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Faith Jeke Behind the Wheel
There are a number of new cars, both big and small, that have graced our roads this year and a number have made waves, and one of those has been the Kia Picanto, a budget vehicle which has done well in the UK and whose sales in Africa are growing. This city-loving car boasts of stylish looks and a green ethos, that will appeal to many who need a car for city driving. While it appears small on the outside it is surprisingly big on the inside. When it comes to performance, there are three engines to choose from – the one-litre Picanto and Picanto LX and the 1.2-litre Picanto EX.
The larger engine has enough power for city driving, but needs to be worked hard to get up to highway speeds. The Picanto makes no excuses for its eye-catching design. It is a car that yearns to be desired and admired.
When it comes to handling, this is a perfect little ride for city driving, but a bit of a challenge on the highway and on long distance drives.
It tackles corners without a fuss, but there’s a fair amount of body leaning and the steering is short of feel.
At low speeds, coarse surfaces are transmitted into the cabin, while sharp bumps at higher speeds create pronounced vertical movement. Both engines make themselves heard under full throttle but settle to a reasonable background hum on highway driving.
Road noise increases when speed increases or when it goes over rough surface and wind noise increases slightly at high speed. It is, however, not deafening just as in its rivals, the Ford Fiesta and the Audi A1.
The Picanto is priced at just under US$25 000, which is very reasonable given that it is a very economic car whose fuel consumption and maintenance are very low.
I would like to share a few tips about driving in the rain, now that the rainy season is only weeks away. When driving on the highway, drive in the centre lanes as rain water tends to create pools on the outside lanes. Turn on your headlights. It will help you see better on foggy or rainy days and it will help other drivers see you. Increase your following distance and watch for brake lights ahead. Slow down as it takes longer to stop in wet weather. Plus the faster you drive, the greater the chances of hydroplaning. Drive slowly through any puddle, that way if it’s deeper than you thought, you can still back out.
Never drive through moving water if you can’t see the ground, you could be swept right off the road.
There you have it, till next issue, happy motoring and God bless you.
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Online Reporter