Kia Picanto: stable with good ride and handling
I’m often asked by parents of teenagers what I would suggest they buy for their first car. I would not hesitate to recommend the Kia Picanto five-door hatch. In four-speed automatic $15,690 with a five-star ANCAP safety rating and backed by a seven-year/unlimited warranty, roadside assistance and capped price servicing.
Driving it hard around town this week I managed 7.7L/100km, even with four on board. Surprisingly well equipped with electronic stability control, autonomous emergency braking, rear parking sensors with dynamic guidelines and cruise control with a speed limiter. Only a four-speed automatic and I’d like it to have six-speeds but it’s quiet under load and easy to drive and manouvre with good all-round visibility. Stable with good ride and handling and nice brakes. It can mirror your smartphone by playing your music and display navigation instructions on a 7-inch colour touch screen. Stronger now with much use of advance high strength steel, the Kia Picanto is a great first car. I’m David Berthon
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