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Kia Picanto 1: the big little small car

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Kia Picanto 1.0 litre 1 business car road test report

Kia Picanto 1.0 litre 1 5dr road test report

Kia Picanto 1.0 litre 1 5dr

What is it?

THE 1.0 litre Picanto 1 is the entry level model in the all-new Kia Picanto five-door city car range. Powered by a three-cylinder engine that produces just 99g/km CO2, the Picanto 1 costs just £7995 on the road.

What’s hot?

  • Despite the modest engine, three-cylinder produces delightful soundtrack
  • And provided you use the gears, it’s pacey enough
  • Although only 3.6m long, it’s big on the inside
  • And quality trim levels doesn’t make it feel like a bargain car
  • Noise suppression on the motorway is good, the ride poised and stable
  • CO2 of 99g/km means exemption from London Congestion Charge
  • Plus there’s 100% first year writing down capital allowances
  • And company car tax of 10% through to 2013/14 tax year
  • Fuel economy is a budget-stretching 67.3mpg
  • Standard equipment includes electric windows and anti-skid ESC system
  • Reassurance of Kia’s seven-year/100,000 mile warranty

What’s not?

  • You need to use the gears and throttle to maintain speed on inclines…
  • …Which is likely to hurt economy away from the city
  • Electric power steering robs it of feel, particularly dead-ahead
  • Rear seats don’t fold down flat
  • Base 1 trim lacks air conditioning, USB/iPod connectivity, alloys

What you need to Know?

P11D Value: 7345
Monthly Rental*: 135 (CH)/£162 (PCH)
Tax Band when posted: 10%, 10%, 10%
Monthly BiK: Click link for BIK
Engine: 1.0-litre 3cyl petrol
CO2 Emissions: 99g/km
Power/torque: 68bhp/70lb ft
Economy: 67.3mpg

Monthly contract hire (CH) and personal contract hire (PCH) rentals generated by Concept Vehicle Leasing. Based on a 36 month lease at 10,000 miles a year, 3+35 payments.

Business Car Manager Road Test Rating

The Kia Picanto 1 is an astonishingly competent car at such a low price point. While business owners might want to use the low price, low CO2 emissions and low company car taxation of the Picanto 1 to buy it through the business, we think it’s worth spending the additional £1500 to upgrade to the Picanto 2 spec. That way you get a brilliantly economical hatchback, and a great runaround for a small business that’s nicely specced – all for £9595.

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