Is there a modern equivalent of the old Mini Cooper S – David Brown tests a hot performing, very small car.
Most hot hatches are now a reasonably sized vehicle but the new Kia Picanto GT is clearly in the micro segment.
With a one litre three-cylinder turbo engine, low profile tyres and tuned handling it is a perky, enjoyable drive
With a five-speed manual it feels a bit wheezy in first and second gears but it is in its element with third gear touring on twisty roads. And it pulls well up hills even with three or four people on board.
Seats are firm to hard; you hear the engine clearly; and it has a bit of road noise. But it’s only $18,000 plus on road costs.
David’s boyhood passion for motor cars did not immediately lead to a professional role in the motor industry. A qualified Civil Engineer he specialised in traffic engineering and transport planning.
What followed were various positions including being seconded to a government think-tank for the planning of transport firstly in Sydney and then for the whole of NSW. After working with the NRMA and as a consultant he moved to being an independent writer and commentator on the broader areas of transport and the more specific areas of the cars we drive.
His half hour motoring program “Overdrive” has been described as an “informed, humorous and irreverent look at motoring and transport from Australia and overseas”. It is heard on 22 stations across Australia. He does weekly interviews with several ABC radio stations and is also heard on commercial radio in Sydney.
David has written for metropolitan and regional newspapers and has presented regular segments on metropolitan and regional television stations. David is also a contributor for AnyAuto
Is there a modern equivalent of the old Mini Cooper S – David Brown tests a hot performing, very small car.
