KIA Pegas

• The 1.4L 4-cylinder petrol engine produces 95 hp of power at 132 Nm of torque. Looks modest, but given the car segment and positioning, it is quite decent. It's not the quickest, but it's perfectly suitable for city traffic. Highway speeds are manageable, but don’t expect to be a high racer.
• You get two transmission choices on such a budget car: one 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. The manual is light and easy to handle, while the automatic is smooth. You can expect mileage of about 16-18 km/litre, which is quite good for a petrol sedan. On the highway, you may get even higher, closer to 20 kmpl
• Dimensions are compact, 4,300mm in length, 1,700mm wide, 1,460mm tall, with a 2,570mm wheelbase. These compact proportions make the Pegas genuinely easy to park in tight city spaces.
• The ground clearance of 150mm handles normal roads, and the 43-litre fuel tank is fine for city driving.

Some limitations

• The engine sounds strained when pushed hard. At highway speeds, engine noise becomes noticeable. The cabin lacks sound-dampening material, which is expected at this price.

• Body roll in corners is pronounced. The suspension is known for comfort over handling. Corner hard, and it gets busy quickly.

• Wind can push the lightweight Pegas around on the highway.

• The compact dimensions make the Pegas nimble in congested city traffic, but body roll in corners is visible. Over severe speed bumps or broken pavement, you'll feel the impacts more than in more expensive cars. That's the trade-off for the soft tuning.
• Suspension tuning is soft; on smooth urban roads, the ride is comfortable, the bumps are handled well, and on highway drives feel relaxed.
• Steering is light and responsive. Easy to park and move through traffic. It lacks weight and feedback, but that's not the Pegas's purpose.
• Road noise is present, particularly at highway speeds. Wind noise is noticeable at high speeds, and the engine noise during acceleration is obvious.

Things to look at

• Long highway drives reveal the modest insulation. Plan for background noise and fatigue.

• The suspension, while comfortable, isn't refined. It's acceptable for city use.

• Visibility is reasonable, but the compact size creates some blind spots.

• The ride comfort drops noticeably at sustained high speeds.

• The 7-inch touchscreen is easy to use, Bluetooth connectivity is standard, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on most trims. USB ports let you charge phones without clutter. The interface is simple, which makes it positive to get used to quickly.
• Climate control is manual on base trims, which means you adjust temperature and fans directly. No fancy automatic systems, but it works.
• Seating is comfortable for city driving. The fabric or synthetic leather is practical and wears well. Front and rear legroom are genuinely good for a car this size, and rear passengers won't feel cramped.
• The 475-litre boot should serve well for families. It's tight for serious luggage, but enough for practical needs. Cabin storage is basic but functional. Cup holders are deep enough for actual use. Door pockets hold phones and wallets. The centre console has tray storage.
• Power windows are standard all around, and the manual locks and basic door handles keep things simple and reliable.

Our observations

• Interior plastics are noticeably hard. There's no soft-touch material anywhere. It's functional, not fancy.

• No climate control on base variants means summer heat requires manual adjustment.

• No wireless charging or advanced infotainment, just straightforward basics.

• The air conditioning can struggle in extreme Saudi heat with a full cabin load.

• Dual front airbags are standard, protecting the driver and front passenger, and multiple airbags on most trims provide additional side and curtain protection.

• ABS with electronic brake-force distribution prevents wheel lockup during emergency braking. Stability control helps prevent skids on slippery surfaces. Hill-Start Assist is useful for the Kingdom's varied terrain.

• Tire Pressure Monitoring System alerts you to underinflated tyres, important in Saudi heat, where pressure changes significantly.

• Rear parking sensors and a backup camera are available on most trims, reducing parking stress.

• ISOFIX child seat anchors are standard.

What is standard

ABS and stability control across all trims. Electronic parking brake. Three-point seatbelts with pre-tensioners.

Reality check

• The Pegas hasn't received independent crash testing from Euro NCAP or similar programs yet.

• The focus is on basic crash protection rather than advanced autonomous safety features. Forward collision warning isn't offered.