RIPPERSLITTLE Putt n the m n n m n mal s
- KIA PICANTO
The Picanto’s smart and stylish cabin
appeals with its minimalist dash,
beaut tablet touchscreen, supportive
front seats (offering the sole fore-aft
headrest adjustment), theatre-style
rear seating, a great driving position
and plenty of standard features.
On the flipside is its clammy vinyl
upholstery, lack of steering reach
adjustment, and absence of a digital
speedo. A 255L cargo capacity
reflects Kia’s sub-B city-friendly
sizing. Space-saver spare.
2. RENAULT CLIO
Clio’s cabin presents as the most
premium here. Series II brought a
welcome multimedia update but the
small screen betrays its age. Front
seats are sumptuous, less so out back.
Low windscreen header and small
wipers hem forward vision a little. The
group’s only digital speedo has no
analogue alternative and dated wheel
controls lack night-time illumination.
Heaps of door storage, though, and
luggage capacity is a handy 300L.
Space-saver spare.
3. SUZUKI SWIFT
Minimalist, cohesive and beautifully
constructed cabin has the most space
here. Dash is a winner, highlighted
by best vision out, sporty dials, nif ty
wheel and user-friendly switchgear.
But fiddly touchscreen could do with
a volume knob, while speedo lacks
digital readout. Rear kneeroom will
shame larger small cars, but 242L
boot capacity is the trade-off. Road
noise is also obvious back there, rear
storage is sparse and there are no
grab handles. Space-saver spare.
YOU’LL FEEL CLOSER TO YOUR FRIENDS
@wheelsaustralia 77