Kia Picanto Review 2024: Insights and overview!
Since 2016, the Kia Picanto has been making waves on Australia's roads. This compact car has become the top choice for urban warriors, thanks to its sporty Sport and stylish GT-Line trims. And it's not just about affordability - the Picanto is one of the cheapest cars in Australia! With its 1.2L engine and the option of automatic or manual transmission, this car offers both fuel efficiency for city driving and a surprising burst of power for those spontaneous adventures outside the city limits. Whether you're an experienced driver or a newbie, the Picanto's combination of practicality, style, and budget-friendliness will definitely catch your attention.
Pros:
- Compact size ideal for city driving
- Stylish design
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Limited interior space
- Basic features
What’s new:
- New sharp exterior design
- Rear fog light
- Better safety features- lane keep & lane follow assist, driver attention warning, lead vehicle alert, etc
The Kia Picanto is Kia's smallest and most affordable model in Australia, positioned below the Rio. It competes with the Fiat 500 and Mitsubishi Mirage in size, while its pricing puts it against the larger MG3. Available in two variants- Sports and GT-Line, Kia Picanto prices start at $17,890. Internationally, the Picanto is known by various names such as Kia Morning, Kia EuroStar, Naza Suria, and Naza Picanto, initially debuting in 2004 as a city car primarily for Europe. Are you curious about its features and performance? Let's find out!
| Variants | Starting price | Fuel type | Fuel Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Picanto Sport | $17,890 | Petrol | 5.4L / 100km |
| Kia Picanto GT-Line | $19,690 | Petrol | 5.4L / 100km |
Exteriors
The Kia Picanto boasts a modern and compact exterior design with sleek lines, a distinctive front grille, and stylishly integrated headlights and taillights.
Styling elements
The 2024 Kia Picanto in Australia has undergone a significant exterior refresh, resulting in a more modern and stylish look. The most striking change is the completely redesigned front fascia, inspired by the Kia EV9. This new design features vertically oriented headlights that now utilise LED technology for the main beams for the first time. These headlights are flanked by the signature Kia daytime running lights. A bolder grille with chrome accents and a connecting bar between the headlights completes the transformation of the front end. If you're looking for an even sportier look, the GT-Line trim offers a unique front design influenced by the EV9 GT-Line. The exterior refresh elevates the Picanto's visual appeal with its LED lighting elements, redesigned front and rear, and a wider range of wheel options. If you crave a sporty look, the GT-Line trim, with its dedicated wheels and body kit, provides a more aggressive stance. The rear of the car has also been redesigned. The tail lights have been restyled to connect across the back with an LED bar, similar to what you'll find on the Kia EV9 and Seltos SUV. The lower bumper has also been revamped for a cleaner overall look.
Colour options
The 2024 Kia Picanto lets you express your personality with 7 exterior colours. Whether you prefer a classic look or want to stand out from the crowd, there's a Picanto to match your style.
Choose from sophisticated colours like Clear White, Sparkling Silver, Astro Grey, and Aurora Black Pearl for a timeless look.
If you want a bolder statement, Signal Red, Sporty Blue, and Adventurous Green offer a vibrant pop of colour.
Wheel design
Moving to the car's sides, the wheel options vary depending on your trim level. The base model has 14-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, while higher-end trims offer 15-inch alloy wheels or even new 16-inch wheels with machined highlights.
Interiors
The 2024 Kia Picanto's interior refresh focuses on maintaining practicality and comfort for city driving.
Interior layout and space
While the Picanto is a microcar, it offers seating for five. However, due to its compact size, the rear seats are best suited for children or short trips for adults. The driver's seat is manually adjustable for optimal comfort, and higher-spec models might offer additional features like seat heating.
The Picanto provides a decent amount of storage space for its size. It has essential compartments like a glove box, door pockets, and a centre console with a storage box. The cargo area also features luggage net hooks to secure your belongings. Additionally, the rear seats fold down in a 60:40 split, allowing you to maximise cargo capacity when needed.
Comfort and ergonomics
The Kia Picanto's interior uses primarily cloth and hard plastics, typical for a car in this segment. However, Kia incorporates stylish touches like the D-cut steering wheel and shifter on higher trims to elevate the overall look. While the materials might not be the most luxurious, the Picanto prioritises a comfortable and practical space for daily commutes and errands.
Boot
Despite being a compact car, the 2024 Kia Picanto surprises with its boot space versatility. You'll get 255 litres with upright rear seats, perfect for groceries, weekend luggage, or everyday essentials. Folding down one or both sections expands the boot capacity to 1010 litres, making it suitable for bicycles, sports equipment, or camping gear.
Technology and infotainment
The Kia Picanto impresses with its advanced technology and intuitive infotainment system, offering seamless connectivity and user-friendly controls for a modern driving experience.
Infotainment system & Driver display
The Kia Picanto features a prominent 8-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth® multi-connection capability, complemented by a 4.2-inch supervision instrument cluster. Serving as the focal point of the interior, the touchscreen offers a user-friendly interface across different trim levels, facilitating easy access to a range of features and controls.
Connectivity
The Kia Picanto enhances convenience with its touchscreen interface, enabling control over the audio system, navigation (where available), and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for smartphone connectivity. Bluetooth connectivity supports hands-free calling and music streaming. At the same time, certain models may also include USB ports for charging devices or playing music directly from a USB drive, ensuring a connected and enjoyable driving experience.
Navigation
The navigation system in the Kia Picanto demands adherence to local traffic laws for safety, automatically disabling features while driving. Route guidance, however, prioritises proximity over efficiency, occasionally leading to longer or congested routes. Updates on road names and points of interest can be incomplete, affecting accuracy. Despite using GPS and sensors, the system's accuracy is susceptible to errors when satellite signals are weak or inconsistent. Utilising the GNSS, originally a military tool that is now available globally, it ensures robust performance under various weather conditions and locations without subscription fees.
Performance and engine
While the Picanto won't win any speed contests, it offers adequate performance for city driving. Acceleration is modest, and overtaking on highways might require careful planning. However, the Picanto's nimble handling and compact size make it perfect for navigating tight city streets and parking in crowded spaces.
Engine specifications
The Kia Picanto has two main variants: Sport and GT-Line. Both variants share the same 1.2L four-cylinder engine, producing 83 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque. This engine prioritises fuel efficiency for city driving and might not be ideal for those seeking a powerful car.
| Variants | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Picanto Sport | 1.2L MPI inline-four DOHC D-CVVT, 16 valves | 83 hp | 122Nm |
| Kia Picanto GT-Line | 1.2L MPI inline-four DOHC D-CVVT, 16 valves | 83 hp | 122Nm |
Handling
The Kia Picanto's small size and light weight are its biggest assets when handling city environments. This translates to nimbleness and manoeuvrability, perfect for navigating tight city streets and squeezing into narrow parking spaces. The Picanto tackles sharp turns with ease, and its light weight allows for quick changes in direction.
The suspension setup prioritises stability and comfort for city driving. It utilises a McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam axle in the rear. This combination delivers a smooth ride over uneven road surfaces, making daily commutes comfortable. While this setup might not be ideal for those seeking a sporty experience on winding roads, it excels in its intended purpose – confident and predictable handling for urban driving.
Transmission
You can choose between a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission might be preferable for stop-and-go city traffic, while the manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience and potentially better fuel economy.
Fuel Economy
The Kia Picanto is known for its fuel efficiency. The exact figures might vary depending on the transmission you choose (automatic transmissions typically have slightly lower fuel economy), but you can expect figures around 5.4L/100km for the manual and 6L/100km for the automatic. This translates to lower running costs and makes the Picanto a budget-friendly option.
Safety features
While the definitive safety verdict for the 2024 Kia Picanto in Australia awaits official ratings, the car boasts some features that enhance driving confidence. All models come standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which are crucial for maintaining control during emergencies and slippery conditions. Higher trims might offer additional safety features like Brake Assist for improved stopping distances. However, it's important to consider the Picanto's compact size, which might be a limitation in certain accidents compared to bigger vehicles. If safety is paramount for you, exploring options with established ratings or higher-trim Picanto models with potential advanced safety features might be a wise choice.
Some of these safety features include:
- BCA (Blindspot Collision Avoidance Assist)
- RCCA (Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist)
- SEW (Safe Exit Warning)
- LKA (Lane Keeping Assist)
- LFA (Lane Following Assist)
- MSLA (Manual Speed Limit Assist)
- ROA (Rear Occupant Alert) - Basic Type
- DAW (Driver Attention Warning) with Lead Vehicle Departure Alert
- Reverse Parking Sensors
- Rear View Camera with Dynamic Parking Guidelines
- Dusk-Sensing Automatic Headlights
- Halogen Projection Headlights (varies with trim)
- Halogen DRL (Daytime Running Light) (varies with trim)
- LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights) with LED Centre Light (varies with trim)
- LED Headlights (MFR Type) (varies with trim)
- HBA (High Beam Assist)
- Rear Fog Light
- High-Mounted Rear Stop Light
- LED Rear Combination Lamp (Bulb Indicator) (varies with trim)
- Child Restraint Anchorage Points (3 Top Tether & 2 Isofix Positions)
- Driver & Front Passenger SRS Airbags
- Front Side SRS Airbags
- Curtain SRS Airbags
- Front Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners with Load Limiters
- Rear Outboard Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners
- Side Door Impact Beams
- Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
- Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlocking
The 2024 Kia Picanto Australia ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) has not released a safety rating for the 2024 Kia Picanto as of June 21, 2024. However, the previous model (pre-2024) received a 4-star ANCAP safety rating. This indicates an acceptable level of safety for a car in this segment.
Ownership experience
Based on the discussions among Kia Picanto owners and drivers, opinions about the car are varied. Some users, like those who have owned it for several years without issues, find it reliable and well-suited for city driving, emphasising its durability and ease of maintenance. However, others, particularly those using it intensively for delivery services, report frequent electrical and mechanical issues, such as door switches and headlights failing. There's a consensus that the Picanto performs adequately for commuting in traffic but may struggle with constant stop-and-go driving or on steeper inclines. Despite criticisms about its cabin noise and perceived lightness affecting stability at higher speeds, many drivers appreciate its compact size for urban manoeuvrability and its affordability as a new car option. Overall, opinions are mixed, with reliability and performance in urban settings being key considerations.
Major strengths
- The compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces, ideal for urban driving.
- Affordable pricing, especially for a new car, makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Reliable engine and transmission, known for their durability and low maintenance needs.
- Good fuel efficiency, making it economical for daily commuting and city driving.
- User-friendly features like a rear-view camera and touchscreen infotainment system enhance convenience.
- Decent safety features such as airbags and child safety locks provide peace of mind.
Major drawbacks
- Some users report significant cabin noise, especially at higher speeds, affecting overall comfort.
- Limited power on steep inclines or when fully loaded, which can impact performance.
- Occasional issues with electrical components like door switches and headlights failing prematurely.
- Basic interior materials and build quality may not feel as premium compared to higher-end models.
- Suspension can feel soft, leading to a slightly bumpy ride over rough roads.
- Mixed reviews on long-term reliability, with occasional concerns about frequent repairs under warranty.
Maintenance costs and Warranty information
The Kia Picanto comes with a comprehensive maintenance plan and warranty coverage. Kia offers a generous 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, ensuring owners peace of mind. Additionally, the Picanto benefits from capped-price servicing over this period, with maintenance costs totalling no more than $2345. This fully transferable warranty underscores Kia's commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction, making the Picanto an economical choice with predictable upkeep expenses.
Verdict
The Kia Picanto is a city car aimed at practicality and affordability. It offers two trims, Sport and GT-Line, with a 1.2L engine delivering good fuel efficiency (5.4L/100km for manual). While it won't win speed contests, its compact size makes manoeuvring and parking a breeze. The cabin prioritises comfort with decent cargo space (255L to 1010L). Technology includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. Safety features include ABS, ESC, and potential extras like Brake Assist on higher trims. Reliability is a mixed bag, with some users praising durability and others reporting electrical/mechanical issues. Overall, the Picanto is a budget-friendly option for city drivers who prioritise affordability, manoeuvrability, and fuel efficiency.
Reference
Since 2016, the Kia Picanto has been making waves on Australia's roads. This compact car has become the top choice for urban warriors, thanks to its sporty Sport and stylish GT-Line trims. And it's not just about affordability - the Picanto is one of the cheapest cars in Australia! With its 1.2L engine and the option of automatic or manual transmission, this car offers both fuel efficiency for city driving and a surprising burst of power for those spontaneous adventures outside the city limits. Whether you're an experienced driver or a newbie, the Picanto's combination of practicality, style, and budget-friendliness will definitely catch your attention.
Pros:
- Compact size ideal for city driving
- Stylish design
- Competitive pricing
Cons:
- Limited interior space
- Basic features
What’s new:
- New sharp exterior design
- Rear fog light
- Better safety features- lane keep & lane follow assist, driver attention warning, lead vehicle alert, etc
The Kia Picanto is Kia's smallest and most affordable model in Australia, positioned below the Rio. It competes with the Fiat 500 and Mitsubishi Mirage in size, while its pricing puts it against the larger MG3. Available in two variants- Sports and GT-Line, Kia Picanto prices start at $17,890. Internationally, the Picanto is known by various names such as Kia Morning, Kia EuroStar, Naza Suria, and Naza Picanto, initially debuting in 2004 as a city car primarily for Europe. Are you curious about its features and performance? Let's find out!
| Variants | Starting price | Fuel type | Fuel Efficiency |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Picanto Sport | $17,890 | Petrol | 5.4L / 100km |
| Kia Picanto GT-Line | $19,690 | Petrol | 5.4L / 100km |
Exteriors
The Kia Picanto boasts a modern and compact exterior design with sleek lines, a distinctive front grille, and stylishly integrated headlights and taillights.
Styling elements
The 2024 Kia Picanto in Australia has undergone a significant exterior refresh, resulting in a more modern and stylish look. The most striking change is the completely redesigned front fascia, inspired by the Kia EV9. This new design features vertically oriented headlights that now utilise LED technology for the main beams for the first time. These headlights are flanked by the signature Kia daytime running lights. A bolder grille with chrome accents and a connecting bar between the headlights completes the transformation of the front end. If you're looking for an even sportier look, the GT-Line trim offers a unique front design influenced by the EV9 GT-Line. The exterior refresh elevates the Picanto's visual appeal with its LED lighting elements, redesigned front and rear, and a wider range of wheel options. If you crave a sporty look, the GT-Line trim, with its dedicated wheels and body kit, provides a more aggressive stance. The rear of the car has also been redesigned. The tail lights have been restyled to connect across the back with an LED bar, similar to what you'll find on the Kia EV9 and Seltos SUV. The lower bumper has also been revamped for a cleaner overall look.
Colour options
The 2024 Kia Picanto lets you express your personality with 7 exterior colours. Whether you prefer a classic look or want to stand out from the crowd, there's a Picanto to match your style.
Choose from sophisticated colours like Clear White, Sparkling Silver, Astro Grey, and Aurora Black Pearl for a timeless look.
If you want a bolder statement, Signal Red, Sporty Blue, and Adventurous Green offer a vibrant pop of colour.
Wheel design
Moving to the car's sides, the wheel options vary depending on your trim level. The base model has 14-inch steel wheels with hubcaps, while higher-end trims offer 15-inch alloy wheels or even new 16-inch wheels with machined highlights.
Interiors
The 2024 Kia Picanto's interior refresh focuses on maintaining practicality and comfort for city driving.
Interior layout and space
While the Picanto is a microcar, it offers seating for five. However, due to its compact size, the rear seats are best suited for children or short trips for adults. The driver's seat is manually adjustable for optimal comfort, and higher-spec models might offer additional features like seat heating.
The Picanto provides a decent amount of storage space for its size. It has essential compartments like a glove box, door pockets, and a centre console with a storage box. The cargo area also features luggage net hooks to secure your belongings. Additionally, the rear seats fold down in a 60:40 split, allowing you to maximise cargo capacity when needed.
Comfort and ergonomics
The Kia Picanto's interior uses primarily cloth and hard plastics, typical for a car in this segment. However, Kia incorporates stylish touches like the D-cut steering wheel and shifter on higher trims to elevate the overall look. While the materials might not be the most luxurious, the Picanto prioritises a comfortable and practical space for daily commutes and errands.
Boot
Despite being a compact car, the 2024 Kia Picanto surprises with its boot space versatility. You'll get 255 litres with upright rear seats, perfect for groceries, weekend luggage, or everyday essentials. Folding down one or both sections expands the boot capacity to 1010 litres, making it suitable for bicycles, sports equipment, or camping gear.
Technology and infotainment
The Kia Picanto impresses with its advanced technology and intuitive infotainment system, offering seamless connectivity and user-friendly controls for a modern driving experience.
Infotainment system & Driver display
The Kia Picanto features a prominent 8-inch LCD touchscreen infotainment system with Bluetooth® multi-connection capability, complemented by a 4.2-inch supervision instrument cluster. Serving as the focal point of the interior, the touchscreen offers a user-friendly interface across different trim levels, facilitating easy access to a range of features and controls.
Connectivity
The Kia Picanto enhances convenience with its touchscreen interface, enabling control over the audio system, navigation (where available), and seamless integration with Apple CarPlay or Android Auto for smartphone connectivity. Bluetooth connectivity supports hands-free calling and music streaming. At the same time, certain models may also include USB ports for charging devices or playing music directly from a USB drive, ensuring a connected and enjoyable driving experience.
Navigation
The navigation system in the Kia Picanto demands adherence to local traffic laws for safety, automatically disabling features while driving. Route guidance, however, prioritises proximity over efficiency, occasionally leading to longer or congested routes. Updates on road names and points of interest can be incomplete, affecting accuracy. Despite using GPS and sensors, the system's accuracy is susceptible to errors when satellite signals are weak or inconsistent. Utilising the GNSS, originally a military tool that is now available globally, it ensures robust performance under various weather conditions and locations without subscription fees.
Performance and engine
While the Picanto won't win any speed contests, it offers adequate performance for city driving. Acceleration is modest, and overtaking on highways might require careful planning. However, the Picanto's nimble handling and compact size make it perfect for navigating tight city streets and parking in crowded spaces.
Engine specifications
The Kia Picanto has two main variants: Sport and GT-Line. Both variants share the same 1.2L four-cylinder engine, producing 83 horsepower and 122 Nm of torque. This engine prioritises fuel efficiency for city driving and might not be ideal for those seeking a powerful car.
| Variants | Engine | Power | Torque |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kia Picanto Sport | 1.2L MPI inline-four DOHC D-CVVT, 16 valves | 83 hp | 122Nm |
| Kia Picanto GT-Line | 1.2L MPI inline-four DOHC D-CVVT, 16 valves | 83 hp | 122Nm |
Handling
The Kia Picanto's small size and light weight are its biggest assets when handling city environments. This translates to nimbleness and manoeuvrability, perfect for navigating tight city streets and squeezing into narrow parking spaces. The Picanto tackles sharp turns with ease, and its light weight allows for quick changes in direction.
The suspension setup prioritises stability and comfort for city driving. It utilises a McPherson strut suspension in the front and a torsion beam axle in the rear. This combination delivers a smooth ride over uneven road surfaces, making daily commutes comfortable. While this setup might not be ideal for those seeking a sporty experience on winding roads, it excels in its intended purpose – confident and predictable handling for urban driving.
Transmission
You can choose between a four-speed automatic transmission or a five-speed manual transmission. The automatic transmission might be preferable for stop-and-go city traffic, while the manual transmission offers a more engaging driving experience and potentially better fuel economy.
Fuel Economy
The Kia Picanto is known for its fuel efficiency. The exact figures might vary depending on the transmission you choose (automatic transmissions typically have slightly lower fuel economy), but you can expect figures around 5.4L/100km for the manual and 6L/100km for the automatic. This translates to lower running costs and makes the Picanto a budget-friendly option.
Safety features
While the definitive safety verdict for the 2024 Kia Picanto in Australia awaits official ratings, the car boasts some features that enhance driving confidence. All models come standard with Electronic Stability Control (ESC) and Anti-lock Braking System (ABS), which are crucial for maintaining control during emergencies and slippery conditions. Higher trims might offer additional safety features like Brake Assist for improved stopping distances. However, it's important to consider the Picanto's compact size, which might be a limitation in certain accidents compared to bigger vehicles. If safety is paramount for you, exploring options with established ratings or higher-trim Picanto models with potential advanced safety features might be a wise choice.
Some of these safety features include:
- BCA (Blindspot Collision Avoidance Assist)
- RCCA (Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist)
- SEW (Safe Exit Warning)
- LKA (Lane Keeping Assist)
- LFA (Lane Following Assist)
- MSLA (Manual Speed Limit Assist)
- ROA (Rear Occupant Alert) - Basic Type
- DAW (Driver Attention Warning) with Lead Vehicle Departure Alert
- Reverse Parking Sensors
- Rear View Camera with Dynamic Parking Guidelines
- Dusk-Sensing Automatic Headlights
- Halogen Projection Headlights (varies with trim)
- Halogen DRL (Daytime Running Light) (varies with trim)
- LED DRL (Daytime Running Lights) with LED Centre Light (varies with trim)
- LED Headlights (MFR Type) (varies with trim)
- HBA (High Beam Assist)
- Rear Fog Light
- High-Mounted Rear Stop Light
- LED Rear Combination Lamp (Bulb Indicator) (varies with trim)
- Child Restraint Anchorage Points (3 Top Tether & 2 Isofix Positions)
- Driver & Front Passenger SRS Airbags
- Front Side SRS Airbags
- Curtain SRS Airbags
- Front Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners with Load Limiters
- Rear Outboard Seatbelt Pre-Tensioners
- Side Door Impact Beams
- Child-Proof Rear Door Locks
- Impact Sensing Auto Door Unlocking
The 2024 Kia Picanto Australia ANCAP (Australasian New Car Assessment Program) has not released a safety rating for the 2024 Kia Picanto as of June 21, 2024. However, the previous model (pre-2024) received a 4-star ANCAP safety rating. This indicates an acceptable level of safety for a car in this segment.
Ownership experience
Based on the discussions among Kia Picanto owners and drivers, opinions about the car are varied. Some users, like those who have owned it for several years without issues, find it reliable and well-suited for city driving, emphasising its durability and ease of maintenance. However, others, particularly those using it intensively for delivery services, report frequent electrical and mechanical issues, such as door switches and headlights failing. There's a consensus that the Picanto performs adequately for commuting in traffic but may struggle with constant stop-and-go driving or on steeper inclines. Despite criticisms about its cabin noise and perceived lightness affecting stability at higher speeds, many drivers appreciate its compact size for urban manoeuvrability and its affordability as a new car option. Overall, opinions are mixed, with reliability and performance in urban settings being key considerations.
Major strengths
- The compact size makes it easy to manoeuvre and park in tight spaces, ideal for urban driving.
- Affordable pricing, especially for a new car, makes it accessible to budget-conscious buyers.
- Reliable engine and transmission, known for their durability and low maintenance needs.
- Good fuel efficiency, making it economical for daily commuting and city driving.
- User-friendly features like a rear-view camera and touchscreen infotainment system enhance convenience.
- Decent safety features such as airbags and child safety locks provide peace of mind.
Major drawbacks
- Some users report significant cabin noise, especially at higher speeds, affecting overall comfort.
- Limited power on steep inclines or when fully loaded, which can impact performance.
- Occasional issues with electrical components like door switches and headlights failing prematurely.
- Basic interior materials and build quality may not feel as premium compared to higher-end models.
- Suspension can feel soft, leading to a slightly bumpy ride over rough roads.
- Mixed reviews on long-term reliability, with occasional concerns about frequent repairs under warranty.
Maintenance costs and Warranty information
The Kia Picanto comes with a comprehensive maintenance plan and warranty coverage. Kia offers a generous 7-year unlimited kilometre warranty, ensuring owners peace of mind. Additionally, the Picanto benefits from capped-price servicing over this period, with maintenance costs totalling no more than $2345. This fully transferable warranty underscores Kia's commitment to reliability and customer satisfaction, making the Picanto an economical choice with predictable upkeep expenses.
Verdict
The Kia Picanto is a city car aimed at practicality and affordability. It offers two trims, Sport and GT-Line, with a 1.2L engine delivering good fuel efficiency (5.4L/100km for manual). While it won't win speed contests, its compact size makes manoeuvring and parking a breeze. The cabin prioritises comfort with decent cargo space (255L to 1010L). Technology includes an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system with smartphone connectivity. Safety features include ABS, ESC, and potential extras like Brake Assist on higher trims. Reliability is a mixed bag, with some users praising durability and others reporting electrical/mechanical issues. Overall, the Picanto is a budget-friendly option for city drivers who prioritise affordability, manoeuvrability, and fuel efficiency.
