Story: DAVID WILKINS
Kia has always been a pace-setter when it comes to value for money – now it has launched the City, a specc’ed up version of the three-door Picanto with an on-the-road price of £10,245.
The new car is part the company’s Originals scheme, first introduced in 2009 for the Soul. Originals models aren’t part of Kia’s permanent line-up but they have a longer life than other manufacturers’ special editions, running for several months before being replaced. Previous Picanto Originals have been badged Halo and Equinox. Kia compares the process to the seasonal introduction of new fashion collections.
Buyers of the Picanto City get red or silver metallic paint, a red grille, alloy wheels, chrome door handles, heated door mirrors and front go lamps. Inside, the City has air-con, a leather wheel with built-in radio controls, as well as trick ambient lighting. There’s Bluetooth – and you can connect your iPod as well.
With its 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine, the Picanto City scores 99g/km and 67.3 mpg in official tests – that makes it a road tax and London Congestion Charge dodger – great for your company car finances.
Other value-for-money company car features include Kia’s seven-year warranty and Care-3 fixed-price servicing packages.
