Kia Picanto Faces Market Void, New Engine, and Price Dilemma

The Israeli car market has seen a significant decline in the availability of small, city-friendly cars, with the Kia Picanto and Toyota Aygo X being among the few remaining options. The Aygo X is priced above 120,000 shekels, while the Picanto, now facing minimal competition, has received a smaller 1-liter, three-cylinder engine producing 68 horsepower, down from the previous 1.2-liter engine. This change, driven partly by European emissions regulations, has led to a price reduction for the Picanto, with the top-tier GT version now costing around 100,000 shekels.

The new Picanto features a robotic five-speed manual transmission, which requires a learning curve for drivers accustomed to traditional automatics. Its performance is adequate for city driving but struggles on inclines, demanding patience or aggressive use of the manual shifting mode. The GT version's sporty suspension and low-profile tires, while enhancing its appearance, compromise comfort on uneven city roads.

Inside, the Picanto retains a simple yet functional cabin, with improvements like a driver fatigue monitoring system. Material quality is deemed acceptable for its class, and assembly is good. Features include steering wheel controls for audio and cruise control, a multimedia screen, and climate control. The GT seats are firm, and while the steering wheel adjusts for height, it does not telescope. The rear seats are cramped, but the trunk is surprisingly spacious and includes a full-size spare tire.

With no direct new car competitors, the Picanto's price point, though lower than its predecessor, is questioned given its powertrain's limitations. The article suggests that for 100,000 shekels, consumers might expect more, leading them to consider used cars. A two-year-old Mazda 2, for instance, is priced around 90,000 shekels. The Picanto is presented as the sole new car option for those needing a small vehicle, but potential buyers are strongly advised to test drive it extensively, especially on inclines and in traffic, before purchasing. Those dissatisfied with the powertrain are recommended to explore the used car market for vehicles with more robust engines and conventional automatic transmissions.