more kit and excitement. Funny when I mention the Viva people think I have the sixties classic! Vauxhall don’t have a city car now and price for the Corsa starts at £17,000.
The Picanto is a rock solid buy and drive. My mother bought the pre facelift one and we all fight to borrow it as it is just beaut to punt around in. If I were to have a second car I would look no further.
id say a Lexus IS250 Convertible would be an interesting review, sort of like a budget alternative to a Mercedes E350 convertible, but slower, yet more reliable
I absolutely love this type of car. Small, unpretentious, unassuming, and endlessly entertaining without making a song & dance of everything. It's absolutely perfect. I love the yellow too. If I was in the market for a new small car, this would be the one I'd choose. People used to laugh at Kia, but the joke is now on anybody who pays more for a badge and ends up with something only half as good. From small acorns with the 1990s Pride, Kia is now well and truly at the top of it's game.
I agree with everything you said...too bad you cant buy cars like this in Canada. Everybody here wants SUVs and pick up trucks.
It's almost like the "MINI" BMW should have built. Small, nimble, quick enough and cost effective
Don't forget Hyundai too, and many seem to forget it's the mother-company of Kia.
@@joyrider6456 Sisters!
@@goldenretriever6261 Sadly we're heading in the same direction in the UK. Most of the new cars available are now SUV's, and even the 'small' SUV's are too big for us. There are very few decent, quick small hatches like the Picanto GTi, as most manufacturers think that anyone who wants a small car will settle for bottom-dollar performance and cheap build quality.
James, I watch the channel to hear you talk about the cars….you are seriously entertaining and very informative. Don’t change-your content is awesome! But that was a pretty funny way to start the video.
“It’s a KIA not a TARDIS” the most British comment I’ve heard in a long time
Everyone that's ever been in my W169 A class always says it's like a TARDIS. Sandwich floor design has its merits, maintenance not being one of them 😔
I went from a 520D to a Picanto 3 spec 1.25L automatic, and from the inside there is not much in it for space.
We just picked up a 2019 GT-line late last year for the wife. Its awsome and the heated seats and steeringwheel work great even in Swedish winters. I had some alterior motives tho and took it out in a local autocross a few weeks ago and it was great fun, not fast (although that could be the driver) but really enjoyable and tossable.
Actualy faster than the Mini that won the Monte Carlo Rally in 1964!
Yank here - the greatest compliment I can give you (James) is that - because I’m watching so much of your content - I sometimes forget what side of the road I’m supposed to drive on. ❤️
Huge advocate of Kia/Hyundai and their new cars (I own one now)… but as an ex Up GTI owner I just wouldn’t consider this. The appeal of the GTI for me at least was the simplicity of it. Manual box, light, nice (admittedly fake) exhaust noise, no fancy tech, good performance and a hilarious bit of kit. That was the appeal!
My wife has a 2012 1.25 liter 85hp Picanto in Premium trim and it's a great car. It's not a 1.0 Turbo but it's pretty fun to drive.
Great video as always and agree with everything you say about the Picanto - but just a bit surprised you made no mention of it's cousin the Hyundai i10 N-Line - that would make for a very interesting comparison.
It really is genuinely fun to drive haha. I drove a base auto picanto and enjoyed it. Even coming from my 130i. So a manual turbo version would be even better again.
After I went kia with my latest car (2019 rio 3 1 litre turbo) I won't go anywhere else now. I haven't got a single complaint. It was affordable, the quality is amazing, the engine is actually very good fun and very efficient. It even gets 70 mpg at 80mph (I mean 69.5mph) on the motorway.
Does it REALLY get 70 mpg at 80 mph? Sustained? I find that a little hard to believe. I presume it has a 6-speed box?
Hi from Tasmania, Australia. I love this car. It's everything I like. Small, light, nimble and fun to drive in a very non threatening way. I love the fact that you can enjoy a thoroughly inexpensive little car like this and point out all of its great features, for the price. Especially as you drive so many cars at the opposite end of the spectrum. You are one of the best, most honest, knowledgeable and impartial reviewers on RUclips. Brilliant work.
Ordered 1 as well, in Canberra, coming in December, can’t wait. Does the Oz version (GT manual) get the heated seats and steering wheel?
I've been really impressed with Kia's of late, the proceed I just reviewed was packed with kit even at the base model, and I'm thoroughly looking forward to a week with the new Sportage next month. I would say potentially the Ibiza FR is an alternative to this despite being more fiesta sized, but I think the Kia definitely provides the best value. Such extremely low running costs, but fun because you can wring it out!
Kia are a car manufacturer I want to see succeed. I really respect their honesty and the faith they put I their products, offering a 7 year warranty on all their vehicles. I believe the car-per-£ ratio is better than any other manufacturer, without a doubt. There's no shame in driving a Kia whatsoever. Kudos to their drivers. 👍😎👌
As good as the Kia is, one thing you missed from the equation is personality. The Up gti has it in spades.
The economy in the Up gti is also far better even thrashing it we get 45 mpg.
Driving sensibly easily sees 60-65 mpg.
These are big mpg differences.
Let's also not forget about future retained values.
While looks are a personal preference, the Up! looks better too in my opinion. I might be biased though, I have Tungsten Silver Up! GTI since they were first realised back in 2018 ;)
The UP is a low crash safety rating. Deathtrap
@@asifnoaman8978 This segment no doubt is a very dangerous to drive. I struggle to see a car this size to survive all sorts of potential accidents. If you care for safety I think you should buy the next segment up.
@@asifnoaman8978 bollocks. It had a 5 star rating. It has been lowered to 3 now due to not scoring well in pedestrian safety which takes more precedence nowadays (and rightly so). So it’s far from a death trap. Many larger vehicles such as SUVs score worse. Worse for both pedestrian safety due to their size/weight and for their occupants due them more likely to roll in a crash (height centre of gravity).
@@thecraigmachine69 me too....was lucky enough to get a new one in May... Tungsten Silver with black roof.
We love it.
Best colour too in my opinion.
Keep doing these videos as you always do them James they are always entertaining also kia has been doing very well the last 5 or so years its amazing to see how much theyve progressed with hyundai
We have a 2018 Kia Picanto GT Line S, had it from nearly new. Initially bought it for the school runs etc, but.... I absolutely love the thing, I build and drive rally cars for a living and have driven many quick cars, but this thing is just so much more fun than somthing with 4x the power and price tag. It's a car that you can actually use to it's full (ish) capabilities sensibly without loosing your licence and at the same time having a lot of fun. We will definitely be trading this one in for a brand new one (my Subaru barely gets used in favour of the Kia now 🙂)
It seems to be sitting a bit closer to the ground than average, kinda like a sports car. Have you had any problems with the ground clearance?
More fun driving a slow car fast than a fast car slow, more fun thrashing a cheap car now, than waxing an expensive car for the show. Who knew?
I'm guessing you knew!
@@khelgarironfist3301 the front lip spoiler has made contact with the road (maybe after a little yump or two...) but it doesn't have any problems with speed bumps etc.
I have a 2019 Picanto GT Line Turbo, which misses out on a couple of bells and whistles like the heated seats and steering wheel, but apart from that it is pretty much the same. I absolutely love it and it packs a decent punch without being very fast. I just purchased 2 years servicing including it's first MOT for only £369. I can't think of another car that brings so much fun for so little money.
It seems to be sitting a bit closer to the ground than average, kinda like a sports car. Have you had any problems with the ground clearance?
@@khelgarironfist3301 It is obviously a city car so you can't expect much. But I had to drive offroad in mine and it handled it beautifully. Except the tyres of course.
The VW eUP! is very popular in Yorkshire, apparently.
I have a Kia Niro at present which I am changing mid march for a Kia Picanto x line s, this will be my second Kia, love them they are well finished, reliable and great warranty
Thanks for raising awareness of this, I didn’t know it existed. We’ve just bought one having also considered an Up GTi, after seeing your review. What a great car it is.
I remember when I started driving, I thought it would be a brilliant idea if manufacturers detached the styling and features of a car from the performance. It tended to be a case of, you buy lower performance car, you get less interesting styling and lower rent interior. If you want a plush fully loaded interior and sporty styling, you had to upgrade engine-wise at the same time. Thankfully, in more recent times, many manufacturers have cottoned on to this with their trim levels. OK, so the Picanto does get an engine boost, but it's modest.
I just want to know James, if you talk that way when down the pub with your mates? If so, that is absolutely awesome! I love your presenting style and intro - very nostalgic from Top Gear in the 90’s 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
Not having the best of days.
I was pretty sure I wasn't going to laugh today, but that intro was gold!
Cracked me up 😂
Thanks James!
James it is funny how prices vary around the world. Here in New Zealand I bought a Suzuki Swift Sport with almost the same features and much more powerful engine for just under £15000? Probably not as well finished inside as the Kia but very frugal and rapid. Love seeing you looking at the market sector which is about the amount many can afford.
We get a version here in Au as the GT. With 74kW 172Nm 73.5 kW/t as opposed to the GT-Line's 62kW 122Nm 62.3 kW/t.
They look exactly the same to me. £12,500 GBP drive away new.
Last time I saw a car that colour was in the 70s and it was an Austin Allegro. £550 on a colour upgrade would be money well spent.
I see you mentioned this has disc brakes all round, however that’s not necessarily the best option.
Drum brakes generally have a much stronger initial bite than discs, making them great for handbrake turns.
Drums aren't good for Brake-based Torque Vectoring. The Picanto uses all wheel discs for brake vectoring, which greatly aids stability and traction when cornering at speed.
Really fabulous review. As a driver of a VW Up! TSI and under the impression that this had no direct competitors, this car is now well and truly on my radar. My local dealer has one in stock so I'm off for a test drive :)
Well?
So glad you've decided to a review on this, I;ve been wanting one of these for ages, but I find them just a bit too expensive, you can however tune them to 140hp which just makes it worth it imo.
Did that and 140HP makes a lot.....of fun ;-)
Spend the same £16000 on a 41kwh Renault Zoe, it's an absolute riot to drive too, my cousin who regularly drives cars with 500hp or more had an absolute riot with it on the back roads, the front seats are very comfortable and the boot is quite a bit bigger even with the car staying in the same size range as the Picanto. 5 Stars in Euro NCAP too for the pre-2019 models.
Kia Rio 2011 serviced once at the dealer, the rest of the time i changed my own oil and filter. 180000kms later its still going strong! yeah people knock it for owning a kia. i think its the best car money can buy! and ill gladly buy another one again.
Hi James. I’m old enough to remember when Daihatsu launched the Charade GTti back in the mid 80s. I was in my teens at the time and was excited by the press cars (all in white) that seemed to offer a great value, more reliable alternative to the mainstream Fiesta, 205 et al. The formula was similar to this Picanto - 1.0l, 3 cylinder turbo kicking out 100hp (massive at the time) which combined with lower weight than a modern car (due to lack of gadgets and safety features) made it an absolute riot to drive (apparently). Maybe if you could get your hands on one of those to drive, it would in some way be a bizarre direct comparison. Happy hunting. I’d like to see your new millennium take on one 👍
This a silly little thing, but it annoys the hell out of me. The correct phrase (grammatically) is "offer great value" - NOT "offer a great value".
Hello James, maybe a comparison with the Hyundai i10 N (equipped with the same engine) should be a good idea?
Kudos for creating a sensible, information packed review. It's also refreshing for someone not to award a German car the winner just because of the badge. The VW Up! came first in interior practicality once, this despite only having two seats in the back compared to the competitions three....go figure (free hospitality perhaps)? The Picanto or i10 is on our short list when we come to replace our 108.
I love my white Kia Picanto 2019 1.0 T-GDI with 100hp, it rock's and everybody thinks it's cute.😍👍
Love the colour. Looks fun and cheerful. Nice video. Keep up the good work.
At last somebody who gets the Picanto and gives it a honest and decent review, I have now shared the link for the video with the Picanto members group on FB hopefully they well also leave some good comments. Keep up the good work
Thanks very much! I love the Picanto
This is my 2nd one now I had the brilliant x line previously with the 1.25 engine. But now have a 21 GT LINE S turbo I have done 12500 miles in it with out any issues.
Also not sure if you are aware but any Picanto that has the uvo software you can download an app on your phone and control the car and check you car fuel location etc
Thank you for this valuable, indepth review. I bought one this morning 😊. Gorgeous drive for 5ft little lady who loves performance.
Happy to be corrected...believe from both the badging and the lack of the electric glass sunroof, the car you have there is the non-S, GT-Line. I had a black MKI Picanto 54 plate SE (top trim level), 1.1, 64bhp, 119g/km £30pa road tax, air-con, alloys, 4 electric windows, remote locking, 4 wheel disc brakes, electric mirrors, front fog lights, radio/CD, mid-40's MPG, just fantastic value, reliable and low running costs. New cost £7,220, with inflation today that would be £12,200...car inflation...
Kia's are the cars of people who know that image is second to value, the stinger GT would've sold in crazy numbers if more buyers weren't so vain about badges
Agree 100% We had one new on a 68 plate, held out for the Turbo rather than the 75bhp MPI and it was an absolute gem. Only reason we don't still have it is exactly the reason you gave. I bought an SLK then six months later my father could no longer drive and we need to run them around regularly, often with luggage or shopping. The back seats were fine but the boot just did not cut it. When I get the soft top ownership out of my system we will definitely return to having one of these as the 2nd car.
This little beauty reminds me a lot of the wonderful old Minis of my youth. Thankyou for another wonderful review James
Great video, yet again. My neighbour bought a red one of these the other day, it’s a stunning little car, how far kia have come. I would still prefer an up gti to this but it’s s close call for me!
3:45 ohhhhh, so that's what honey bee yellow looks like, I pick parts in a hyundai/kia warehouse and to pass the boring times I daydream about what the colours look like based off there names, black 1k, dark penta metal, true red, runway red etc and honey bee yellow is definitely one of them... Gotta admit I always imagined it being a much brighter yellow
It is almost green.
It's good to get the Grandma seal of approval. Grandmas know what's practical and useful.
This reviewer is one of the very best and does not waste a second trying to be funny or speculative. That said, his very English way with words is innately witty.
Alongside Matt of CarWow I reckon we are lucky to have such expert reviewers who are not snobby and snide.
Kia cars have varied quite a lot over the years, as big sister company Hyundai has developed middle sized and larger cars -- evidently much used by police forces in numerous European countries.
Where Kia has excelled is in small and small family cars (as well as being the leading non-Chinese EV brand at fair prices), yet some people still confuse the very basic Hyundai i10 with Kia's Picanto. The Picanto always had more passenger comfort and easier gearboxes, indeed I have often felt that overly upholstered seats with bounce have been at the expense of boot space and seat height for older people. Both related brands use separated spring and shock absorber suspension and this saves on repair costs. I could just wish that Picantos were a bit higher off the ground at seat level like the Hyundai i10 is. Perhaps James or someone in the comments has some ideas on altering wheels/suspension to vary this.
Kia steering remains immediate and road holding without roll is better than on most lower price segment cars I have driven in recent years. I also like that essentials are solid, electronic gadgets at a minimum and build quality rather better than on European brands.
Matthew Godwin's comments sum up the essence of the difference.
Thanks Stephen :)
Nice video. I currently own a 2017 Picanto Trim 3 with the 1.25 Engine. I'd love to go for the Turbo engine next time
I was 'forced' into one of these for a 250mile journey after delivering a fully loaded Range Rover Sport.Sublime to the ridiculous sprang to mind.I wasn't looking forward to it to be honest.Que 20 miles later giving it the beans on both country roads and motorway....forgotten all about the Range Rover it was great fun.
It's that kind of car isn't it!
@@JayEmmOnCars The 2007 Suzuki Swift Sport successor?
Great review again, James's. So much so I've just ordered a brand new one in Astro grey as a second car as we already have a family car.
Such good value for money.
Looked at one as a driving school car. And loved it. Stupid RED driving school said too small for decals. I think they didn’t want a Kia on fleet. When Corsa garbage. Work that out. This is a great car. And good for tall drivers
James I don't think you talk enough.
Love the videos keep up the good work.
Thank you.
These are great little cars that are very rewarding to drive, I borrowed on the other day and enjoyed driving briskly without being stupid.
Not sure if there was a period you went to a different outro music etc, but this one is definitely my favourite and sometimes I watch multiple videos to the end just for it
I like that the colour on this car is free and that other paint jobs are £500 or so. That's very reasonable.
I've had one of these in yellow for 6 months now and it is absolutely bloody brilliant. Averaging 46mpg, easily does 55 on a run.
It does look like Kia found the paint mix recipe for the beige Austin Allegro though.
Your channel is turning into a super class leading car channel on RUclips.
A slightly noisy engine ?
As it’s a triple , that’s a bonus in my view !
When I look at cars the Korean manufacturers never pop in to my head.
I don't know why because they make some very good cars, the kia stinger was incredible and hyundais n cars are fantastic.
The hyundais are even compared to the old school honda civic type r, light small and fun as hell.
A Thai speaker would definitely appreciate that registration.
5 is "hah", so 555 is essentially the Thai equivalent of LOL . . . and from your review, it seems fittling for a fun small car :)
I honestly love these kinds of car reviews. I love a good super car as much as the next guy but there’s something about affordable snappy little cars that is just so good when popping out to the grocery store or just a fun scenic drive. I’ve got an NB Miata with absolutely zero power mods (lots of handling and track oriented upgrades) and I find myself grabbing the keys to that over my F Type R all of the time. Not that I don’t love the F TYPE to pieces but it seems like over kill on the small roads around my area so I really only use it for my highway driving. Keep up the amazing variety. We definitely need channels like yours that go into all sorts and all years of cars. New car are looking and driving so similarly to one another that one really has to look into the past for any sense of spice.
Great review. Love the more “ordinary” car stuff. Not for me but a lovely little motor.
Same. Couldn't give a toss what Ferrari or Aston Martin are up to. It's totally irrelevant to normal people - and there's something nasty about someone driving a car costing more than most people's houses....
The alternative is Hyundai's i10 N Line. Personally, I prefer the i10's styling. Of course, Kia has a 7y warranty, whereas Hyundai's is 5.
Yea, I 've bought the Hyundai, and it 's slightly bigger, nicer looks, maybe a tad slower, but as I'm also a little bit taller it fits better and gives you more trunk capacity, on the other hand only 5 yr. warrant.
hyundai i10N is waaaay uglier
I agree with your mother about the yellow not being yellow enough. It's almost a very light green. Bright yellow would look lovely with the black and chrome parts.
The intro was shades of Jeremy hahaha i love it!
That's not exactly a complement is it ...
Three cylinders and below is motorcycle territory though. Unacceptable. Buuut I'd still want one. Or a SUZUKI Swift Sport of course. As long as it's yellow.
Had one of these with the 1.0 turbo, cracking little car!
Lol your mom was spot on! I was looking at it thinking "that yellow isn't yellow enough... is it some kind of weird Tuscan yellow?".
You do talk a lot but I'd say that's why we like your videos. :D
The performance of these is almost identical to the Mk2 Twingo GT, which is a great car, and really is a tardis inside.
I started seeing a lot of them and I always thought they looked great
The production on these videos is so slick
Thank you for an excellent, useful review.
It's great to see a car reviewer drive and describe the experience of down to earth car in a down to earth way, Except when comically comparing it to super cars.
Can you try out a Hyundai Getz?
Awesome video have just ordered a new gt line s, can't wait cheers pal.
Better in every way, except one.... The VW's engine bay won't randomly catch fire on you while driving it down the road. Huge issue 3 years ago with KIA and Hyundai vehicles. Now it's cropping up again, with more recalls from both brands.
If I could ever afford to do it, I could easily see myself buying one of these sort of cars as a second car, purely to have fun in (this, an i10, up!, swift etc). Wouldn't cost me much to run, yet could help put a smile on my face every day.
I had a Mk2 Picanto for 4 years as my first car, and I already miss it. I've recently upgraded to a 2019 Rio, and whilst the Rio is better in every single way, it doesn't make me smile like the Picanto did.
Ordered one of these in Space Grey colour back in April. Waiting for that to be delivered in August. Cannot wait )))
Test driving a new GT-Line this weekend. Really looking forward to it as I love small nippy hatchbacks.
Test drive was a hoot, such a fun car to drive. We ordered a GT-Line S in white. Can’t wait
@@AnonymousAndy2 best colour!
We have our GT-Line S now and it doesn’t disappoint. Such a hoot to drive. It’s like driving a classic Mini but with all the safety features & modern tech. We are very pleased with it.
After hearing that the picanto Gt has 99 hp, l don't feel so bad that my z12 Nissan cube has 'only' 110 hp.😊
Great reviews, many thanks.
Nice honest review, as usual. Thanks for sharing. Although, if I may, the eye twitching was a bit distracting at times. Perhaps due to fatigue or lack of sleep? Take care of yourself.
Needed a second car and test drive the up and the citi go then tested this.Bought the kia.Never had so much fun in a little car.Absoluye hoot.I bought the previous version gt line s and you get a sun roof but you don't now.Its such a great car to throw around.The citi go brakes were terrible.Overall very pleased.
This will be my next car when my turbo diesel Yaris gives up. It's currently on 140k with no signs of giving up the ghost just yet
In Australia we have very very few manual transmission cars these days. Driving an auto Picanto on freeway may not be fun and proud.
Your fashion sense? Exellent, worth watching for that alone😂😂😂😂😂
I would place the Up! GTI at a level above when it comes to desirability. High spec'd price aside, the only reservation I'd have with the GTI would be the drum rear brakes (not all round as you implied), however there seem to be no issues with them for road use. I think really that the two cars suit entirely different markets.
Did James imply all-round drums or did you merely _infer_ that's what he implied? It's very well known that front discs and rear drums are a common practice on smaller cars to keep costs down. I struggle to think of a mainstream production car designed since the 1990s that used front and ostensibly all round brake drums.
Nothing really wrong with drums in back on a lightweight low-powered car. But it does shout cost-cutting, especially when the cheaper car comes with all-round discs.
Vw desirable?Have a serious word with yourself lol
@@camberwellcarrot420 there's a lot wrong with drums.Awful.
@@dazzlernator Yes, he did, albeit unintentionally. That is how anyone unfamiliar with cars, yet who understands English, well would understand it.
id say the best rival is the Mazda2.
14-19k (based on spec which i belive is more than the Kia), and you can get a 6spd 115ps 1.5l from the mx-5 (the engine the car was built around).
genuinely give it a look, i think its a cracking car
I definitely want to see the 2nd Generation Mazda 2 sport on here
don't the newer mazda's have an interior that punches above their weight?
@@anhondacivic6541 yup, I own a current Mazda3 and it's absolutely beautiful inside. It's ergonomic bliss in an era of capactive switches and shitty gloss plastic.
Even the Mazda2 with its interior from 2015 is still really good even against modern rivals like a Hyundai i20 or a VW Polo
I think mazda2 is up one class above. Picanto is A-Segment and Mazda2 is B-Segment
@@kotarojujo2737 I always considered the Mazda2 as a bit of an In-between. A bit too big for A segment and a bit too small for the B segment. Pricing kinda reflects it too I think
I had one on hire but X line. Great loved it. I'm 6 6 and it wa sbig enough for me. The rear camera was excellent
Got one. WITH Sun-Roof. So it's almost perfect. Exceleration is even much better than 9.9 sec in reality. Downside: Needs a bit too much fuel in city traffic.
You know a car is genuinely fun to drive if it makes a grown man go "Wheeee!" when hustling it down a twisty road.
I own a 2017 model GT line which is a 1.25litre and love it, I was looking to upgrade to a newer one but unfortunately the newer ones are only 4 seater
Just ordered one yesterday. 16 week wait but jt is an amazing drive. Just as fun as my 208 GTI with 200 BHP
Great review..
These cars will become even more popular.. as fuel prices just keep going up..
and yes you are right about electric cars..
Great video great car. We have a Viva SL for our second car bought it four years ago for £8400 value today £8400 that’s what I’ve been offered but the car has only done 5700 miles does 41 mpg around town another Korean wonder car great value too. Would agree the Kia has more kit and excitement. Funny when I mention the Viva people think I have the sixties classic! Vauxhall don’t have a city car now and price for the Corsa starts at £17,000.
I enjoy listening to you talk J.....
I really liked th last Picanto I drove!
Thank you for your video. I just bought a honey bee X line s, lovely car. ✨✨✨🥂🍾
The Picanto is a rock solid buy and drive. My mother bought the pre facelift one and we all fight to borrow it as it is just beaut to punt around in. If I were to have a second car I would look no further.
Is there not an i10 alternative? Being a sister company I'd expect much the same from them.
id say a Lexus IS250 Convertible would be an interesting review, sort of like a budget alternative to a Mercedes E350 convertible, but slower, yet more reliable