Test Drive: Kia Picanto

Didn't expect that I would be writing another post with this title but here I am with another test drive. This contribution is thanks to my friend's new addition to the family, a 2011 Naza (Kia) Picanto. I have never been much into Korean cars except the Hyundai Coupe (because it's a sports model) and the recent very popular Hyundai Sonata and Hyundai Tucson (already reviewed here).

From my friend, I got some information regarding the Picanto. It is a small car, smaller than a Myvi but bigger than a Viva. The front is not to my taste with its teardrop shape headlights but the rear is quite stunning with looks that does not spell cheap car design. My friend got the sports edition which includes front diffuser (plastic), side skirts and 15" sports rim.

The interior is very minimal and plasticky all around as expected but the meters are very a nice touch with red illumination. My friend did not know about the car's foglight although it is clearly visible from the exterior (he is a little more blur than I thought). We had a tough time locating the switch for the foglight and found out that it is a button on the center console. The back seats were too short although there are lots of headroom which is weird. Hard to lean down as headrest would be at your neck and upper back

Soon we went for a test drive. This car has a small 1000 cc engine and the performance is bound to be disappointing. According to my friend, the first gear is useless but the other gears were decent. When I drove, I felt it was just acceptable and realize the floor was shaking which lead me to worry about the sturdiness of the chassis. The brakes was fantastic as a light touch could stop the car. I also did a U-turn to test the absorber and it was great with minimal body roll.

I would say that besides the engine power, not bad for a car under RM 50k where the brakes and suspension set up is acceptable. When in comparison with his Myvi SE, I would say it is worth the money.

Record Breaking

After 1 years and 2 months, I finally had the best mileage for my car. Before I bought my Celica, I have been reading about Celica regarding many aspect of the car including its fuel consumption. Based on the data that I have obtained, my unit have a very high consumption with maximum of 430 km for a 50 L full tank of petrol.

After my drive to Genting Highlands, I have accumulated large amount of mileage for that current tank of petrol and by the end of the tank, I have a personal record breaking of 470 km. It surprises me and I normally could not do it due to my big 18" rim and bigger brakes. It is a miracle and I'm happy with it. This is the proof.

On the side note, my braking problems have all been solved with new adjustments of the ABS sensors. This move removes the ABS motor screeching when braking at low speed and ensures that ABS works above the speed of 170 km/h. However, the brakes develops a sound when braking. I deduce that the brake pads needed to be warmed up then the sound disappears.

My window is letting wind in and I'm hearing more noise than before, even I am annoyed. I don't know whether is the window level not right or the rubber housing holding the glass is loose. I have no idea and I need to solve it. For once it's good to have a car that functions well.

Virgin Drive

Last week's TT location was decided to be at Genting Highlands' First World Hotel lobby. Normally, when the location is up in the hills, I would make up some excuses to not attend due to the fact that I have never once driven to Genting and my mum is very worried. However, this time I took up the guts and decided to go. There was one condition and that is my dad have to tag along as my navigator.

Before even my trip began, I already knew what kind of ride it would be. My dad would lecture me of the proper way to drive and how he could drive better. Along the way I tested the power band of my ride and found out that instead of the 2nd gear, the 1st gear packs the most punch during uphill. My tires were a bit worn out and I was afraid to push it but my dad's presence made me drive even slower.

When everyone reached, we split into 2 teams where one team heads to the casino and one team stays at the Starbucks for TT. There we talked more about modifications as many have started projects recently and I shared my experience with my new brakes but most of the members poisoned me to change into the 6 speed manual transmission for better power. I know that would not be possible.

At around 2 a.m., we decided to head home. I waited for my dad to return from the casino and we went downhill. I wanted to try to handle the turns but my dad was around and I dragged my car down with the 2nd gear. Surprisingly without stepping on the pedal and just rolling down, it reaches 4k rpm. The trip back home was gruesome as I worked form the morning and was active till 2a.m. and fatigue was catching up.

I tried to stay awake while looking at other Celicas ran passed me. I really need to wear my spectacles if I decided to join the uphill trip again. I didn't take any photos as I was lazy and enjoying the moment. I managed to get some photo from my members. Sadly, mine is not inside any photos.