Kia Picanto
The first-gen Kia Picanto was launched way back in 2003, and for a model that’s been going over twenty years, only spawning three generations isn’t exactly what you’d call a whirlwind pace. What Kia do like to do with their cars, and the Picanto is no exception is to give them a mid-life refresh by way of a facelift. So, that’s exactly what we have here; a facelift of the Mk3 Picanto that was launched in 2017 and, like an ageing Hollywood A-lister, has been the subject of one facelift already.
Small cars like the Picanto are less suited to electrification than larger cars due to the inherent weight and sheer size of the batteries and motors, plus the increased cost too. Ironically that means cars that were designed to be driven around the tight confines of a city will be powered by internal combustion until either battery tech gets lighter or the law states they can’t.
What engines are available?
So, with electric power not being practical and diesel still persona non grata, it’s little petrol engines that are found under the Picanto’s bonnet. There’s a choice of two engines; a 1.0l & a 1.2l. Both are naturally aspirated, three-cylinder units and both are available with either a manual or automatic transmission. The smaller engine is what you get on the cheaper specs; 2, GT-Line & 3 and the 1.2 is what powers the intriguingly named Shadow spec and the range-topping GT-Line S.
Although it’s not exactly a large car, the 1.0l engine we have in our GT-Line test car with its 62bhp & 93Nm torque isn’t exactly spritely. Going for the really slick 5-speed manual ‘box improves performance somewhat, with 0-62mph taking 15.4s – a huge improvement on the auto’s sluggish 18s+. Go for the larger 1.2l and you can knock a couple of seconds off these times but that’s still not exactly performance to take your breath away.
How economical is it?
It may not be the quickest but that’s not everything driving’s about. You can still have fun at lower speeds and the Picanto’s setup is sharp and responsive enough to raise a smile. What may also make owners smile is the Picanto’s bargain-basement running costs. Our 1.0l GT-Line with its 5-speed manual transmission returns 52.3mpg combined and emits 121g/km CO2 so it’s not going to cost much to run or insure. It goes without saying that the Picanto also comes with Kia’s 7-year warranty too for that added peace of mind.
Styling wise, the Picanto’s still easily recognisable but it has had quite a severe sprucing up to keep on track with modern trends. The Picanto was already quite a frowny, serious little thing but now it’s taken things to a whole new level with full-width light-bars, front and rear. Its dimensions are still very much Kei car, though i.e. tall and narrow.
Has the interior changed?
Inside the Picanto Kia‘s done a good job of making it a bit more grown-up, just like they have with the exterior. All grades of Picanto come with some clever cupholders, USB points and an 8″ touchscreen protruding from the dashboard with an infotainment system that’s clear and easy to use, even on the move. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard and wireless charging and sat nav are included on higher spec models. The plastics used look good and some thought has clearly been put into the interior’s design but don’t expect any premium soft-touch plastics to prod at.
All Picantos are now 5-door cars as lots of other hatchbacks now are. That obviously makes access to the rear seats much easier but it’s worth considering that, although headroom is more generous than you might expect, taller passengers will find the rear legroom a bit of a squeeze.
How much is it?
With the price of new cars seemingly spiralling out of control – even little ones like our Picanto – its £15,595 starting price will be very welcome. Admittedly the priciest Picanto, the GT-Line S auto will set you back a more considerable £19,145 but our quite loaded looking GT-Line test car with its 1.0l engine is only £16,745.
Should I buy a Kia Picanto?
With compulsory electrification being pushed back, the allure of a cheap, fun supermini looks set to be around for quite a while yet. The new Picanto isn’t exactly groundbreaking but the looks and interior have been kept right up to date and it’s definitely still worth a look.
By Ben Harrington
2024 Kia Picanto GT-Line manual Specifications:
Engine – 1.0-l 3-cyl petrol, Transmission – 5-speed manual, Layout – Front engine, FWD, Power – 62bhp,Torque – 93Nm, Emissions – 121g/km CO2, Economy – 52.3mpg, Maximum Speed – 90mph, Acceleration – 15.4s – 0-62mph, Price – £16,745 OTR
The 2024 Kia Picanto is available now, priced from £15,595. For full details go to:www.kia.com/uk
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