I am a self employed disabled women, whom works in Business/Law/Accountancy & IT, as well as trying ...
I am a self employed disabled women, whom works in Business/Law/Accountancy & IT, as well as trying to do my own Postgraduate research, and additional business /legal related studies. Thankfully i have a wonderfull husband and family to help support me.
Member since:23.11.2006
Reviews:1
In October last year I purchased a new Kia Picanto GS as I needed a small comfortable, reliable and fuel economic 5 door vehicle as I was beginning to do lots of miles for work.
Before I bought a vehicle i knew i would find it difficult finding one i liked as i had a long wish list of things i wanted the car to have, and it had to be disability friendly as i have got arthritis, even though i'm only 25 years old.
In order to buy the correct vehicle I test drove and loaned other vehicles, including; Citroen C1/C2/C3, Ford Ka, Chevrolet/Daewoo Matiz, Fiat Panda, Nissan Micra,
Peugeot 106/1007/206, Smart ForFour, Toyota Aygo & VW Lupo/Fox/Golf and others. However not one of these fully meet my needs and i began to look at other makes/models, including the KiaPicanto. At first i was sceptable about the Kia brand, as i knew nothing about it. But the attitude, honesty and helpfulness of the sales reps and other staff at my local Kia dealership instantly won me over.
Driving the Kia Picanto compaired to the others i looked at, some of which are over twice the price of the Picanto, i found it a world apart from any of the other vehicle i had driven. Unusually it is extremly comfortable and easy to get in and out of for a small car, in fact it doesn't feel like you are driving a small car. The back seats are also extremly comfortable and they can be fully folded back (unlike some of the cars i drove) and the backseat is divided 60/40, so you can have some of the seats down while someone's sat in the back.
Although it's only got a 1litre engine (gs model) it is very nippy and quick, as it's light in weight, it also handles exceptionaly, as it has a low centre of gravity, alike a racing car, which enables the vehicle to grip to the road, even around very tight corners/bends. As far as overtaking goes, it's capable of everything, in fact from 0 - 40mph it's quicker than 90% of vehicles on the road today, and mine does a top speed of 95mph.
It also looks really sweet, but with a touch of sportyness, no one would be ashamed of driving it, even my husband loves driving it. The body shape also makes it easy to clean on the outside.
As far as fuel consumption goes it's the best new car on the road, my car does about 350 - 400 miles on under £25 worth of fuel, and it currently costs about £27 to fill it up from empty.
When you buy the new Kia Picanto the engine has already been bench tested, so you don't have to take it back for a service after only a 1000 miles. The service intivials are every 10,000 or once a year, which ever comes first, and they don't cost a lot, my first 10,000 mile service cost about £200 which included parts and labour, plus other stuff.
Despite having arthritis and finding it difficult to move my neck at times, i find the Picanto really easy to park, even to reverse park, which i find difficult in most cars, its helped by the fact that all the mirrors are really large and easy to adjust. Also the boot, rear seats and passanger seat do not obstruct your vision out of the back or side of the car (like many of the others do). And it has a really tight turning circle, which enables you to park in even the smallest of spaces.
Its not just a 'city' or 'town' car, you can use it anywhere. I live in a rural area, and often have to drive it off road, through mud, and through flooded roads, it can handle anything you throw at it.
As regards to the interior, it's smart and easy to keep clean, without being clinical. The standard stereo fitted is far superior to most new vehicles and has lots of different settings and functions. Also there are lots of optional extras and accessories available for the interior and exterior from the Kia dealerships, to give your Picanto a very distinctive look. I have several extras fitted, such a carbon fibre stereo surround, carbon fibre backplate for the rear numberplate, carpeted and rubber Kia branded mats, boot protector, bumper corners and window wind deflectors. The price of the optional extras and accessories is really good value for money its amazing, and it includes fitting.
The only downside is that the boot is a little small, but that is because under what you think is the base of the boot is a large storage area for tools, maps, spare wheel, tyre inflation kit (supplied with car) etc, but it's not a problem as its so easy to fold down part or all of the back seats.
This car has obviously been designed around women and the those of us that have mobility problems and it has so many clever little gargets which makes life a bit easier. It's also very robustly built, and the quality is exceptional for the type and the price of the car. Although my Picanto is just over a year old now, i still find it fun, enjoyable and relaxing to drive, despite the huge amount of miles i do. I am so glad i chose to buy the Kia Picanto, it is by far the best small car about and the price is amazing cheap, they start at £5,500. In fact I would still have bought my Kia Picanto if it was twice the price, IT'S THAT GOOD.
For a 1st review this is very well written. In fact for any review this is very well written. I've added you to my alerts so I can check out your new ones. well done.
laramax 23.11.2006 20:19
Good review - it sounds like an ideal small car and one that I hadn't considered before I read your review
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