A Big New Thing in a Small New Package

MANILA, Philippines - Rising gas prices. Congested roads. Global warming. Slowly, there are more and more reasons to go for sub-compact when it comes to buying a car, if your lifestyle fits the genre. And keen at acknowledging this growing demand, Columbian Autocar Corporation (CBC), the distributor of Kia vehicles in the Philippines, recently held its “Sneak Pic” event, which showcased the car brand’s all-new 2011 Kia Picanto.

Contrary to the event name, the launch presented not only pictures of the new, European-style-inspired sub-compact car, but the brand new automobile in the flesh... or should I say, in its shining metal glory – its lustrous new green probably representative of the young, driven and environmentally-conscious market of individuals who seek value for their money.

It was last May 24 that motoring media had the chance to inspect its dynamic new look, its sportier front bumper and its 1.0-liter, in-line, 3-cylinder Kappa MPI engine, among other things. Fog lamps were part of its much-appreciated, stock features, as were the rear windshield wipers. And to address the typical worry for luggage space when it comes to considering sub-compact cars, the 2011 Picanto offers double-folding, fold-flat rear seats, behind its cute front bucket seats that look rather fun.

Perhaps its most impressive feature is the practical powerhouse that is its tiny engine, boasting 9.6kg-m of torque at 3,500rpm – a very economical way to meet your driving requirements. And consequently, this little machine releases much lower CO2 emissions... an agreeable way to reduce your daily carbon footprint.

Indeed, there is a unique premium in taking the route of going for small. In an age of a rapidly growing population, a growing shortage of fossil fuels, inflation and climate change, more and more people are being pressed to make smarter, more practical choices when it comes to transportation. If you are interested to learn more about the 2011 Kia Picanto and its different available colors, you may log on to the Kia Picanto microsite at www.mybestpic.ph. You may also visit their Facebook page at www.facebook.com/mybestpic.