Updated 2022 Kia Picanto for Russia: why is it more expensive than the latest Rio?

The 2022 Kia Picanto is a subcompact car designed for city driving where it feels good. The model is compact and maneuverable. In conditions of limited urban space, it will provide a number of advantages and will make you feel more confident, especially for novice drivers. The compact car from the South Korean company is in demand among women, which is reflected in its appearance. True, the exterior of the model hardly changes from generation to generation. The last radical update dates back to 2011. In Russia, the cost of the Kia Picanto starts at 849,900 rubles. This includes a 1.0-liter engine that develops 67 horsepower and is mated to a manual transmission. He is offered an alternative in the form of a 1.2-liter 84-horsepower unit. There is already an automatic transmission. And the cost starts at 979,000 rubles.

Specifications

Kia Picanto 2022 did not receive a new body and, in comparison with the pre-styling version, differs only in details in terms of appearance. This can be seen in the photo. But the model has acquired several configurations, which differ in price and technical characteristics.

The update of the range of power units did not reach Russia. In our country, atmospheric engines are still offered. The liter engine is capable of developing power up to 67 horsepower and a maximum torque of 95 N * m. The more expensive versions are equipped with a 1.2-liter engine, the maximum output of which is 84 hp, and the thrust level is 122 N * m.

The transmission differs depending on the selected engine. So, the weaker 67-horsepower version is combined with a five-speed manual gearbox. Buyers who pay extra for a more powerful motor get a 4-speed automatic transmission. Note that in Europe, the "automatic" was replaced by a 5-band "robot". By the way, 2,275 copies of the Kia Picanto were sold in Russia for the entire last year. Among the other models of the company in sales in Russia, it is already in 10th place. The fashion for tiny cars has passed, which means that there is no need to wait for significant innovations.

The dimensions of the car are as follows: length - 3595 mm, width - 1595 mm, height - 1495 mm. The wheelbase is 1400 mm. The ground clearance height is 161 mm. As is clear from the given data, it is cramped inside. There is enough space in the front, and the rear passengers will have to make room. As a family car for long journeys, the five-seater Kia Picanto 2022 will definitely not fit. And the luggage wouldn't fit. The boot capacity is 255 liters. But on a small runabout it is convenient to park where larger models cannot fit.

Options and prices

Classic

Basic equipment by modern standards is inexpensive and will cost 849,000 rubles. However, the price of the same Kia Rio is only 50 thousand more, so compact cars are no longer distinguished by a reduced price tag. For the aforementioned amount, buyers will get a very weak engine and "mechanics". Classic with 84-horsepower engine and automatic transmission starts at 979,900 rubles.

So, in the most inexpensive version, halogen headlights, a light sensor are installed, steering wheel adjustment is available. Classic also includes:

interior fabric upholstery;
4-way front seat adjustment;
front power windows (only in the version with a more powerful motor);
ERA-GLONASS;
tire pressure monitoring system;
on-board computer;
USB and AUX for the version with 84 hp motor.

Comfort

There is such a complete set, depending on the power unit under the hood and the gearbox, from 924,900 rubles or from 979,900 rubles. This variation includes:

radio and MP3 support for 1.2 AT Comfort;
electric heated mirrors;
leather braided steering wheel;
leather-trimmed transmission selector knob;
height adjustment of the driver's seat;
adjustment of the passenger seat in 4 directions;
heated front seats;
remote control key;
keyless access;
rear power windows.

Luxe

This and the following configurations are only available in the version with a 1.2-liter engine combined with an automatic transmission. The minimum cost is 1,074,900 rubles. Thus, we have before us the first complete set with a price tag above a million. Here's what this mod will offer:

aluminum rims;
LED running lights;
front fog lights;
LED taillights;
audio control buttons on the steering wheel;
4, 2-inch digital instrument cluster;
combined upholstery;
heated steering wheel;
side airbag and curtains;
auto-blocking of doors while driving;
6 speakers, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto;
8-inch screen of the multimedia system.

Luxe also includes a navigation system, a reversing camera and LED driver's mirror illumination. As we can see, the bundle justifies its name. The car becomes safer, more comfortable and more fun thanks to advanced multimedia.

Style

The cost of this configuration starts at 1,114,900 rubles. There is leather upholstery, a dividing armrest front and rear, and climate control is added.

GT Line

And, finally, the most expensive equipment. It costs from 1,174,900 rubles. In it, the side mirrors are equipped with turn signal repeaters, and the handles receive a chrome finish. The rear and front bumpers take on a sportier look with an engine start button and aluminum pedals. Also, only in this configuration there is a cruise control and a monitoring system for "blind" zones. Wheels grow up to 16 inches.

Options and prices (summary table)


#	Equipment	Model years	Cost, rub.	Drive unit	Transmission	Engine, cc cm	Acceleration from 0 to 100, s	Max. speed, km / h	Power, max., H.p. (kW) at rpm	Combined fuel consumption in l / 100 km
1	1.0 MT Classic	November 2020 -	849 900 ₽	Front	Manual transmission 5	998	44269	161	67 (49) / 5500	4, 4
2	1.0 MT Comfort	November 2020 -	924 900 ₽	Front	Manual transmission 5	998	44269	161	67 (49) / 5500	4, 4
3	1.2 AT Classic	November 2020 -	979 900 ₽	Front	Automatic transmission 4	1248	44390	161	84 (62) / 6000	5, 4
4	1.2 AT Comfort	November 2020 -	994 900 ₽	Front	Automatic transmission 4	1248	44390	161	84 (62) / 6000	5, 4
5	1.2 AT GT Line	November 2020 -	1 174 900 ₽	Front	Automatic transmission 4	1248	44390	161	84 (62) / 6000	5, 4
6	1.2 AT Luxe	November 2020 -	1 074 900 ₽	Front	Automatic transmission 4	1248	44390	161	84 (62) / 6000	5, 4
7	1.2 AT Style	November 2020 -	1 114 900 ₽	Front	Automatic transmission 4	1248	44390	161	84 (62) / 6000	5, 4

* - information on prices is for reference only. Check with your local dealer for the exact cost.

Safety

Latin NCAP from Latin America conducted a third-generation Kia Picanto crash test. Its results were disappointing to say the least. True, we immediately note that in those countries there is only one airbag by default, and there are no ABS and ESC systems. The car was awarded zero stars for being unsafe and advising buyers not to mess with Picanto. Latin NCAP scored zero for driver and passenger safety. The protection of children was rated at 29 points. Most of all, according to the results of an inspection in an accident, pedestrians can be lucky - 51 percent. For equipping with security systems, the car received 7 percent. Versions younger than 2017 were not included in the Euro NCAP tests. However, those that were, received satisfactory results.

Handling and off-road performance

The Kia Picanto 2022, as already mentioned, is a tiny city car. It is maneuverable and fast enough for its power (14, 3 and up to 13, 7 seconds to "hundreds", respectively, depending on the type of engine). It is convenient to travel by car in the city traffic, without being afraid to fit in the wrong place, due to its small dimensions and low weight.

When it comes to such a small car, created for city streets, there is even no need to talk about off-road. It is difficult to imagine the Kia Picanto storming mud sections on the road, not a summer residence. However, there is 161mm of ground clearance, which is more than the average non-crossover and SUV car. Accordingly, at least the bottom will not have to beat on Russian roads. It will still be possible to leave the asphalt, but only by correctly assessing the capabilities of the model, because the suspension may not survive.

Advantages and disadvantages

Let's start with the positive aspects of the model:

the car feels perfect in the city due to its dimensions and acceptable dynamics;
the presence of an 8-inch multimedia screen in expensive trim levels (in general, the top-end versions are well equipped);
low fuel consumption;
not boring design and modern look.

But there are a number of factors for which the Kia Picanto 2022 can be disliked:

high cost relative to standard models;
low-power engines, especially a 67-horsepower unit;
short-travel suspension;
poor reaction to a crosswind due to its small size;
cramped back row and small trunk;
poor steering response.

Design

The South Korean compact car looks stylish and catchy, its headlights seem huge against the background of a small body. This car can seduce people who still decide to buy an A-class baby. In addition, in the GT Line equipment, the exterior of the model changes noticeably: the bumpers and some individual elements look more sporty.

Salon, if we again talk about older trim levels, looks modest, but tasteful. The 8-inch infotainment screen and contrast stitching on the seats stand out. It is rather difficult to look at the rear row of seats, one immediately remembers how small this car is. The same goes for the trunk, which looks more like a backpack.

Sales start

The restyling of the third generation Kia Picanto was presented in the summer of 2020. Car sales started in Russia in early March 2021.

Competitors

The Kia Picanto has few direct competitors. Someone left Russia, and someone simply ceased to exist. Note the Chevrolet Spark, which has also been on the domestic market for a long time. The rest of the A-class car segment has become noticeably impoverished.