Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT

Kia's ever-popular budget hatch has recently received a range of exterior and interior updates - we test the entry-level variant to see if it remains a force to be reckoned with in this highly competitive segment

- Marius Boonzaier, Kyle Kock

Billed by Kia South Africa as the country's favourite Kia, more than 100 000 South Africans have put pen to paper for the Picanto since the first generation was launched in SA two decades ago. The facelifted third generation aims to build on the tenets that made its predecessors such a success, while adding some visual panache to the popular package. However, in a segment that, over the years, has seen the addition of a host of equally characterful, pocket-friendly hatchbacks, does the updated Picanto still have what it takes to rule the roost?

With the introduction of the refreshed model, Kia's local arm has repositioned its Picanto portfolio; trading the naming convention of the former trim levels - Start, Street and Style - for the now-familiar nomenclature, LX, EX and EX+. At the same time, the X-Line variant has been discontinued and replaced by the GT-Line. Following market-feasibility research conducted by Kia SA, the GT-Line is presently not being considered for local consumption. In addition, the range that formerly comprised a dozen derivatives has been cut to six, presumably in a bid to simplify the buying experience. But which Picanto is deserving of your hard-earned cash?

The engine options have remained unchanged, with the line-up still comprising a choice of two free-breathing petrol powerplants: a 1.0-litre three-pot offering 49 kW/95 N.m and a 62 kW/122 N.m 1.2-litre four-cylinder unit. Both are available with five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

At CAR, we've argued many times that the mid-spec model in a range is the sweet spot, as it offers all the convenience features you'll ever really need and, as a result, the best value for money. In terms of the Picanto, this is the EX variant. However, considering the generous level of standard equipment included with the entry-level, LX package we tested here in manual guise, it could make a case for being the Picanto of choice.