AIR SPENCER PINK SHOWER SCENT

We all love the smell of a brand-new car, but inevitably, that wonderful scent disappears over time. This gives us the opportunity to choose the way we keep our cars fresh-smelling. After two months, it was time for me to pull out an air freshener for the Picanto. I use Air Spencer

I've been a fan of the Air Spencer, and of all the different types of scents, Pink Shower is my personal favorite. It's a very pleasant scent that's not overpowering - even with the vent fully open. As well as coverage that lasts over a month.

FUEL ECONOMY DEBACLE

For over a year since the new Picanto's debut, there have been debates on the Internet about its fuel economy. Some people have opted not to buy one due to claims of it not being as fuel efficient as advertised. After over a month, I can tell you that the Kia Picanto 1.0 A/T is very fuel efficient under regular traffic conditions in Metro Manila.

So how does one calculate the fuel economy of their Picanto? There are two ways to get the numbers. Be sure to have a notebook and a calculator handy while refueling.

1. The Picanto has a fuel economy gauge on the trip computer that measures liters per 100 kilometers. Simply divide 100 by the given amount of liters to get the numbers in km/liter. The smaller the number of liters, the more fuel you save. For example, if the gauge reads "8.4 l/100km", you'll have 11.9 km/l.

2. There's the old-fashioned way by calculating the mileage from your trip meter and dividing it by the amount of gasoline filled up to a full tank.

Remember to always reset trip meter A (trip meter B is optional), fuel economy gauge and time log on your trip computer to 0 after every refuel.

Some helpful hints on saving fuel in a Picanto:

1. Check your tire pressure at least once a month. Follow the recommended tire pressure rating found on the frame of the driver's side door. Never drive with the tires underinflated - not only does this hurt fuel economy, it increases the risk of a blowout.

2. Do not leave your car idle for five or more minutes. If you're stuck in heavy traffic or in a long queue at the carpark that has not moved for at least five minutes, turn off your engine. Simply turn on your engine when traffic begins to move again. (In some countries, the Picanto comes with the ecoDynamics system, which automatically does this job for you through its stop-start mechanism).

THE NEW PICANTO LINEUP

Kia Motors Philippines has revamped the Picanto lineup. The 1.0 A/T have been discontinued while the 1.2 A/T will hit showrooms soon. Therefore, the current Picanto will be offered in two variants.

• 1.0 Manual = Php 555,000
• 1.2 Automatic = Php 629,000

Here are the available colors for all the variants

• Titanium Silver
• Signal Red
• Clear White
• Cafe Mocha (new)
• Galaxy Black
• Lemon Grass

The new Picanto models are available at your nearest Kia dealer.

WHY PICANTO?

I`m often asked by others why i choose the Kia Picanto as my current car

Having a smaller car makes city life much easier. The Picanto is easier to park anywhere and a breeze to maneuver through traffic due to its light steering and small turning radius. Plus, its light weight and efficient motor results to excellent fuel economy.

Of course, I`ve considered other small cars that are significantly cheaper than Picanto, but after going through several dealerships, here`s what i found:

• Hyundai i10: Technically the same car as the Picanto, but not as good-looking and somewhat sparse in amenities.
• Hyundai Eon: While this is a great bargain, i don`t think the 814cc engine can take it`s daily duties.
• Chevrolet Spark: Simply ugly with the quirky ergonomics and GM`s spotty reputation.
• Suzuki Celerio: The lack of a glove compartment is already enough to turn it down.

In short, i choose the Picanto because its the perfect car for me.