And now we get to the Picanto ‘GT-Line’ 1.0, a car that Kia expect to inject some youthful vim and vigour to their venerable city Car.
Styling wise the ‘GT-Line’ is extremely successful from any angle you choose to mention. The newly highlighted and chrome surround front grille offers an aggressive new slant, as do the sports front and rear bumpers and side sills.
There’s also the 16-inch alloy wheels, a sporting dual exhaust, privacy glass on the rear windows and tailgate, bi-function projection headlamp units, front fog lights, LED daytime running lamps and rear lights whilst a chrome belt line strip adds interest from the side. Overall, Kia have most definitely nailed the look of the Picanto ‘GT-Line’ first time out. It’s got that special ‘something’ that a GT-Line needs to set it apart.
Step inside this spacious Picanto and you notice that the longer wheelbase, higher roofline and new proportions help to create an airy interior whilst the sporting theme continues with stainless steel pedals with non-slip rubber inserts, satin chrome interior door handles and supportive black and red faux leather upholstery. The overall impression that you’re left with is that this ‘GT-Line’ is rather more than the sum of it’s parts.
There may only be a 998cc 3 cylinder engine under the bonnet that delivers 66bhp @ 5500rpm and torque figures of 96 lb/ft @ 3500rpm but that is more than enough to justify that GT Line badge. A maximum kerb weight of 1,028kg adds to the fun and allows the Picanto to use it’s engine to the full, with light weight making it easier for the engine to perform at it’s most efficient and yet still allowing for decent acceleration across the rev range. Even more impressive is how the Kia is able to achieve all of this whilst delivering a combined mpg of 64.2mpg.
The Kappa 1.0 MPI engine combines efficiency, power and dynamic performance to provide a power plant that refuses to be pigeonholed, providing you with a characterful and exciting engine that is just as happy with the daily grind as it is when exploiting the ‘GT-Line’s rather more sporting nature.
And it’s a sporting drive that is helped by the Kia’s 5-speed manual transmission. One which provides the driver with a positive feel when snicking up and down the excellent gearbox. And it’s this slick gearbox that contributes greatly to the fizz that you get from this little city car when approaching an enticing set of bends or country lane.
What you’ve got with the ‘GT-Line’ is a city car that can do the commute, go to the shops and drop the children off at school. Exactly what you’d expect. But then, when the circumstances allow, the Kia Picanto ‘GT-Line’ gives you that special something that only a special car can give you. Feedback aplenty through the steering and suspension, a throaty and characterful engine, great looks and excellent town friendly dimensions and the best bit?
Just £11,950 gets your own Picanto ‘GT-Line’ on the driveway.
Have I mentioned the 7 year 100,000 mile warranty yet?
Where will you go?