Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017) Review

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017) At A Glance

Honest John Overall Rating

The Kia Picanto is an excellent city car with plenty of character that is decent to drive and has a high-quality cabin. It compares favourably to many rivals, and makes a strong used buy.

Great value. High quality, neatly designed interior. Good to drive.

Noisy on the motorway. Engines become strained at high speeds.

Insurance Groups are between 2–12
On average it achieves 75% of the official MPG figure

The Kia Picanto was still pitched as a value-for-money proposition when this generation was launched in 2011. However, rather than simply being a cheap car, it was a great car at a decent price – there’s a big difference, and buyers loved it. Even now, it still makes a super used alternative to the likes of the Fiat 500 and stablemate the Hyundai i10. Read on for our full Kia Picanto review.

The Kia Picanto was the South Korean firm’s best-selling car in the seven years prior to the launch of this second-generation model in 2011. So there was a lot riding on the newcomer.

Luckily, the city car arrived with a sleeker style, more space and a higher quality interior, and these qualities continue to make it a strong used car choice.

It was a big step forward from the original Kia Picanto and feels as good as many larger hatchbacks, particularly from behind the wheel where it’s comfortable and refined.

It’s a great looking car, too, with a sharp front end and a sporty profile, yet there’s no sacrifice in terms of interior space with particularly impressive headroom for rear-seat passengers.

It’s fun to drive with good handling, a forgiving ride and responsive steering, yet it’s still a doddle to park and slot into tiny spaces.

There are just two petrol engines in the line-up – a 1.0-litre with 69PS and a 1.25 with 85PS – and both are very economical, yet still deliver perky performance.

The 1.0-litre is the one to go for if you want to keep costs down, with a claimed 67.3mpg.

The Kia Picanto is simply one of the best small cars around, regardless of the price tag. Alongside the five-door model, a sportier three-door version was introduced in September 2011.

Fancy a new Kia Picanto? Read our Kia Picanto review here.

Reviews for Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017)'s top 3 rivals

Hyundai i10

Cheap to own. All models have airc on, five seatbelts and flat folding rear seats. Rides and handles...

Skoda Citigo

Ideal for town or motorway driving, and economical on fuel. Fun to drive and great value.

Fiat 500

Stylish and full of character. Really affordable to buy. Low running costs.

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017) handling and engines

Driving Rating

There’s a grown-up feel to the way the Kia Picanto drives, yet it also provides some fun. While most at home in urban environments, it never feels out of its depth on the motorway.

Engines range from 1.1 to 1.25
Readers report Real MPG to be between 30–60 mpg

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017): Handling and ride quality

The Kia Picanto has the feel of a bigger model and the ride quality is as good as you’ll get on a Ford Fiesta, with rough roads ironed out well for such a small car.

The rear axle is stiffer than in the previous Kia Picanto, and this definitely helps improve its agility, along with high-speed stability.

On the motorway, the Kia Picanto is generally composed, and although a touch noisy, overall refinement is good.

And in town it excels, thanks to good all-round visibility, light steering at low speeds and a tight turning circle. It’s slightly longer than the previous Kia Picanto (by 60mm), but just as easy to slot into a parallel parking space.

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017): Engines

The Kia Picanto engine line-up is very straightforward, as there are just two available – both petrols.

The entry-level unit is a 1.0-litre three-cylinder, with 69PS on tap and 95Nm of torque. It has plenty of character and pulls well in gear for such a small engine, although it does struggle with a full complement of adults on board.

According to the official figures, it will do 0-60mph in 13.9 seconds, but it’s not an engine you choose for performance; economy is its real strength.

Your other choice is a four-cylinder 1.25-litre with 85PS and 120Nm of torque. It’s a great little unit that is surprisingly nippy, certainly feeling more rapid than the official 0-60mph time of 11.0 seconds suggests.

It pulls well and will happily rev all the way to its maximum without becoming coarse or too noisy.

The standard five-speed manual gearbox has a nicely weighted shift that’s positive and – dare we say it – a little bit sporty, too.

An EcoDynamics version fitted with ISG – which stands for Intelligent Stop & Go – works very well, restarting quickly and smoothly.

Usefully, there is also an automatic model available that uses a four-speed gearbox, although acceleration is duly blunted, resulting in a 0-60mph time of 12.9 seconds.

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017): Safety

All Kia Picanto models of this generation have six airbags fitted, where many rivals of the period made do with four. You also get ESP stability and traction control, plus ABS and emergency brake assist.

The B-pillars and side sills are reinforced with high-tensile steel plates to aid side impact protection, should the worst happen.

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017): Towing

Should you want to tow a trailer with your Kia Picanto, it can pull an unbraked trailer of up to 400kg.

Hook up with a braked trailer and that extends to 700kg.

Engine	MPG	0-62	CO₂
1.0	63–67 mpg	13.9–14.1 s	99–102 g/km
1.0 3dr	67 mpg	13.9 s	99 g/km
1.0 Air	67 mpg	13.9 s	99 g/km
1.0 Air 3dr	67 mpg	13.9 s	99 g/km
1.1	63 mpg	14.1 s	99 g/km
1.25	60–63 mpg	11.0–11.5 s	100–109 g/km
1.25 3dr	60–63 mpg	11.0 s	106–109 g/km
1.25 Automatic	50–53 mpg	12.9–13.2 s	125–130 g/km
1.25 Automatic 3dr	50–53 mpg	12.9 s	125–130 g/km
1.25 EcoDynamics	66 mpg	11.0 s	100 g/km
1.25 EcoDynamics 3dr	66 mpg	-	100 g/km

Real MPG average for the Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017)

Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.

Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.

Average performance

75%

Real MPG

30–60 mpg

MPGs submitted

607

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017) interior

Interior Rating

This generation of Kia Picanto was a tangible step forward from its predecessor in terms of cabin quality. It’s stylish, sufficiently spacious and has a reasonably sized boot given its dimensions.

Boot space is 200–605 litres
Euro NCAP rating of four stars

Dimensions
Length	3595 mm
Width	1595 mm
Height	1480 mm
Wheelbase	2385 mm
Full specifications

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017): Practicality

The improvements in this generation of Kia Picanto were most evident from behind the wheel.

There’s a quality feel to all the materials used, and a stylish layout. The bottom part of the steering wheel echoes the design seen on the grille, while the simple analogue dials are easy to read and fuss-free.

Both the easy-to-use stereo and air ventilation controls are placed nice and high on the central console, while there’s plenty of room for two adults in the front.

Drivers won’t keep smacking elbows with their passenger every time they change gear.

The seats are comfortable, albeit not especially supportive at the sides, and there’s enough headroom and legroom for four at a pinch (plus seatbelts for five).

Interior space is good, with decent front legroom and a reasonable boot too, while getting into the back is easy, thanks to wide opening doors.

At 200 litres, the luggage capacity isn’t huge, but this is a small car and unlike in bigger motors such as the Ford Fiesta and Mazda 2, the 60/40 split rear seats double fold, leaving a flat floor and 605 litres of load space to the window line.

Storage in the rest of the cabin is reasonable, with a decent glovebox and a large space in front of the gear lever, although the narrow door pockets can be a pain if you drop anything small, like a pen, in them.

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017): Quality and finish

Great strides were made in this generation of Kia Picanto in both the perceived quality of the finish, and the actual robustness of the materials.

It’s never going to feel as substantial as a Kia Sportage, for example, as it has to balance its weight against modest power.

But it still feels as appealing in the cabin as in a Volkswagen Up.

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017): Infotainment

The generation of Kia Picanto was launched just a bit too soon to come with infotainment touchscreens or connectivity like Apple CarPlay or Android Auto.

Is that a reason to shun it as a used buy? We don’t think, so as you can still connect your phone via a USB cable, and all but the base 1 trim comes with Bluetooth.

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017) value for money

Value for Money Rating

This is where the Kia Picanto comes into its own. Used prices are extremely attractive, while low running costs will make it highly appealing to those looking to run a car on a limited budget.

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017): Prices

Budget £3000 for a Kia Picanto and you can easily get your hands on an 11-year-old version.

It won’t be some tired high-miler, either, as this money will net a tidy model with 70,000 miles on the clock.

For something newer, we’d spend up to £9500 for a seven-year-old car with as little as 20,000 miles under its wheels.

This sort of cash will see you in a top-spec Kia Picanto 3 or one of the special editions that was offered.

Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017): Running Costs

If you want to regularly do long journeys in the Kia Picanto, you will probably look to the 1.25-litre engine, which has more power.

It also uses more fuel, with combined economy claimed to reach 65.7mpg and most models returning around 60mpg. Paired with the automatic gearbox, that drops to an official 50.4mpg.

For most drivers, though, the 1.0-litre will be fine. It claims to deliver up to 67.3mpg, and it will easily provide 50mpg when being driven around town.

The smaller engine emits as little as 99g/km of carbon dioxide, which results in free road tax at the time of writing.

The 1.25’s figure of 100g/km means road tax will be paid at a rate of £20 per annum, so it’s hardly a deal breaker.

Insurance should be similarly low cost, unless you are a newly qualified driver still building up a no-claims discount history.

Even then, the Kia Picanto does its bit to help, with ratings starting off in insurance group 2 (out of 50) and rising only as far as group 12.

Maintaining the car won’t cost the earth, either, thanks to its excellent reliability, cheap replacement parts, and servicing that can be done by any good independent garage at keen labour rates.

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Kia Picanto (2011 – 2017) models and specs

The Kia Picanto 1 comes with height-adjustable driver’s seat, tilt-adjustable steering column, an RDS stereo with CD player, front electric windows, body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles, plus tinted glass.

Kia Picanto 2 models have Bluetooth, manual air-conditioning, electric windows front and back, a USB port and an auxiliary port, iPod cable, plus steering wheel-mounted controls.

There are also electrically adjustable heated and folding door mirrors with integrated LED side repeaters, 14-inch alloy wheels, front foglights, a leather steering wheel and gear lever, an alarm system, plus premium black upholstery and chrome exterior trim.

Kia Picanto 3 models have automatic air-conditioning, automatic headlights with LED projector headlamps, daytime running lights, LED rear light clusters, a six-speaker stereo, body-coloured side skirts, heated front seats and 15-inch alloys.

Go for the Kia Picanto 4 and you also have cruise control and heated front seats.

The three-door-only Kia Picanto Quantum came with 15-inch alloy wheels, automatic air-conditioning, a smart key entry system with engine start/stop button, electric sliding and tilting sunroof, electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors with LED indicator lights, front foglights and a six-speaker audio system.

There were also body-coloured side sill mouldings and automatic headlight control, with ‘see-you-home’ and ‘welcome’ lighting.

Plus it had the ‘Urban Pack’ consisting of reversing sensors, LED ambient interior lighting, a premium Supervision instrument cluster and an illuminated driver’s side vanity mirror. There is also UV solar windscreen glass to reduce glare and UV light in the cabin, and privacy glass on the rear side windows and tailgate.

The Kia Picanto Chilli model offered 15-inch alloy wheels, twin exhaust tailpipes, sat-nav and synthetic leather upholstery.

The 1, 2, and 3 trims were later renamed the Kia Picanto SE, Kia Picanto Halo and Kia Picanto Equinox respectively, but retained the same specifications.

Dimensions
Length	3595 mm
Width	1595 mm
Height	1480 mm
Wheelbase	2385 mm

Miscellaneous
Kerb Weight	925–1035 kg
Boot Space	200–605 L
Warranty	7 years / 100000 miles
Servicing	10000 miles

Spare Wheel
Standard	Tyre-repair kit
Alternative	Steel spare wheel

Costs
List Price	£8,145–£12,795
Insurance Groups	2–12
Road Tax Bands	A–D
Official MPG	50.4–67.3 mpg

Euro NCAP Safety Ratings
Adult	-
Child	-
Pedestrian	-
Overall	4

On sale until July 2017

Hatchback
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
1.0 65bhp 1 5speed 3dr	£8,345	62.8 mpg	14.1 s
1.0 65bhp 1 5speed 5dr	£8,545	62.8 mpg	14.1 s
1.0 65bhp 1 5speed Air 5dr	£8,695	62.8 mpg	14.1 s
1.0 65bhp 2 5speed 5dr	£10,145	62.8 mpg	14.1 s
1.0 65bhp SE 5speed ISG 5dr	£10,545	64.2 mpg	-
1.0 65bhp SR7 5speed 3dr	£9,845	62.8 mpg	14.1 s
1.0 65bhp SR7 5speed 5dr	£10,045	62.8 mpg	14.1 s
1.25 84bhp 2 4speed Auto 5dr	£11,345	50.4 mpg	13.2 s
1.25 84bhp 2 5speed ISG 5dr	£10,745	61.4 mpg	11.5 s
1.25 84bhp 3 4speed Auto 5dr	£12,545	50.4 mpg	12.9 s
1.25 84bhp 3 4speed Auto 5dr	£12,745	50.4 mpg	13.2 s
1.25 84bhp 3 5speed 5dr	£11,945	60.1 mpg	11.5 s
1.25 84bhp 3 5speed ISG 5dr	£11,745	62.8 mpg	11.0 s
1.25 84bhp 4 5speed ISG 5dr	£12,295	62.8 mpg	11.0 s
1.25 84bhp 4 5speed ISG 5dr	£12,795	61.4 mpg	11.5 s
1.25 84bhp Chilli 4speed Auto 3dr	£12,095	50.4 mpg	13.2 s
1.25 84bhp Chilli 5speed IS 3dr	£11,495	61.4 mpg	11.5 s
1.25 84bhp SE 4speed Auto 5dr	£11,545	50.4 mpg	-
1.25 84bhp Sport 4speed Auto 5dr	£12,745	50.4 mpg	-
1.25 84bhp Sport 5speed ISG 5dr	£12,145	61.4 mpg	-

On sale until April 2017

Hatchback
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
1.0 65bhp SE 5speed ISG 5dr	£10,545	64.2 mpg	-
1.25 84bhp SE 4speed Auto 5dr	£11,545	50.4 mpg	-
1.25 84bhp Sport 4speed Auto 5dr	£12,745	50.4 mpg	-
1.25 84bhp Sport 5speed ISG 5dr	£12,145	61.4 mpg	-

On sale until October 2015

Hatchback
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
1 1.0 68 3dr	£8,145	67.3 mpg	13.9 s
1 1.0 Air 68 3dr	£8,745	67.3 mpg	13.9 s
1.0 68 5dr	£8,345	67.3 mpg	13.9 s
1.0 Air 68 5dr	£9,145	67.3 mpg	13.9 s
1.0 Air 68 5dr	£8,945	67.3 mpg	13.9 s
2 1.0 68 5dr	£9,945	67.3 mpg	13.9 s
2 1.25 84 Auto 5dr	£11,145	53.3 mpg	12.9 s
2 1.25 84 ISG 5dr	£10,545	65.7 mpg	11.0 s
3 1.25 84 5dr	£11,545	60.1 mpg	11.0 s
3 1.25 84 Auto 5dr	£12,345	-	-
4 1.25 84 5dr	£12,095	62.8 mpg	11.0 s
Quantum 1.25 84 Auto 3dr	£12,595	50.4 mpg	12.9 s
Quantum 1.25 84 ISG 3dr	£11,995	62.8 mpg	11.0 s
VR7 1.0 68 3dr	£9,645	67.3 mpg	13.9 s
VR7 68 5dr	£9,845	67.3 mpg	13.9 s
White 1.25 84 Auto 3dr	£12,445	50.4 mpg	12.9 s
White 1.25 84 ISG 3dr	£11,845	62.8 mpg	11.0 s

On sale until April 2014

Hatchback
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
1 Air 1.0 3dr	£8,645	67.3 mpg	-
City 1.0 3dr	£10,245	67.3 mpg	-
Equinox 1.25 3dr	£11,945	60.1 mpg	-

On sale until January 2013

Hatchback
Version	List Price	MPG	0-62
Halo 1.25 3dr	£11,945	65.7 mpg	-
Halo 1.25 Auto 3dr	£12,545	53.3 mpg	-

Model History

January 2011: Premier of new Picanto
May 2011: Picanto 1 Air launched
June 2011: New Kia Picanto goes on sale
August 2011
September 2011: Kia launched three-door Picanto
January 2013: Kia 'Pincanto' launched
April 2014: Picanto 4 added to range
April 2014: Picanto Quantum launched
April 2015: Kia Picanto 2015 range goes on sale
July 2015: Kia Picanto Chilli launched
July 2016: Picanto upgraded

January 2011

Premier of new Picanto

Offered for the first time with a choice of five-door and three-door bodystyles (the three-door will not arrive in the UK until the autumn) it is set to completely redefine its position as one of the most competitive vehicles in the 'city car' A-segment.

Three versions of the Kappa are offered - two in the UK. A four-cylinder, 1,248 cc engine that generates 85ps and 121Nm of torque tops the line-up. Two three-cylinder, 998 cc units present customers with a choice of petrol or Bi-fuel technologies (LPG + petrol) - Bi-fuel is available in selected countries but not the UK. The petrol engine produces 69ps and 95Nm of torque. The Bi-fuel unit delivers 82ps and 94Nm of torque.

		1.25-litre	1.0-litre	1.0-litre Bi-fuel
Displacement	cc	1,248	998	998
Power output	ps	85 @ 6000 rpm	69 @ 6200 rpm	82 @ 6400 rpm
Torque output	Nm	121 @ 4000 rpm	95 @ 3500 rpm	94 @ 3500 rpm
Engine details		Kappa 4-in-line, DOHC, four-cylinder with dual CVVT	Kappa 3-in-line, DOHC three-cylinder with dual CVVT

May 2011

Picanto 1 Air launched

Same as Picanto 1 but with standard airconditioning, priced at £8,595 OTR - a £600 premium over the base model and £1000 below the more highly-specified Picanto 2 version. Full Picanto range goes on sale on 17 June. Deliveries of Picanto 1 Air from September.

June 2011

New Kia Picanto goes on sale

First Kia vehicle to be available with the company's new all inclusive national servicing package.

The Care 3 package is just £259 including VAT, which covers the first three services - either 36 months or 30,000 miles. Or the Care-3 Plus package is just £499 including VAT which covers the first five services - either 60 months or 50,000 miles. Care-3 can be extended to Care-3 Plus for £275.

Picanto 1 1.0 £7,995
Picanto 2 1.0 £9,595
Picanto 2 1.25 ISG £10,195
Picanto 2 1.25 Automatic £10,795
Picanto 3 1.25 £11,195

August 2011

The Picanto was included in Euro NCAP's latest test results and received criticism for not having Electronic Stability Control as standard. While a 'four star' rating for Picanto was anticipated, and is in line with many vehicles in the A-segment, Kia Motors says that all versions of UK specification Picanto are fitted with Electronic Stability Control as standard. Electronic Stability Control is standard on Picantos in most European markets but is not standard across all versions in all European markets. Euro NCAP rates the lowest specification version on offer within Europe and, as such, tested a version without Electronic Stability Control.

September 2011

Kia launched three-door Picanto

The dimensions of the three and five-door Picanto are identical in order to ensure they enjoy the same levels of interior space and crash safety. The changes are most obvious in profile, where new doors, rear panels and glass aft of the A-pillar give the three-door Picanto a fresh appearance, accentuated by the rising belt line that slices through the door handle on each side, and the aerodynamically shaped side sill mouldings. Unique alloy wheels on the upper two trim versions are other distinguishing features of the three-door Picanto.

At the front the main grille opening is larger than that on the five-door and is available with silver or red trim surrounds. The front bumper has been re-profiled to make the car appear wider and lower. It contains a slim, full-width lower grille, housing large black-bezelled foglamps with the two upper trim grades.

The rear bumper has a rectangular black central section in place of body colour, a relatively simple measure that makes the three-door Picanto instantly appear sportier. The finishing touch is created by exposed twin chromed exhaust outlets in place of the hidden single tailpipe of the five-door car.

The three-door Picanto is a practical small car with five seats and a big boot within an overall length of less than 3.6 metres, just like the five-door. And while its primary role might not be as a family runabout, Kia has done everything to make access to the back easy for those occasions when owners might want to give a lift to friends or relatives. Sliding and tilting front seats provide a wide ‘walk-in’ to the split rear bench.

The three-door Picanto has its own colour schemes and trim structure that reflect its role as the sportier model in the range. The entry-level model – badged Picanto 1 or, with air conditioning, Picanto 1 Air – comes with all-black upholstery. Above that, the models are called Halo and Equinox rather than 2 and 3. Halo has premium black and grey interior trim, while Equinox is finished in premium ‘Chilli’ red.

Depending on engine and trim combination, there is a choice of four exterior colours, and alloy wheels are standard on all but ‘1’ and ‘1 Air’ grade cars.

The three-door Picanto offers brand-new 1.0- and 1.25-litre Kappa-family petrol engines, which deliver fuel economy of up to 67.3mpg with CO2 emissions as low as 99g/km. The larger engine is available with Kia’s EcoDynamics fuel-saving technology – an Intelligent Stop & Go engine stop/start system – or with automatic transmission.

The three-cylinder 1.0-litre unit develops 69PS and 95Nm of torque. The 1.25-litre four-cylinder engine is offered in three guises, all developing 85PS and 121Nm of torque. In standard form it averages 60.1mpg. With a four-speed automatic transmission fuel consumption is an impressive 53.3mpg. Finally, there is the EcoDynamics version with fuel consumption at 65.7mpg.

Standard features on all versions include a trip computer, height-adjustable seat, a tilt-adjustable steering column and Motor Driven Power Steering. In-car entertainment is provided by a RDS radio and CD player with MP3 compatibility. Picanto 1, 1 Air, and Halo have four speakers and Picanto Equinox has six. Picanto Halo and Picanto Equinox also have USB and AUX ports, an iPod cable and steering wheel-mounted audio controls. On the outside body-coloured mirrors and bumpers and twin chromed exhaust outlets are all standard.

Variant	Power - PS	Torque – Nm	CO 2	Combined mpg	Price (OTR)
1.0 ‘1’	69 @ 6,200 rpm	95 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£7,795
1.0 ‘1 Air’	69 @ 6,200 rpm	95 @ 3,500 rpm	99	67.3	£8,395
1.25 ‘Halo’ EcoDynamics	85 @ 6,000 rpm	121 @ 4,000 rpm	100	65.7	£11,695
1.25 ‘Halo’ Auto	85 @ 6,000 rpm	121 @ 4,000 rpm	125	53.3	£12,295
1.25 Equinox	85 @ 6,000 rpm	121 @ 4,000 rpm	109	60.1	£11,695

January 2013

Kia 'Pincanto' launched

The Picanto is now available in ‘Fuchsia Blush' on the 5-door model, grades ‘2' and ‘3' at just £445. A new Picanto White is also now available as a 3-door model. This high-tech addition to the Picanto three-door range, replaces top-spec ‘Halo' and ‘Equinox' models.

The new top of the range White is fitted with five-spoke 15" alloy wheels, Engine Start/Stop with Smart Entry System as well as Bluetooth and automatic air conditioning. Standard features also include the convenience of reversing sensors.

Outside, the black tiger-nose grille sports a quirky red surround. On the inside, enjoy the leather trim steering wheel and steering wheel mounted controls, as well as a ‘Hollywood style' vanity mirror with a three-stage illumination feature sequence and ambient LED lighting.

Picanto White prices start from just £11,745 for the 1.25 85PS 5-speed manual ISG model and £12,345 for the 1.25 84PS 4-speed automatic, with both models carrying a Thatcham insurance rating of 11.

April 2014

Picanto 4 added to range

Powered by the 1.25-litre 85PS petrol engine driving through a five-speed manual gearbox linked to Kia's fuel-saving ISG engine stop/start system. The car maintains the extensive equipment offered on the Picanto ‘3' - including automatic air conditioning, 15-inch alloy wheels, LED daytime running lights and LED rear combination lights, a premium Supervision instrument cluster and heated front seats - and supplements it with a number of luxury features.

April 2014

Picanto Quantum launched

Priced at £11,895 for the manual and £12,495 for the auto. The Quantum comes with Titanium Silver metallic paint and black cloth interior. It's powered by the 1.25 engine and gets 15-inch alloys, automatic aircon, smart key entry system with engine start/stop button, electric sliding and tilting sunroof, electrically folding, adjustable and heated door mirrors with LED indicator lights, front foglights, a six-speaker audio system, body-coloured side sill mouldings and automatic headlight control with ‘see-you-home' and ‘welcome' lighting.

April 2015

Kia Picanto 2015 range goes on sale

Prices from £8,345 for the 3-door Picanto 1 and £8,545 for the 5-door Picanto 1.

All versions have a revised front end, featuring new headlights, a new bumper design with vertical foglamp housing and a restyled rear bumper. From Autumn production the 1.0-litre and 1.25-litre Kappa engines will meet EU6 emissions regulations and develop more torque at lower rpm.

There are new, eight-spoke, petal-shaped 14-inch alloy wheels exclusive to the five-door grade 2 model, which also benefits from the option of Atlantic Blue metallic paint. This is also offered on the five-door grade 3. SR7 versions in both body styles are exclusively offered with Honey Bee Yellow metallic paint.

The interior of every model now has chrome rings on the three-cylinder instrument cluster and chrome accents on the air vent knobs, plus a high-gloss black finish to the gear selector, adding to the already high-quality look and feel of the car. Compared with the previous VR7, SR7 models now benefit from privacy glass and automatic lights, while the five-door grade 4 version which sits at the top of the Picanto range gains cruise control with a speed limiter. Every model has an upgraded audio system with fewer buttons and faster responses.

Model
Picanto 1 1.0 3dr	£8,345
Picanto SR7 1.0 3dr	£9,845
Picanto 1 1.0 5dr	£8,545
Picanto 1 Air 1.0 5dr	£9,145
Picanto SR7 1.0 5dr	£10,045
Picanto 2 1.0 ISG 5dr	£10,145
Picanto 2 1.25 ISG 5dr	£10,745
Picanto 2 1.25 auto 5dr	£11,345
Picanto 3 1.25 ISG 5dr	£11,745
Picanto 3 1.25 auto 5dr	£12,545
Picanto 4 1.25 ISG	£12,295

July 2015

Kia Picanto Chilli launched

The Chilli variants are part of the Picanto Originals series, a rolling programme of high-specification, value-priced models changed at frequent intervals to offer buyers something out of the ordinary.

Both of the new Chilli models are three-door cars powered by a 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine developing 84bhp and 120Nm of torque. They offer buyers the option of a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic which will be particularly attractive to those who do most of their driving in congested towns and cities.

In line with all Picanto Originals, the Chilli models offer a high specification for a mid-range price, sitting above the SR7 grade in the . The manual costs £11,495 on the road, while the automatic is £12,095, both are on sale from 1 July 2015. They sit above the SR7 models in the Picanto line-up.

It gets new front and rear bumpers and a twin exhaust tailpipe. There are also additional side sill mouldings painted to match the body colour. The Chilli models are finished in red, black or white paintwork. Sporty-looking five-barrel 15-inch alloy wheels shod with 175/50 tyres are the final finishing touch.

This is complemented by the equally sporty interior. The seats are in black faux leather with striking red and grey cloth cushions and backrests to match the inserts on the doors. There are aluminium pedals with non-slip rubber pads, while the centre fascia, steering wheel bezel and gearshifter top are finished in classy Gloss Black.

The Chilli versions are the first Picanto to be fitted with satellite navigation including European mapping, similar to the system found in Kia’s Rio and Venga ranges. This is linked to a seven-inch touchscreen and includes a reversing camera. A six-speaker audio system is also standard.

July 2016

Picanto upgraded

With the new Picanto ‘1 Air’ offered at the same £8,545 price as the old ‘1’ model, it means that this new entry-level version gains air conditioning as a free upgrade. This model also now benefits from Bluetooth, a leather-trimmed steering wheel and front seat belt height adjustment as no-cost additions.

The new mid-range ‘SE’ grade has all the equipment that was standard on the previous ‘SR7’, plus automatic air conditioning and Kia's Intelligent Stop & Go (ISG) engine stop/start system with the manual gearbox. This grade is offered with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine and a manual gearbox from £10,395, or a 1.25-litre four-cylinder unit with automatic transmission from £11,395.

The new Picanto ‘Sport’ sharp looks are enhanced by stylish new front and rear bumpers and a twin-tipped exhaust tailpipe. There are also additional side sill mouldings painted to match the body colour. The ‘Sport’ models are finished in exclusive red, black or white paintwork. Sporty-looking five-barrel 15-inch alloy wheels shod with 175/50 tyres are the final finishing touch.

Standard equipment includes satellite navigation, automatic air conditioning, cruise control and a speed limiter. ‘Sport’ models are powered by the 1.25-litre engine and are available with a manual gearbox and ISG from £11,995 or with automatic transmission from £12,595.

What to watch out for

25-06-2013:

Reader with October 2013 Picanto needed rear brake calipers replaced twice after the parking brakes stuck on. This is probably related to the common rear brake caliper failures on Hyundai i20s.

21-11-2014:

Reverse difficult to select on 13k mile 2014 Picanto VR7 when cold.

22-09-2015:

Faults reported over 2 years in 2013 Kia Picanto: a/c failed and entire system had to be replaced. After replacement cooling system warning light showed. Returned to dealer twice. Eventually the head gasket failed.

13-02-2016:

Combined satnav, hands free facility as well as reversing camera screen failed a month after purchase on an October 2015 Kia Picanto Chilli, 8 weeks later, a replacement unit has still not been supplied.

01-10-2016:

Report of two minor issues with 2011 Picanto 1.0 litre '1'. Hinge of remote key fob snapped December 2014 - replaced under warranty. ESP light illuminated on dashboard September 2016; clutch switch replaced under warranty.

07-07-2017:

Rubber cover over boot switch of 2011 Picanto wore through and Kia dealer replaced it FoC under 7 year warranty.

08-06-2018:

Report of wipers, electric windows and clock simutaneously failing when owner started a 2014 KIA Picanto in the rain. Soon after all were working fine again.

15-06-2018:

Report of rear brake caliper failure after warning light came on in 2011 Picanto 1.0L at 85,000 miles. Repaired under warranty and dealer supplied free courtesy car during the repair.

01-09-2019:

Report of clutch failure on February 2017 Picanto at 5500 miles.

17-01-2020:

Another report of clutch failure on 2015 Picanto at 7500 miles.

13-09-2021:

Report of airbag warning light on 2014 Picanto. Car failed its MoT and was two days outside of its manufacturer warranty. Kia has refused to contribute towards the cost of repair.