My dad owns a Kia Picanto 1.1 Manual..A nice little car, though too cute for it's own good at times..

Engine is a little weak, but we can't expect much from a 1.1-litre engine..the gearbox is quite good actually..the shift action is pleasingly mechanical instead of rubbery..some of the manual gearboxes that I tried on Chevy Sparks have a rubbery shift action..

Running costs should be low..if you buy OPC Picanto, even lower running costs..
Fuel consumption is not bad considering Singapore's hot weather..my father is used to stepping on the accelerator hard; probably because he's used to the power of his boss's BMW 740Li..so even with my dad's lead-footedness, he can achieve 13-14km/l..so if you are more gentle with the right pedal, 15-17km/l shouldn't be a problem..

It is DEFINITELY a better buy than China-made cars even though it's slightly more expensive..no problems so far as well, other than a problematic reverse sensor..but that's locally-fitted, so it ain't Kia's fault..
