BY Aurelia Mbokazi-Kashe
I deeply admire the younger generation, often referred to as ama2000. Their experiences highlight the contrast with the struggles faced by those from the 70s and 80s. This realisation strikes me through both subtle daily observations and more significant moments. Recently, while reviewing the Kia Picanto, memories flooded back of my first car, a red Toyota Tazz from 2002. Though I cherished it, the comparison to today’s new car ownership in Ramaphosa’s economy is striking. The privileges enjoyed by today’s youth, especially in terms of their vehicles, starkly contrast with the realities of the past.
Design
My Toyota Tazz held its own in its time, but encountering the Kia Picanto in my driveway was a game-changer. It was love at first sight. The car exuded cuteness, with perfectly placed curves and a personality that surpassed its size. Inside, the design struck a balance between minimalism and thoughtful details, with a dark interior that felt sophisticated and welcoming, even for a middle-aged woman. With each passing day, my affection for the Picanto grew stronger.
Technology
Back in the Tazz era, technological features weren’t the main consideration for buying a car. Just having one that could get you from A to B was a win. If it came with a front-loading CD player, you were seen as posh. Mine didn’t have one initially, but after saving for six months, I felt like royalty when I finally got it installed and could play my beloved Mary J Blige CDs. Nowadays, pairing your phone with the car’s Apple CarPlay or Android Auto takes mere seconds, granting instant access to endless music options. Plus, navigating the Picanto’s touchscreen infotainment system was a breeze. Youngsters today are lucky; they can’t imagine what it was like to drive without power steering or air conditioning, luxuries I didn’t have in my day.
The drive
Driving the Picanto was an absolute joy. It proved itself on the road, never lacking in power or agility. I could zip through traffic effortlessly, whether heading to school drop-offs or running errands. Despite the rising cost of petrol, the Picanto’s fuel efficiency was a saving grace. While no-one compares the R3,61 I paid in 2002 for a litre of petrol to the R25,15, the economical nature of the Picanto absorbed the chest pains. In the seven days I had it, I didn’t even need to visit a fuel station, thanks to its impressive average of 6.1 litres per 100km with the 5-speed manual transmission. When I returned the car on the eighth day, it still had around 250km of range left.
While my Toyota Tazz lacked modern features, it excelled in one area: ample boot space. It could easily accommodate three bags for a weekend getaway, a necessity for my family. However, the Picanto falls short in this aspect, making it virtually impossible to fit the same amount of luggage. Nevertheless, for the self-centered ama2000, the Picanto checks all the boxes—provided they can afford the R260,995 price tag for a starter pack.
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