The all-new Kia Picanto 2012

Last month, the 2012 model of the Kia Picanto was released here in the Philippines. With the new look and features, let's see what this Picanto has to offer to us:

Specifications:

1.0L Kappa MPI I-3 SOHC 12V Engine
Maximum Power: 69PS @ 6,200 rpm
Maximum Torque: 9.6kg-m @ 3,500 rpm
4-Speed Automatic Transmission / 5-Speed for Manual
Multi-Reflector Headlamps
Front Fog Lamps
Macpherson Strut with Coil Spring
Coupled Torsion Beam Axle with Coil Spring
Ventilated Disc and Drum Brakes
Single DIN JVC/CD/AM/FM/MP3/AUX/USB/
iPod Ready with 4 Speakers
Manual Climate Control System
Fabric Seat Material
Bucket Type with Slide and Recline Front Seats
60:40 Split Folding and Fold Flat Rear Seats
Power : Windows | Door Locks | Side Mirrors
Keyless Entry System with Security Alarm
15" Alloy Wheels for AT / 14" Alloy Wheels for MT


The design and looks of the interior on the 2012 kia picanto is much improved. Comparing to the one I have, The engine displacement is much lower (1.0 vs. 1.1) and it look much smaller. This new model will be more fuel efficient especially on a minimal load. It is priced much lower than before at 550K for the manual and 595K for the automatic version.

Gasoline prices

The gas prices we are experiencing today is almost the same when I bought my Kia Picanto last April 2008. The high prices of gasoline during that time made me decide to buy this car and up to now I'm still satisfied on how it consumes gas economically by reaching an average of 12 Km/li. :)

Baguio Trip with my Picanto

After more than 2 years of owning a Kia Picanto, I got a chance of driving all through Baguio City last November 27. I chose to use Kenon Road going up to Baguio and my Picanto's engine really handled the steep parts of the road easily. :)

First 7500 km Check-up

Last October 1, I brought my Kia Picanto to Kia Pasig for its first 7500km check-up. I went there as early as 7:45 AM just to be first in line but there were already 3 cars that arrived first. Luckily for me I was able to schedule my Kia Picanto's first check up and be serviced first after they have opened at 8 AM.




They drained the oil and replaced the oil filter with a new one. A kia picanto engine only uses 3 Liters of oil according to them. They clean up also the air filter and the aircon filter. They checked the front disk brakes and cleaned it also. The procedures done was stated on the Preventive Maintenance for the first 7500 km.



All lights are checked and they also do a test drive on my kia picanto just to make sure that everything is working fine. They also do a carwash for my picanto but it was raining hard that day so I think it's worthless. After 1 hour and 45 mins, i'm good to go with my newly changed oil car.

Replacing the stock speakers

Yesterday, I have decided to replace the stock speakers of my face-lifted Kia Picanto. I can't enjoy the mp3's in my Ipod for the stock speakers lacks fidelity and cannot handle higher volume settings. I visited Autogadget located at Meralco Ave. just near in our office building and browsed their line up of speakers for sale. I was accompanied by Mr. Jefferson Quimbo and recommended me the JBL GT5-650C speakers. According to him, the JBL GT5-650C delivers good sound clarity and one of their best selling speakers.




The JBL GT-650C comes with a separate tweeter and a crossover connection.

Another pair of speakers that caught my attention was the Pioneer TS-A1672S. It's a three way speaker and it's ideal to be placed at the rear doors of my Kia Picanto.





I bought the two pairs of speakers and have them installed. The installation was free of charge.






They dismantled the doors and the headunit. It took them some time to remove the rear door covers because of the manual window roller lock was hard to remove.



They modified a wooden spacer for the front speakers because it does not fit on the one used by the stock speaker.




The pioneer speakers fit perfectly on the spacer used by the old speakers. I thought that there's already a wire in place inside the rear doors, good thing that the pioneer speakers already came bundled with wires that can be connected to the headunit.

It took them almost 3 hours installing all the two pairs of speakers. After all was done, I hurriedly tested my new sound set up and immediately connected my ipod to my Kia Picanto's headunit. The sound output was superb and the sound clarity was so fine that you can almost hear all the musical instruments used in every songs played. You can set the volume at a much higher setting without hearing any unnecessary noise coming from speakers.




It's a two-thumbs up for Autogadget Ortigas and I will surely recommend this store. Mr. Jefferson Quimbo was very accommodating and their staffs are all kind and courteous. They answered every questions I asked and they surely know what they are doing. You can visit their place at #88 Meralco Ave. cor. Julia Vargas St. Ortigas center Pasig City. They are just along Metrowalk inside Gold Park and just beside Reyes BBQ.

Added features for Picanto

I have talked to my Sales Agent lately and informed me that the new P560,000 price tag for manual kia picanto came with an upgrade. The new faced lifted picanto has an all power window, 60/40 fold backseat and rear wiper. Not bad for an upgrade and I think it's reasonable for the price increase as long as they can give P10-20K discount.

Reaching 5000 Km

Last July 25, my Kia Picanto has reached the 5000 Km mark. My picanto is still doing well and still runs like it was still fresh and new.