Kia Picanto (2004 – 2011) Review
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Kia Picanto (2004 – 2011) At A Glance
Great value small car that is cheap to buy and run. Seven-year warranty on all new models from January 2010. Good rear passenger room. Much improved interior on facelifted cars from 2007.
Tiny boot with the rear seats in place. Ride is unsettled on rough roads.
The Picanto may be one of Kia's older models, but until the launch of the new Picanto in 2011, it remained Kia's best selling car in the UK. Launched in 2004, it helped change the way car buyers thought about the brand - and not just because it's such good value for money and cheap to run. It's genuinely a great small car that has five-doors as standard, good handling and a practical, well built cabin. It was facelifted in 2007 with a smoother look complete with rounder headlights, but the big changes came inside where the cabin was given a major overhaul and is now far better.
Of course, value for money remains a key strength and the Picanto list prices manage to undercut most other small cars, particularly when you take into account standard equipment levels. Features such as a CD stereo and electric windows are standard while all models (apart from the base version) get air conditioning. It's pretty refined too with comfortable seats and decent sound insulation - there's even a useful boot.
On the road it's safe and easy to drive, rather than entertaining, but it does at least manage to cope in all conditions. Obviously it's most at home in town and city driving, thanks to its small size and light steering, but it isn't overawed by motorways and will happily cruise along at 70mph all day long with no fuss. There are just two petrol engines available - a 1.0-litre and a 1.1-litre - both of which are economical and quiet on the move. A diesel was expected to be introduced but never arrived, however considering how frugal the petrols are it's no surprise.
If you buy new Picanto you'll also get a great seven year/100,000 mile warranty which replaced the previous three year/60,000 mile one. This not only gives good peace of mind should anything go wrong, but it can also be transferred to subsequent owners - a great selling point on the second hand market.
Reviews for Kia Picanto (2004 – 2011)'s top 3 rivals
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Kia Picanto (2004 – 2011) handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 to 1.1
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 35–55 mpg
The Picanto is designed mainly for driving in towns or cities, so the steering is light, it has a tight turning circle and good all round visibility too. It's a bit of surprise then that while the ride is good on smooth surfaces it gets unsettled by rough roads and doesn't deal particularly well with potholes - hardly ideal for a city car. That said, the steering is positive so nipping in and out of traffic is a doddle as is slotting the little Picanto into small parking spots.
It's also very capable on open roads. The skinny tyres provide decent grip and although body control isn't kept in check as some other small cars, it feels competent even when pushed hard. It's also stable at motorway speeds but wind noise can be a little intrusive. Just two engines are available in the Picanto - a 1.0-litre and a 1.1-litre - both four-cylinder petrol units that are quiet enough in everyday driving. The 1.0-litre is only available in the base-level versions and with 61bhp it's not bad and is okay if you're driving is mainly in built up areas, while average economy is 57.6mpg.
However, most Picanto models come with the 1.1-litre engine. It may not look that much more with an equally modest 64bhp (pre-facelift models had 62bhp) but it has 97Nm of torque - 10Nm more than the smaller engine and this is noticeable on the move where it feels livelier and more willing to pull in gear.
When the Picanto was facelifted in 2007 this engine was also tweaked to be more economical and it now averages 53.3mpg if you have a model with 15-inch wheels . Both engines have to be worked hard in order to get decent pace but at high revs they do lack refinement and aren't particularly pleasant to use with an overly sensitive throttle. However they are both quiet both at idle and on the move in relaxed driving.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 | 55–59 mpg | 16.4 s | 114–123 g/km |
| 1.1 | 49–59 mpg | 15.1–17.9 s | 114–137 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Kia Picanto (2004 – 2011)
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
79%
Real MPG
35–55 mpg
MPGs submitted
168
Kia Picanto (2004 – 2011) interior
- Boot space is 157–882 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3495–3535 mm |
| Width | 1595 mm |
| Height | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2370 mm |
Pre-facelifted versions of the Picanto felt well built inside, but weren't exactly stylish. However Kia did an excellent job in redesigning the interior when the Picanto was revised in 2007. It now feels more upmarket than before and while the plastics are still a little on the hard side it certainly doesn't look or feel like a budget car. The only real criticism is that the ventilation controls are placed low down.
With 157-litres of luggage space the Picanto has a useful boot but that's only half the story. It's not overly long, but it's wide and user-friendly with a low lip and wider opening so getting shopping in and out is easy. In fact, for a city car there's a surprising amount of space in the back. Legroom is good and even taller adults won't struggle with head space. The initial model line-up had five-seater and four-seater options (in the SE model) and the four seater offers better comfort with two in the back.
Facelifted models also get a new steering wheel, while the instrument dials are backlit in orange, like the newer Cee'd. The driving position is good too, so although the steering wheel can only be adjusted for height, the driver's seat has height adjustment so it's easier to get comfortable. Elements like the gear lever and handbrake also feel good quality. There's also plenty of stowage with twin cupholders and decent door pockets.
Equipment from launch (May 2004):
1.0 GS is the base model and gets five seats along with body colour bumpers, mirrors and door handles, central door locking, front electric windows, tinted glass, a JVC CD Audio with MP3 player plus remote fuel flap and tailgate releases.
1.1 LX adds remote door locking, perimeter alarm system, four electric windows and door mirrors, a leather steering wheel and gear knob, a storage tray under the passenger seat and a sunglasses holder (above the driver's door).
1.1 SE has four seats, seats and door trim with two-tone variations matching the exterior colour, alloy wheels, front fog lamps, metal grain centre fascia, rear spoiler and sill extensions.
Facelifted models (from November 2007):
Picanto is now the entry-level version and gets front electric windows, power steering, tinted glass, anti-lock
brakes with electronic brake-force distribution, two airbags, variable intermittent front wipers, 60/40 split rear seats and integrated CD audio with MP3 player. Thirteen-inch steel wheels are fitted and there are body-coloured
bumpers, mirrors, door handles and internally-adjustable door mirrors.
Picanto 2 adds a height-adjustable driver's seat, leather trim on the steering wheel and gearlever knob, tilt
adjustment of the steering column, 14-inch steel wheels, a tachometer and digital clock, full cloth colour trim,
remote central locking and an alarm. The rear headrests are height-adjustable.
Picanto 3 is the sports-luxury model in the range and has electrically-operated and heated door mirrors with integral side repeaters, an iPod connection socket, 15- inch alloy wheels, front foglights, alloy pedals and chrome-ringed instruments. There are also black bezel headlamps, chrome exterior door handles, rear electric windows, a rear spoiler, sporty side sills, air conditioning and chrome interior trim.
Kia Picanto (2004 – 2011) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 3495–3535 mm |
| Width | 1595 mm |
| Height | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2370 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 936–1032 kg |
| Boot Space | 157–882 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 10000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £5,895–£9,515 |
| Insurance Groups | 8–11 |
| Road Tax Bands | C–E |
| Official MPG | 48.7–58.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | 3 |
| Child | 4 |
| Pedestrian | 1 |
| Overall | - |
On sale until April 2011
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 5dr | £7,165 | 58.8 mpg | 16.4 s |
| 2 1.1 5dr | £8,595 | 58.8 mpg | 15.1 s |
| 2 1.1 Auto 5dr | £9,515 | 48.7 mpg | 17.9 s |
On sale until April 2010
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.1 Graphite 5dr | £8,995 | 58.8 mpg | 15.1 s |
On sale until May 2007
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.1 LS 5-seater 5dr | £6,645 | 54.3 mpg | 15.1 s |
| 1.1 LS 5-seater 5dr Auto | £6,645 | - | - |
On sale until November 2006
| Hatchback | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 1.0 GS 5-seater 5dr | £5,995 | 55.4 mpg | 16.4 s |
| 1.0 S 5dr | £5,895 | 55.4 mpg | 16.4 s |
| 1.1 LX 5-seater 5dr | £7,195 | 54.3 mpg | 15.1 s |
| 1.1 LX 5-seater 5dr Auto | £7,195 | - | - |
| 1.1 SE+ 5-seater 5dr | £7,795 | 54.3 mpg | 15.1 s |
Model History
- May 2004: Picanto launched
- July 2005: Special edition Picanto Glamour introduced
- November 2005: SE+ model introduced
- March 2006: Picanto Zapp! was launched
- May 2006: Picanto Zipp! and Zipp+ added
- November 2007: Picanto facelifted for 2008
- July 2008: Picanto Chill added to the range
- November 2009: Picanto Graphite launched
- January 2010
- July 2010: Picanto Domino special edition introduced
May 2004
Picanto launched
The Picanto was launched in the UK and is surprisingly refined for a small car.
It's only 3495 mm (11ft 6in) long x 1595mm (5 ft 3in) wide x 1480mm (4ft 10in) high while the rear seats double fold to give a flat floor.
Luggage space is 157 litres with the rear seats up or 882 litres with them folded. It's available as both a four-seater and a five-seater, with a choice of two petrol engines and manual or automatic transmission (1.1-litre only). A 1.1-litre diesel engine was meant to be introduced in 2005 but never happened.
The Picanto's fuel economy and low CO2 figures, just 118g/km on the 1.0-litre five seater and 119g/km on the 1.1-litre four-seater, mean tax is cheap The 1.0-litre belt cam has an urban cycle fuel consumption of 47.9 mpg while the 1.1-litre (also belt cam) four-seater has a combined fuel consumption of 57.6 mpg. The 1.1-litre engine generates 64 bhp at 5500 rpm and 97Nm of torque at 2800 rpm, making the Picanto one of the most powerful cars in its class. A combined fuel consumption of 57.6 mpg, and a 35-litre fuel tank, makes the Picanto capable of travelling up to 440 miles between fuel stops. The 1.0-litre engine, which is mated to a five-speed manual transmission, produces 60bhp at 5600 rpm and 86Nm of torque at 2900 rpm achieving a top speed of 93 mph.
The initial three model line-up is the 1.0 GS five-seater, 1.1 LX five-seater and the 1.1 SE four-seater. All Picanto models have body colour bumpers, mirrors and door handles, central door locking, front electric windows and tinted glass, while all except the 1.0 GS have a colour-coded grille and side mouldings. Unusually for this class of vehicle, Picanto comes with front and rear disc brakes as standard - backed up by state-of-the-art ABS anti-lock and load-sensitive EBD (electronic brake force distribution). The Picanto originally came with a three year unlimited mileage manufacturer's warranty with three years European roadside assistance.
July 2005
Special edition Picanto Glamour introduced
In conjunction with Glamour Magazine. The model features everything needed to keep the style-conscious looking and sounding glamorous - air conditioning, alloys, body coloured bumpers, sporty looking mesh grille and a MP3 compatible CD audio player.
November 2005
SE+ model introduced
With a 1.1-litre engine, leather upholstery, chrome grille and five seats. It builds on the Picanto's existing internal style by offering leather and cloth seat trim with a 60/40 split in the rear and leather steering wheel and gear knob. The SE+ shares the same high level of specification found in its sister model the LX, with air conditioning, remote central door locking, perimeter alarm, front and rear electric windows, and electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors; four speakers accompany the CD audio with MP3 player.
March 2006
Picanto Zapp! was launched
Comes in at only £300 above the entry level S model but with a specification based on the higher priced GS model. It has additional features over the S model including body coloured bumpers, front electric windows and central locking, the 1.0 litre Zapp! comes in six different colours.
May 2006
Picanto Zipp! and Zipp+ added
Both feature a panoramic electric folding canvas sunroof. The discreet Webasto full-length sunroof has two pre-programmable settings and can be retracted to any position to provide varying degrees of sunlight and warm summer breeze into the vehicle. If it gets too hot, simply close the roof using the one-touch panel and flick on the air conditioning which comes as standard on the Zipp+ model.
The 1.0-litre Zipp! comes with all the benefits of the existing Picanto GS which in addition to the unique canvas roof, also offers ABS with electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD), twin airbags and CD audio with MP3 player. For only £500 extra, customers can enjoy the 1.1-litre Zipp+ which gives the open-top specification of the Zipp! as well as extras such as a leather steering wheel, body coloured side mouldings and remote central door locking. The Zipp! is available in scarlet red and cobalt blue and in addition to these colours, the Zipp+ adds Galaxy Black and Liquid Silver.
November 2007
Picanto facelifted for 2008
The major changes all happen externally with new front and rear bumpers, new headlights, rear clusters, bonnet and wing mirrors. A sporty-looking model will be available for the first time, called the Picanto 3. The range topping model will feature a mesh grille, front fog lamps, black bezel headlamps, 15-inch alloy wheels, heated and electrically adjustable wing mirrors with integrated side repeaters, unique dials, headrests and alloy pedals. The Picanto 3 will be based on the 1.1-litre engine.
In response to customer demand, the indicator stalks are now on the left hand side of the steering wheel. A rounder nose and deeper rear bumper make the new model 40mm longer than before. This new ‘rounded’ theme is also reflected in the light clusters and newly designed grille which will be gradually introduced across the Kia range. Fresh new colours and a restyled rounded exterior create a more intimate feel which continues on the interior as well. New audio equipment and power steering also enhance Picanto's driving experience.
July 2008
Picanto Chill added to the range
Comes complete with air conditioning, remote central locking, full iPod compatibility and a choice of funky colours, including Cool Blue - exclusively available on Chill models. With only four seats this Picanto emits just 118g/km.
November 2009
Picanto Graphite launched
Special edition with an extensive specification including 14-inch alloy wheels, remote central locking, front electric windows, leather steering wheel, rear spoiler, silver centre fascia and CD audio with iPod compatibility as standard. For driver comfort, the Graphite adds driver's seat height adjust, tilt adjustable steering and air conditioning. And it comes with free metallic titanium silver paintwork.
January 2010
Kia introduced a unique seven-year warranty to all its cars including the Picanto. Previously available on Kia's European-built products such as the Cee'd and Sportage, the seven-year warranty will now apply to every vehicle in the Kia range
There is no mileage limit during the first three years, except for vehicles used as taxis where a limit of 100,000 miles applies but there is a 100,000 mile limit between years 4 and 7. Paintwork is covered for 5 years/100,000 miles, the audio is covered for 3 years/60,000 miles, batteries are covered for 2 years. Normal 'wear and tear' on items such as brake linings and clutch linings, etc, are excluded from cover while the warranty is transferable, at no cost, to subsequent owners and is valid across Europe.
July 2010
Picanto Domino special edition introduced
Available with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, with either a manual or automatic transmission. It comes in either white or optional black metallic along with body-coloured bumpers, mirrors and door handles which can be offset with an optional contrasting black or white ‘domino effect' stripes. Front fog lights complement the 14-inch wheel trims (Picanto) while additional reassurance is provided from Electronic Stability Control, which is now fitted as standard across all Picantos. Inside it gets air-conditioning, iPod connectivity, remote central locking and a leather-trimmed steering wheel and gear-knob.
What to watch out for
Reports of steering drop link failure, power steering belt pulley shearing from crankshaft and further crankshaft position sensor failures.
19-12-2011:Crankshaft pulley bolt failure problem: Crankshaft Pulley Failures Seems to affect 2004 - 2006 cars, not later than 2006.
28-08-2015:Automatic transmission failed on 2008 Picanto at 35,000 miles. After 35,000 miles, Error Code P0760. shift Solenoid Valve. Repairs have included Complete new 6 valve assembly unit plus new Electric Comb. Also tried new ECU computer system. Non have solved the problem.
06-01-2016:Spluttering engine of 2009 KIA Picanto bought used in January 2015 eventually traced to failed cylinder head gasket. No reason established apart from suggestion of a poor quality gasket.
04-08-2017:On a 58k mile 2006 KIA Picanto, "Graunching noise" seeming to come from nearside under car after being driven for about 10 minutes. Brakes and drivetrain checked by garage. Might be the waterpump starting to wear out.
08-08-2017:Report of engine sump and oil pump of 2010 KIA Picanto 1.0 becoming corroded and engine seizing at 40k miles, 3 months after a service.
16-07-2018:Report of brakes locking up on 2007 KIA Picant 1.1LS. Owner had all the brake discs and pads changed and also the driver's side front hose and calliper changed, but brakes are still locking up. Seems to happen more when the car is warm, possibly on the driver's side more (but not completely sure of this). His mechanic says he has never come across this before but suspects it may be the ABS pump. Apparently a 2-3 hour job to replace the ABS pump as it is behind the gearbox, and maybe not economically viable.
