By: IOL Motoring Staff
Selecting a car with the biggest engine in the range usually means that you also have to take all the bells and whistles and the matching steep price tag, but Kia's new Picanto 1.2 LS clearly bucks that trend.
Joining the 1.0 LS entry level model that was added to the range late last year, the 1.2 LS is aimed at those seeking a bit more power without breaking the bank. It's yours for R139 995, costing just R10 000 more than its 1-litre counterpart and undercutting the 1.2 EX range-topper by almost 40K.
It's also the second most powerful new car on the market for under R140 000, the only other being the FAW V2 which is not exactly a proven or popular option in any case.
The Kia's normally aspirated 1.2-litre petrol engine pushes 65kW at 6000rpm and 120Nm at 4000rpm, and can be mated to either a five-speed manual or automatic gearbox.
The keen pricing does mean a relatively modest features count in some ways, so you’ll have to wind the windows up and down with elbow grease and there’s no central locking nor a radio, although the LS is fitted with two speakers and an aux/USB port pre-wired for whichever aftermarket system you choose.
On the upside, the model is fitted with air conditioning, power steering and a trip computer as standard, as well as a driver side airbag, although a passenger bag and ABS brakes are not part of the package.
The generous warranty gives you unlimited-kilometre coverage for five years and buyers can specify a two-year / 45 000km service plan at extra cost. Service intervals are set at one-year or 15 000km.
KIA PICANTO PRICES
1.0 LS manual - R129 995
1.2 LS manual - R139 995
1.2 LS automatic - R152 995
1.0 LX manual - R159 995
1.0 LX automatic - R172 995
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