On the secondary market, "Picanto" often falls from women's hands. Hence the approach to choosing a car: first of all, we look at the body. If you notice signs of corrosion, double your attention! The Picanto body is very hardy, even after six years of operation it just won’t bloom. Rust is a sure sign of body repair.
The second sign is often electrical wiring. If the version is not the most equipped, but there are extra pads hanging on the harness, then the harness was probably changed. Most likely due to damage in an accident. Spare parts are supplied with just such a single harness, designed for the maximum configuration of the machine, but without a good reason they do not put it: wiring without a multiplex is extremely reliable.
More trouble with electronics. There may be failures of the speed sensor mounted on the right front fist and forming a signal for the speedometer. In addition to the twitching of the arrow, in the version without the anti-lock braking system, the engine malfunction lamp will light up, and with it the brakes (the signal is processed by different control units). In most cases, the defect is inherent in the variant without the said system.
A six-disc audio center requires careful loading of discs. If you rush, without waiting for the enabling inscription Load (loading) on the display, the device will “choke”. Repair will cost at least 2,000 rubles, however, according to the observations of the masters, bitter experience does not teach: the same customers come back again.
Keep an eye on your battery! On the Picanto, it is tiny (the larger one does not fit in the nest), so it is prone to discharge in traffic jams. Especially in the conditions of "city-night-winter-precipitation", when there is not enough energy from the generator operating at low speeds.
FUCKING KEY
Gasoline twelve valves of the Epsilon series are capable of presenting an unpleasant surprise: the timing sprocket key breaks the groove on the crankshaft toe, as a result of which the valve timing gets off and the engine stops pulling at best. On August 26, 2009, the defect was eliminated by strengthening the connection of mating parts, and a new crankshaft was supplied to the conveyor and for spare parts, with the diameters of the neck steps increased by 3 and 4 mm. But, if you change a part, you won’t get off with it alone: in addition to the key, the changes affected the timing sprocket, the master disk, the auxiliary drive pulley, the central bolt, the oil pump drive gear and the lower timing cover. Can you imagine the amount of work to replace and the total amount?
The reason for the breakdown is often a careless replacement of the timing drive: you should overlook the central bolt - and here is the result. The second reason is the deposition of resins on the valve guides, which increases the resistance to rotation of the camshaft. We advise you to regularly flush the nozzles without dismantling, because this also cleans the guides.
Let's say the groove on the old crankshaft is intact, but the other parts mentioned above need to be replaced. Don't worry - they are supplied as spare parts along with new-style parts. According to the regulations, the timing drive is changed after 90 thousand km, but there were cases when the belt broke earlier. Dealers recommend reducing the interval to 60-75 thousand km. With the same frequency, we adjust the clearances in the valve mechanism. The scheme is simple: a screw with a locknut on the rocker arm.
Sometimes the motors overheated, causing the head of the block to warp. Here the fault lies entirely with the owners, who do not monitor the cleanliness of the radiator. It is quite natural that, clogged with dirt, it is not able to maintain the normal temperature regime of the engine.
The most common engine control unit error indicates a malfunction of the oxygen sensor, although the sensor itself has nothing to do with it. Interruptions in ignition due to a faulty spark plug are to blame: excess fuel enters the converter, which is perceived by the sensor as a “rich mixture” (although the control unit reduces the opening time of the nozzles in order to save the converter) - and until you replace the candles, the sensor will not have enough oxygen. According to the regulations, candles are supposed to be changed after 30 thousand km, but sometimes they barely reach 15 thousand.
PORRIDGE WITH BUTTER
Often, candles are also to blame for twitching when shifting gears on a car with automatic transmission - according to observations, in more than 80% of cases. And the owners, not understanding the problem, sin on the box and strive to quickly change the oil in it. The manufacturer recommends using ESSO JWS 3314 (45000-34D00 according to the Kia classification), but it is impossible to buy it in some regions of Russia. Even to order! At least that's what the owners are complaining about on an online forum. A letter with a request to sort it out also came to our editorial office.
It turned out that the light did not converge on this oil. The Jatco Japanese automatic machine was originally designed for Nissan, so the original Nissan oil KLE22-00004 ATF Matic Fluid D is first of all suitable, a liter of which costs about 1800 rubles. Other substitutes are also acceptable: Ravenol 4014835714359 (2200 rubles/l) or Ravenol 4014835714311 (cheapest - 460 rubles/l). You can also use the original General Motors oil 93742563 (1750 rubles / l). All of them, in fact, are analogues of the same ESSO JWS 3314. But pouring Dexron III is strongly not recommended! We draw the attention of not only owners, but also regional dealers to this. Although you can understand the latter: you won’t go thousands of kilometers to the capital to buy oil. Rather, it is the task of representing the company.
Almost all automatic transmission breakdowns are somehow related to unskilled maintenance and careless operation. If you regularly monitor the oil and thermal conditions of the unit, as well as the health of the ignition and engine power systems, there will most likely be no problems. Failure of the output shaft speed sensor does not count: the defect is not massive. By the way, the right drive shaft of cars manufactured in February 2010 was replaced under warranty due to a processing defect in the area of \u200b\u200bthe inner CV joint. But there were few such cars - about 1600 pieces, including the European market. With tight switching of the manual gearbox, we adjust the drive. The clutch serves an average of 100-120 thousand km. If by this time the pedal has become cottony, change the clutch fork and guide sleeve at the same time.
LITTLE NOTHINGS OF LIFE
Tires were changed on some cars from 2009-2010 under warranty. Not necessarily all five, sometimes a couple on the same axle, since only in small batches of native Kumho tires was a cord defect detected.
In the front suspension, strut bearings deserve attention. If you hear a creak and feel crushing when you turn the steering wheel, not only replace the supports, but also install new-style dust covers. With the latter, the node lives without trouble. Usually, by 60 thousand km, the right steering tip starts to knock. Stabilizer struts sometimes go under 120 thousand km, and bushings - 60 thousand. Ball bearings and silent blocks are quite tenacious.
On some cars manufactured before August 2007, the power steering gurgled and snorted unpleasantly. The problem was solved simply: a jet was inserted into the return line hose. It is only important that the hole be with neat chamfers. Only cars with power steering were supplied to the Russian market, and to European countries - with EUR. It is useful to know that knocks in a rail with an electric booster are eliminated by replacing the spring that presses the sliding cracker - this applies to cars up to 2007.
The front brake pads serve 30 thousand km, the rear (drum only) - about 60 thousand. It happens that the front discs warp, the groove does not always help. According to natural wear, they are enough for two or three sets of pads. Since 2006, the labyrinth of the brake reservoir cap, which connects the reservoir cavity with the atmosphere, has been changed - through the former, the liquid quickly became contaminated. The cost per kilometer turned out to be the lowest in the history of this section: in general, the car is reliable. Of course, if you take care of it and do not save on the service.
We thank TSK Avtomir Dmitrovka (Moscow)
and online community club-picanto.ru
for assistance in the preparation of the material.On the secondary market, "Picanto" often falls from women's hands. Hence the approach to choosing a car: first of all, we look at the body. If you notice signs of corrosion, double your attention! The Picanto body is very hardy, even after six years of operation it just won’t bloom. Rust is a sure sign of body repair.
The second sign is often electrical wiring. If the version is not the most equipped, but there are extra pads hanging on the harness, then the harness was probably changed. Most likely due to damage in an accident. Spare parts are supplied with just such a single harness, designed for the maximum configuration of the machine, but without a good reason they do not put it: wiring without a multiplex is extremely reliable.
More trouble with electronics. There may be failures of the speed sensor mounted on the right front fist and forming a signal for the speedometer. In addition to the twitching of the arrow, in the version without the anti-lock braking system, the engine malfunction lamp will light up, and with it the brakes (the signal is processed by different control units). In most cases, the defect is inherent in the variant without the said system.
A six-disc audio center requires careful loading of discs. If you rush, without waiting for the enabling inscription Load (loading) on the display, the device will “choke”. Repair will cost at least 2,000 rubles, however, according to the observations of the masters, bitter experience does not teach: the same customers come back again.
Keep an eye on your battery! On the Picanto, it is tiny (the larger one does not fit in the nest), so it is prone to discharge in traffic jams. Especially in the conditions of "city-night-winter-precipitation", when there is not enough energy from the generator operating at low speeds.
FUCKING KEY
Gasoline twelve valves of the Epsilon series are capable of presenting an unpleasant surprise: the timing sprocket key breaks the groove on the crankshaft toe, as a result of which the valve timing gets off and the engine stops pulling at best. On August 26, 2009, the defect was eliminated by strengthening the connection of mating parts, and a new crankshaft was supplied to the conveyor and for spare parts, with the diameters of the neck steps increased by 3 and 4 mm. But, if you change a part, you won’t get off with it alone: in addition to the key, the changes affected the timing sprocket, the master disk, the auxiliary drive pulley, the central bolt, the oil pump drive gear and the lower timing cover. Can you imagine the amount of work to replace and the total amount?
The reason for the breakdown is often a careless replacement of the timing drive: you should overlook the central bolt - and here is the result. The second reason is the deposition of resins on the valve guides, which increases the resistance to rotation of the camshaft. We advise you to regularly flush the nozzles without dismantling, because this also cleans the guides.
Let's say the groove on the old crankshaft is intact, but the other parts mentioned above need to be replaced. Don't worry - they are supplied as spare parts along with new-style parts. According to the regulations, the timing drive is changed after 90 thousand km, but there were cases when the belt broke earlier. Dealers recommend reducing the interval to 60-75 thousand km. With the same frequency, we adjust the clearances in the valve mechanism. The scheme is simple: a screw with a locknut on the rocker arm.
Sometimes the motors overheated, causing the head of the block to warp. Here the fault lies entirely with the owners, who do not monitor the cleanliness of the radiator. It is quite natural that, clogged with dirt, it is not able to maintain the normal temperature regime of the engine.
The most common engine control unit error indicates a malfunction of the oxygen sensor, although the sensor itself has nothing to do with it. Interruptions in ignition due to a faulty spark plug are to blame: excess fuel enters the converter, which is perceived by the sensor as a “rich mixture” (although the control unit reduces the opening time of the nozzles in order to save the converter) - and until you replace the candles, the sensor will not have enough oxygen. According to the regulations, candles are supposed to be changed after 30 thousand km, but sometimes they barely reach 15 thousand.
PORRIDGE WITH BUTTER
Often, candles are also to blame for twitching when shifting gears on a car with automatic transmission - according to observations, in more than 80% of cases. And the owners, not understanding the problem, sin on the box and strive to quickly change the oil in it. The manufacturer recommends using ESSO JWS 3314 (45000-34D00 according to the Kia classification), but it is impossible to buy it in some regions of Russia. Even to order! At least that's what the owners are complaining about on an online forum. A letter with a request to sort it out also came to our editorial office.
It turned out that the light did not converge on this oil. The Jatco Japanese automatic machine was originally designed for Nissan, so the original Nissan oil KLE22-00004 ATF Matic Fluid D is first of all suitable, a liter of which costs about 1800 rubles. Other substitutes are also acceptable: Ravenol 4014835714359 (2200 rubles/l) or Ravenol 4014835714311 (cheapest - 460 rubles/l). You can also use the original General Motors oil 93742563 (1750 rubles / l). All of them, in fact, are analogues of the same ESSO JWS 3314. But pouring Dexron III is strongly not recommended! We draw the attention of not only owners, but also regional dealers to this. Although you can understand the latter: you won’t go thousands of kilometers to the capital to buy oil. Rather, it is the task of representing the company.
Almost all automatic transmission breakdowns are somehow related to unskilled maintenance and careless operation. If you regularly monitor the oil and thermal conditions of the unit, as well as the health of the ignition and engine power systems, there will most likely be no problems. Failure of the output shaft speed sensor does not count: the defect is not massive. By the way, the right drive shaft of cars manufactured in February 2010 was replaced under warranty due to a processing defect in the area of \u200b\u200bthe inner CV joint. But there were few such cars - about 1600 pieces, including the European market. With tight switching of the manual gearbox, we adjust the drive. The clutch serves an average of 100-120 thousand km. If by this time the pedal has become cottony, change the clutch fork and guide sleeve at the same time.
LITTLE NOTHINGS OF LIFE
Tires were changed on some cars from 2009-2010 under warranty. Not necessarily all five, sometimes a couple on the same axle, since only in small batches of native Kumho tires was a cord defect detected.
In the front suspension, strut bearings deserve attention. If you hear a creak and feel crushing when you turn the steering wheel, not only replace the supports, but also install new-style dust covers. With the latter, the node lives without trouble. Usually, by 60 thousand km, the right steering tip starts to knock. Stabilizer struts sometimes go under 120 thousand km, and bushings - 60 thousand. Ball bearings and silent blocks are quite tenacious.
On some cars manufactured before August 2007, the power steering gurgled and snorted unpleasantly. The problem was solved simply: a jet was inserted into the return line hose. It is only important that the hole be with neat chamfers. Only cars with power steering were supplied to the Russian market, and to European countries - with EUR. It is useful to know that knocks in a rail with an electric booster are eliminated by replacing the spring that presses the sliding cracker - this applies to cars up to 2007.
The front brake pads serve 30 thousand km, the rear (drum only) - about 60 thousand. It happens that the front discs warp, the groove does not always help. According to natural wear, they are enough for two or three sets of pads. Since 2006, the labyrinth of the brake reservoir cap, which connects the reservoir cavity with the atmosphere, has been changed - through the former, the liquid quickly became contaminated. The cost per kilometer turned out to be the lowest in the history of this section: in general, the car is reliable. Of course, if you take care of it and do not save on the service.
We thank TSK Avtomir Dmitrovka (Moscow)
and online community club-picanto.ru
for assistance in the preparation of the material.The car market is becoming as wide as the usual household or grocery market. In the conditions of constant competition between car manufacturers, it becomes necessary to develop more advanced modifications at lower prices. Kia Picanto belongs to the budget class of cars (up to 600 thousand rubles), which makes it popular on the roads of the country. However, each masterpiece of the automotive industry has its drawbacks, which should not be forgotten in an attempt to save finances.
Weaknesses of Kia Picanto 2004-2011
- Body.
- Engine.
- Chassis.
Only the main disadvantages are indicated, which we will consider in more detail, although there are other disadvantages of the 1st generation Kia Picanto.
Body structure
The frame of the modification is built in such a way that it makes it difficult to see the rear and side corners. This can cause a collision or an accident on the highway. As a tip: in addition to soundproofing, order interior sealing: dust constantly penetrates into small cracks.
Low engine power
When you turn on the air conditioner in the passenger compartment, the speed often drops and the motor stops pulling the load. The same happens due to the large weight placed in the car (more than 3 passengers or a heavy load in the trunk). The car has a 1-liter three-cylinder engine with an indicator of 65 hp. After restyling, the engine was changed to a 1.1-liter gasoline engine, capable of pulling up to 71 hp.
Chassis
Wheel diameter too small. When maneuvering through the city labyrinths, the car is inferior to representatives of other brands similar in characteristics in its price category. Thus, the minimum turning circle is 9.2 meters. The low level of stability makes it possible to reduce speed as much as possible on tight turns and roads with slippery or wet surfaces.
Disadvantages of Kia Picanto 1
- Poor level of sound insulation. After buying the model, you will have to spend 30-50 thousand on a complete interior trim.
- Service. New cars come with a 5 year warranty. In most salons, free repairs or replacements are not performed, citing the lack of spare parts, improper operation, and other reasons. To identify this or that “disease” of the car at a private service station, you will have to pay a round sum.
- Too compact. The model was tested on a driver with a height of 1.8 meters and a weight of 100 kg. The man was accommodated comfortably, which is surprising given the small dimensions of Picanto (body length - 3.5 meters). The five-door car is designed for 5 people inside, but only 4 fit.
- Increased fuel consumption for this price segment. At a speed of 100-110 km / h, the engine "eats" 5-6 liters of fuel, while accelerating to 120-160 km / h, the consumption increases to 7-10 liters. Used cars with mileage do not begin to transfer fuel in an accelerated mode in the absence of serious breakdowns. The fuel tank holds 35 liters of fuel "in reserve".
- Frequent breakdowns. When buying a car from a dealer or from hands, you should pay attention to its bottom - there are often complaints that it is poorly reinforced. This leads to contamination of the mechanisms and their rapid wear.
According to car owners, the weaknesses of the 2004-2011 Kia Picanto far outweigh all the advantages of the model. Among the positive aspects, motorists note the complete set of the model, which includes an automatic transmission, power steering, PEP, a braking system with a prompt response to pressing the brake pedal, and its cost. 65% of drivers after 1 year of use consider the purchase price too high.
Conclusion: the car is good for standard trips in urban areas for short distances. For daily intensive use, you should purchase a more powerful model.
What to look for when buying a Kia Picanto I was last modified: December 7th, 2017 by Administrator
However, the third generation Kia Picanto will be assembled at Avtotor in Kaliningrad. Moreover, marketers are counting on ... a male audience!
And he is a male! An evil appearance, a solid interior, even the upholstery of the seats is strict, like a business suit. There is no feeling as if he took the car from his wife.
And the top version of the GT Line is especially good with even more aggressive bumpers, door sills and a double-barreled exhaust exposed for show. First of all, it is this option that should increase the share of male buyers, which the previous Picanto had less than a quarter.
But there is nothing to reinforce the sporty spirit: the 1.0 T-GDI turbo engine (100 hp), which is installed on cars for Korea and Europe, is too expensive and we are not supposed to. The assets of the Russian Picanto are only modified aspirated Kappa family from the previous model. The three-cylinder 1.0 MPI engine (67 hp) has got a new exhaust manifold and is offered only with a five-speed "mechanics", but I did not manage to drive such a car. The “four” 1.2 MPI (84 hp) has new phase shifters, and an old four-speed “automatic” is installed in tandem with it. And both units have an upgraded cooling system.
The city of Picanto is like a fish in water. Aquarium visibility of the front hemisphere, good mirrors and a good gearbox setting: shifts are predictable and timely, albeit with slight jolts. The engine's capabilities are enough to avoid becoming a whipping boy in a ragged Moscow stream. But because of the relaxed torque converter, the gas pedal must be handled decisively: its small movements change almost nothing. And the on-board computer gave an average consumption of 8.5 l / 100 km - a lot!
Noise isolation is acceptable, and the only complaint about the brakes is a short working stroke, although I got used to smoothly dose the deceleration after a couple of hours. Chassis? We have before, and now there are additional reasons for this. The steering wheel needs to be turned less: from lock to lock it makes 2.8 turns instead of 3.4 for the old model. The steering wheel itself is light and precise, the hatchback stands confidently on the arc and encourages you to enter the next turn even faster.
The suspension design has not fundamentally changed: McPherson struts in front, a torsion beam in the rear. But the anti-roll bars have become stiffer, and the rear shock absorbers are now mounted closer to the vertical. Thanks to this, the new Hyundai Solaris has become much better to keep a straight line, but why do I have to periodically taxi in Picanto? As it turns out, the beautiful 16-inch wheels with low-profile 195/45 tires included in the GT Line package are to blame. Because next I moved to a “civilian” Picanto with exactly the same suspension settings, but on more modest wheels with 185/55 R15 tires - and there was no trace of steering! To be sure, I even drove to a free section of a suburban highway: at a speed of 120 km / h, at least let go of the steering wheel.
And another positive point is the improved smoothness of the ride: Picanto on the “fifteenth” wheels is more tolerant of cracks and uneven surfaces, almost does not tremble on rough pavement, and does not force you to retract your head in front of speed bumps.
On the second row is not at ease, but tolerable. Of the amenities, only handles on the ceiling and a pocket on the back of the right seat, although before it was also on the driver's seat
So if you do not take GT Line, then Picanto is an option! A complete, mature car. Only small. Although everything in this world is relative. For example, the wheelbase of the new Picanto (2400 mm - 15 mm more than the previous model) is exactly the same as that of the first generation Volkswagen Golf hatchback - and only 24 mm shorter than that of the Zhiguli!
The dimensions of the Picanto's cabin have not changed much with the change of generations: although it is not spacious here (especially in the shoulders), it is quite comfortable. Even I, with my height of 186 cm, quickly picked up an acceptable driving position. It would be very good if the Picanto had a steering wheel adjustment for reach and lumbar support. On the second row behind me, a person of average height could still fit. Yes, the finish is inexpensive, but if you do not focus on the oak rigidity of the plastic, then everything looks decent and does not rattle. You can live! Even to men.
| Equipment | 1.0 MPI MT5 | 1.2 MPI AT4 |
|---|---|---|
| Classic | 549 300 rubles | 649 900 rubles |
| Comfort | 634 900 rubles | 674 900 rubles |
| luxury | - | 754 900 rubles |
| Prestige | - | 794 900 rubles |
| GT Line | - | 854 900 rubles |
Compared to the previous model, the new Kia Picanto has risen in price by 9-35 thousand rubles: prices range from 549 to 855 thousand. There are almost no direct competitors in our market: Ravon R2 costs from 439 to 519 thousand rubles, and smart prices only start at 790 thousand. So the main market rival of Picanto in Russia will not be them at all, but Kia Rio, which now costs at least 641 thousand rubles.
In terms of practicality, the choice in favor of Rio is obvious, but Picanto is about something else. It can become the second car in the family or attract those who need a modern city car with an "automatic" - such a hatchback will cost 650 thousand rubles against 700 thousand for the Rio, and the equipment will include a gentleman's set of two airbags, ESP, air conditioning, audio system, light sensor and front power windows. The optimal version of Luxe with six airbags, climate control, heated seats and steering wheel will cost 755 thousand.
Windshield washers are old-fashioned, three-jet, although fan-shaped ones are much more effective.
Delivery services are unlikely to choose Picanto, they need the cheapest cars like Grants, but Kia will still compete for contracts with car sharing services. But even without them, the sales plan is from 120 to 200 cars per month, that is, 1440-2400 per year. It is quite realistic, because last year 1660 cars of the previous generation were registered with the traffic police.
What do you say guys?
| Passport data | ||
|---|---|---|
| Automobile | Kia Picanto | |
| Modification | 1.0 MPI | 1.2 MPI |
| body type | five-door hatchback | five-door hatchback |
| Number of places | 5 | 5 |
| Dimensions, mm | ||
| length | 3595 | 3595 |
| width | 1595 | 1595 |
| height | 1495 | 1495 |
| wheelbase | 2400 | 2400 |
| front/rear track | 1406/1415 | 1406/1415 or 1394/1403* |
| Trunk volume, l | 255-1010** | 255-1010** |
| Curb weight, kg | 885 | 913 |
| Gross weight, kg | 1370 | 1370 |
| Engine | gasoline, with distributed injection | |
| Location | front, transverse | front, transverse |
| Number and arrangement of cylinders | 3, in a row | 4, in a row |
| Working volume, cm3 | 998 | 1248 |
| Cylinder diameter / piston stroke, mm | 71,0/84,0 | 71,0/78,8 |
| Compression ratio | 10,5:1 | 10,5:1 |
| Number of valves | 12 | 16 |
| Max. power, hp/kW/r/min | 67/49/5500 | 84/62/6000 |
| Max. torque, Nm/r/min | 95,2/3750 | 121,6/4000 |
| Transmission | mechanical, 5-speed | automatic, 4-speed |
| Drive unit | front | front |
| Front suspension | independent, spring, McPherson | |
| Rear suspension | semi-dependent, spring | |
| Front brakes | disk | disk |
| Rear brakes | drum | drum or disc |
| Tires | 175/65R14 | 175/65 R14, 185/55 R15 or 195/45 R16 |
| Maximum speed, km/h | 161 | 161 |
| Acceleration time 0-100 km/h, s | 14,3 | 13,7 |
| Fuel consumption, l/100 km | ||
| urban cycle | 5,6 | 7 |
| suburban cycle | 3,7 | 4,5 |
| mixed cycle | 4,4 | 5,4 |
| CO2 emissions, g/km, combined | 102 | 125 |
| Fuel tank capacity, l | 35 | 35 |
| Fuel | gasoline AI-92 | gasoline AI-92 |
| * With 14" or 15/16" wheels | ||
| ** With rear seats folded down | ||
Kia Picanto is the smallest car in the Korean brand's lineup.
This is a typical representative of city cars, city cars that are designed to huddle in narrow parking lots and push through traffic jams.
ATTENTION! Found a completely simple way to reduce fuel consumption! Don't believe? An auto mechanic with 15 years of experience also did not believe until he tried it. And now he saves 35,000 rubles a year on gasoline!
They spend almost their entire lives without going to the track. Picanto does not need breathtaking dynamic characteristics.
Much more important is economy, maneuverability and convenience.
I generation Picanto engines
The first generation of Kia Picanto was introduced in 2003. The car is built on a shortened platform Hyundai Getz. By European standards, Picanto belongs to the A-class. At home, the model was called Morning.
In 2007, a restyling was carried out. Instead of angular headlights and a restrained muzzle, Picanto got playful head optics in the form of droplets. Instead of annoying with loud sounds during the operation of the power steering, they began to install an electric power steering.
In the Russian market, the first generation Kia Picanto was equipped with two engines. In essence, they are twin brothers, only their volume distinguishes them. The motors are one of the representatives of the Epsilon compact gasoline engine series. In the basic modification, a liter unit was located under the hood of the Picanto. It was combined only with a five-speed manual transmission. Those who preferred the "automatic" got a slightly larger engine of 1.1 liters.
For the European market, a 1.2-liter turbodiesel was offered. He gave out 85 horses, which made him the most powerful motor in the Picanto line.
G4HE
The engine with the G4HE index in its entire history was installed only on the Kia Picanto. According to its layout, it is an in-line four-cylinder unit. It is based on a cast-iron block, an aluminum head. The gas distribution mechanism uses a SOHC system with a single camshaft. Each cylinder has three valves. There are no hydraulic lifters, so they need to be manually adjusted every 80-100 thousand km.
The timing drive uses a belt. According to the regulations, it must be changed every 90 thousand mileage, but there were unpleasant cases when it broke off earlier than this period. It is recommended to reduce the interval to 60 thousand km.
| Engine | G4HE |
|---|---|
| Type | Petrol, atmospheric |
| Volume | 999 cm³ |
| Cylinder diameter | 66 mm |
| piston stroke | 73 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.1 |
| Torque | 86 Nm at 4500 rpm |
| Power | 60 HP |
| Overclocking | 15.8 s |
| Max speed | 153 km/h |
| Average consumption | 4.8 l |
G4HG
The G4HG motor features a slightly modified CPG geometry. The cylinder diameter has grown by 1 mm, and the piston stroke by 4 to 77 mm. Due to this, the working volume increased to 1086 cubes. You will not be able to feel a ten percent increase in power. A sluggish four-speed “automatic” turns the already outstanding dynamics of Picanto into 18 seconds of acceleration to 100 on the passport, which in reality is about 20.
| Engine | G4HG |
|---|---|
| Type | Petrol, atmospheric |
| Volume | 1086 cm³ |
| Cylinder diameter | 67 mm |
| piston stroke | 77 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.1 |
| Torque | 97 Nm at 2800 rpm |
| Power | 65 HP |
| Overclocking | 17.9 s |
| Max speed | 144 km/h |
| Average consumption | 6.1 l |
Epsilon series engines are not considered problematic, but one incident can still come out. The problem is related to the loose fastening of the timing pulley on the crankshaft. The key destroys the groove, as a result of which the belt jumps and knocks down the valve timing. In the best case, with a small displacement, valves that open at the wrong time will simply significantly reduce engine power. With a more sad outcome, the pistons are bent valves.
On engines manufactured after August 26, 2009, the timing drive has been changed and a new crankshaft is installed. It is very expensive to independently remake the mechanism for a new one: the list of necessary spare parts and the amount of work, frankly, is impressive.
There is no engine temperature gauge on the Picanto dashboard. Sometimes the engines overheated. This happened, as a rule, due to a dirty radiator or insufficient coolant level. As a result, it leads the head of the block.
The most common error of the electronic control unit is the failure of the oxygen sensor. In this case, the sensor itself can be completely serviceable. Blame it on worn out spark plugs that can't ignite all the fuel. Its residues enter the catalyst, which is incorrectly interpreted by the sensor as too much gasoline in the air-fuel mixture. On a Picanto with an automatic transmission, this can cause jolts when shifting. Before sinning on the "machine", you should check the ignition system. To avoid problems, change the candles more often (every 15-30 thousand km).
If we are now considering the acquisition of the first generation Picanto, then first of all it is worth paying attention to the general condition. Engines and the machine as a whole are quite reliable. The cost of ownership is very low. But this is provided that the car was looked after and followed.
Second generation Picanto engines
In 2011, the release of a new generation of urban hatchback was ripe, by this time the first Picanto was already celebrating its eighth anniversary. The car has changed drastically. The new exterior is much more modern and trendy. This is the merit of the German designer Peter Schreyer. There was a three-door body.
In the second generation, not only the appearance of the Kia Picanto has undergone major changes, but also the line of power plants. The Epsilon series engines were replaced by Kappa II units. As before, two motors are available to choose from: the first with a volume of 1 liter, the second with 2 liters. New engines are more environmentally friendly and efficient. This was achieved by reducing friction losses in the gas distribution mechanism and the cylinder-piston group. In addition, the motors are equipped with a start-stop system. It automatically shuts off the engine when stopped at traffic lights.
G3LA
The base unit is now three-cylinder. It only works in tandem with a manual transmission. The head of the block and the block itself are now aluminum. Now there are 4 valves for each cylinder, and not three, as on its predecessor. In addition, the intake and exhaust valves use separate camshafts. Each of them has its own phase shifter, which changes the phase angles to increase engine power at high speeds.
New generation engines are equipped with hydraulic compensators, which relieve the valve adjustment procedure every 90 thousand km. In the timing drive, the designers used a chain that is designed for the entire life of the motor.
By definition, three-cylinder engines are less balanced and balanced than four-cylinder engines. They create more vibrations, their work is noisier, and the sound itself is specific. Many owners are unhappy with the loud operation of the motor. 
I must say that the merit is not so much the three cylinders, but the very poor sound insulation of the cabin, characteristic of all cars in this price segment.
| Engine | G3LA |
|---|---|
| Type | Petrol, atmospheric |
| Volume | 998 cm³ |
| Cylinder diameter | 71 mm |
| piston stroke | 84 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Torque | 95 Nm at 3500 rpm |
| Power | 69 HP |
| Overclocking | 14.4 s |
| Max speed | 153 km/h |
| Average consumption | 4.2 l |
G4LA
Traditionally, the more powerful Picanto motor is only available with an automatic transmission. Unlike the younger unit, there are full four cylinders here. They are similar in design. Aluminum block and cylinder head. DOHC system with double camshafts and phase shifters on each of them. Timing chain drive. Distributed fuel injection (MPI). It is less productive than direct. But more reliable. As the fuel passes through the intake valve, it cleans the skirt of the intake valve, preventing the formation of carbon deposits.
| Engine | G4LA |
|---|---|
| Type | Petrol, atmospheric |
| Volume | 1248 cm³ |
| Cylinder diameter | 71 mm |
| piston stroke | 78.8 mm |
| Compression ratio | 10.5 |
| Torque | 121 Nm at 4000 rpm |
| Power | 85 HP |
| Overclocking | 13.4 s |
| Max speed | 163 km/h |
| Average consumption | 5.3 l |
Third generation Picanto engines
The third generation of the compact car was officially launched in 2017. There was no breakthrough in design. It's more of a matured and cocky version of the previous generation Picanto. Designers cannot be blamed for this. After all, the exterior of the predecessor turned out to be so successful that it still did not look outdated. Although the machine has been produced for six years. 
As for the engines, it was also decided not to change them. True, they lost a couple of horses due to the tightening of toxicity standards. The three-cylinder engine now produces 67 forces. The power of the 1.2-liter unit is 84 horsepower. Otherwise, these are the same G3LA/G4LA engines from the previous Picanto generation with all the features, strengths and weaknesses. As before, a more powerful motor is equipped only with a four-speed “automatic”. If you remember that the Kia Picanto is a purely city car, then the need for fifth gear is immediately eliminated. But in 2017, installing antediluvian and sluggish four-speed transmissions on cars for a manufacturer like Kia is a bad form.
By themselves, small-capacity internal combustion engines are not designed for a long resource. Their purpose is to move the car exclusively around the city. The average driver at this pace rarely rolls more than 20-30 thousand km a year. Due to the small volume, the engine is constantly working under heavy load. The very conditions of using the car in the city also have a negative effect on the service life: long idling, long oil change intervals in engine hours. Therefore, the service life of motors of 150-200 thousand is a good indicator.
