Driven: Kia Picanto X-Line
By Khulekani On Wheels / on May 18th, 2021 / in Car Reviews, featured
By Clive Funizwe
Beauty may be in the eye of the beholder – but we all agree that the Kia Picanto, especially now in this X-Line guise, is one cute car. This is exactly why the Picanto has won over many buyers and continues to be a choice for many.
Exterior
New in the X-Line, is a contoured radiator grille, projection bi-function headlamps and LED type REAR combination lamps. The side mirrors are colour coded, fold electronically and have embedded indicators. The rear has “integrated exhausts” which also makes the bumper stand out more. Dark wheel arch trims contrast the paint work and give out a beefier exterior.
Interior
The interior has a new high def floating 8-inch touch screen which supports Android Auto, Apple CarPlay comes standard. Making the X-Line feel plusher is an arm rest, albeit a bit on the small side, but a welcomed add on. The steering is covered in leather and the has logically laid out buttons and thankfully do not feel like they are out of an old TV remote or an ancient Blackberry handset.
The rest of the cabin, while made from plastic materials, does not feel cheap and nasty. The faux leather seats, dash design and illumination are not offensive at all. The front seats have “rear pockets” which increase the storage areas around the cabin. We could not help but notice that the Picanto does not have rear vents, but its sister car – the i10 does. Other comfort features include a sunroof, reverse camera and 4 tethering hooks in the boot.
Drive
The entire package is made even better by how the X-Line drives. Gears are smooth, pedal feedback has the right amount of feedback and the driving position is very good. Ride refine and comfort does not remind you that this is a budget car. All in all, the Picanto X-Line has more spunk in the form of aesthetics, is fun to own and returns average fuel consumption off 6.5l/100kms.
Pricing
Priced at R237,995, we think the Picanto X-Line is good value by 2021 standards by offering contemporary aesthetics with a blend of modern features. Service plan is 2-Years/30,000kms.