Kia Picanto Review 2024
Kia Picanto At A Glance
Insurance Groups are between 4–5
On average it achieves 76% of the official MPG figure
True city cars are becoming something of a rarity as manufacturers move away from small models with small profit margins. Thankfully, the Kia Picanto is still here and updated for 2024, offering a great option for drivers who want a compact car. It’s more affordable than the Toyota Aygo X or its stablemate the Hyundai i10 too.
Kia has facelifted the Picanto for 2024, and while a lot has stayed the same, the most obvious difference compared to the earlier incarnation of the car is the front end. Borrowing some of the design cues of the Kia EV9, the new Picanto has a much more distinctive look. Elsewhere, Kia's opted to streamline the choice of trims, consolidate the engine range and add more features as standard, which we'll cover in our Kia Picanto review.
Cabin space is the area where the Kia Picanto really impresses. The front is more than capable of accommodating tall drivers and passengers, while the rear is roomy for more than just kids.
Boot capacity is limited, but the Kia Picanto still manages to be more spacious than key rivals such as the Toyota Aygo X, Hyundai i10 and Fiat 500.
As a compact city car, the Kia Picanto has a simple engine line-up focused on efficiency. Two engines are currently available - 62PS 1.0-litre, three-cylinder motor with a choice of five-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, or a slightly more powerful 78PS 1.2-litre, four-cylinder engine that only available on the high-end GT-Line S.
Although these engines may not be quick, official combined fuel economy figures are 54.3mpg and 51.4mpg respectively.
Adding to the Kia Picanto’s overall level of enjoyment is its agile handling. The steering is light and precise, making it easy to thread through city streets. The pay-off is a firmer ride quality than other city cars, but it will be comfortable enough for most drivers.
For 2024 Kia has reduced its range of trim levels, with the range starting at mid-tier 2 specification. The basic 1 specification has been dropped from the range. Choosing GT-Line spec brings sportier styling to the Kia Picanto.
Standard equipment levels throughout the Kia Picanto range are good, with even the basic 2 model benefiting from an 8.0-inch touchscreen, daytime running lights, rear parking sensors, rear camera, steering wheel-mounted controls and Bluetooth audio streaming.
Even if the market for city cars may be shrinking, the Kia Picanto remains a great example of why they can be so effective. Fun to drive, spacious, ideal as a new driver’s car, and still backed by a seven-year warranty, the Kia Picanto is a top choice.
Fancy a second opinion? Read heycar’s Kia Picanto review.
Kia Picanto handling and engines
- Engines range from 1.0 62 AMT to 1.25 X-Line
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 27–56 mpg
Kia Picanto 2024: Handling and ride quality
The Kia Picanto doesn’t weigh a great deal compared to most cars and as a result, it is easy and fun to drive whatever trim level is chosen.
Its low weight makes it genuinely agile and nimble around town, with pleasingly precise steering.
Even away from the urban environment, the Kia Picanto manages to be enjoyable, whizzing along country roads despite the limited horsepower on offer.
This engaging handling is partly enabled by a firmer ride than you’ll find on most other city cars.
You are more aware of more bumps in the road, but never to the point of being uncomfortable. Even models with larger 16-inch alloy wheels remain compliant, but the tautness is more noticeable.
Kia Picanto 2024: Engines
The Kia Picanto range is served by a 1.0-litre naturally aspirated three-cylinder engine. Producing 62PS and 93Nm of torque, this will be sufficient for urban driving needs.
A 0-62mph time of 15.4 seconds with the standard five-speed manual gearbox is on par with the Kia Picanto’s city car rivals. A five-speed automated manual gearbox can be combined with the 1.0-litre engine on certain trim levels. It changes gear slowly, and without much refinement, making it difficult to recommend.
Opting for the automatic also sees the 0-62mph time increase to 18.2 seconds - a time quite at odds with the GT-Line styling that the engine is available with.
The GT-Line S is available with a more powerful 78PS 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine, but while it's a bit smoother at higher speeds, it's not quite a match for the 100PS 1.0-litre T-GDi turbo engine that was available before the 2024 facelift.
Kia Picanto 2024: Safety
The third-generation Kia Picanto was assessed by the Euro NCAP safety organisation when it was first launched in 2017.
It was awarded three stars in standard form, but upgraded to four stars with the optional safety pack. The latter included autonomous emergency braking, which is now fitted to all models as standard.
It means you can consider the updated Kia Picanto to be a four-star car, albeit one tested under an older Euro NCAP protocol.
All versions of the Kia Picanto come with multiple airbags, forward collision avoidance assist and electronic stability control.
Kia Picanto 2024: Towing
Due to the diminutive size of the Kia Picanto, the car has not been rated for towing trailers of any size. One of Kia’s larger hatchback or SUV offerings will be more suitable if towing is on your agenda.
Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
---|---|---|---|
1.0 | 57–64 mpg | 14.1 s | 101–122 g/km |
1.0 62 | - | - | 111–122 g/km |
1.0 62 AMT | - | - | 114–123 g/km |
1.0 Automatic | - | 16.6 s | 118–123 g/km |
1.0 T-GDi | 55 mpg | 9.9 s | 117–123 g/km |
1.2 77 | - | - | 125 g/km |
1.2 77 AMT | - | - | 129 g/km |
1.25 | 45–54 mpg | - | 106–137 g/km |
1.25 Automatic | 48 mpg | - | 124 g/km |
1.25 Automatic X-Line | 47 mpg | - | 124 g/km |
1.25 X-Line | 54 mpg | - | 106 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Kia Picanto
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
76%
Real MPG
27–56 mpg
MPGs submitted
173
Kia Picanto interior
- Boot space is 255–1010 litres
- Euro NCAP rating of three stars
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 3595–3670 mm |
Width | 1595–1880 mm |
Height | 1485–1500 mm |
Wheelbase | 2400 mm |
Kia Picanto 2024: Practicality
Although the Kia Picanto measures just 3595mm in length, it manages to squeeze in a surprising amount of space.
In the front, the Kia Picanto is more than accommodating for two adults. There is enough leg and headroom to get comfortable, even if it can’t quite compare with small hatchbacks from the next class up. Kia has not forgotten about storage either, with various cupholders and cubbies to keep hold of important items.
In the rear of the Kia Picanto, space is more limited, but not to the point that adults won’t fit. Legroom will feel tight if there are taller passengers up front, but headroom is never an issue.
Due to the limited size of the Kia Picanto, and its generous passenger space, boot capacity is modest but competitive. With the rear seats in place, the Kia Picanto can accommodate 255 litres of luggage. This is similar to the Volkswagen Up and Hyundai i10, and more than the Toyota Aygo X.
Folding the rear seats down, with a standard 60:40 split, boosts luggage space to 1,010 litres.
Kia Picanto 2024: Quality and finish
The Kia Picanto may be built to a price, but that has not resulted in an interior that looks and feels completely bargain basement. In fact, there are some neat touches that make the cabin appear more expensive than it actually is.
Although there are not many soft-touch plastics, the materials used feel solid and seemingly built to last. Fancier trim levels bring extra hints of colour to brighten the interior, with the top-spec GT-Line models benefiting from faux leather upholstery.
Kia Picanto 2024: Infotainment
For 2024 and Kia has standardised a lot of the infotainment kit that comes with the Picanto. This means that all cars from the entry-level Picanto 2 and up benefit from an eight-inch central touchscreen. This brings Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity to the party, along with a reversing camera display (and parking sensors). It is quick and easy to use, unlike the frustrating systems found in rival city cars.
Navigation is also now standard (something that was only available on Picanto 3 trim cars and above previously), as well as seven years of Kia Connect online services and a four speaker stereo system.
All versions of the Kia Picanto have a 4.2-inch monochrome Supervision Cluster Display, mounted between the conventional instrument gauges. This provides information on fuel economy and the car status as required.
If you're looking at a used entry-level Kia Picanto 1, you can expect a tiny 3.8-inch monochrome display instead of the larger eight-inch screen. This includes Bluetooth connectivity and a USB input, but it works with just two speakers.
Kia Picanto value for money
Kia Picanto 2024: Prices
With the basic Kia Picanto 1 no longer available as a new option, the most affordable Picanto is the Picanto 2 that starts at £15,595. That's only £35 less than the Hyundai i10 in entry-level Advance trim that has a few more little luxuries.
At the top of the scale, the Kia Picanto GT-Line S is just shy of £18,500 at the time of writing. Again, a little less than a Hyundai i10 N Line, but the later enjoys a more powerful 90PS engine compared to the Picanto GT-Line S.
Kia Picanto 2024: Running Costs
City cars are typically bought with budget motoring in mind, and the Kia Picanto should satisfy those who need to stretch each pound.
The naturally aspirated 1.0-litre petrol engine hardly majors on horsepower, but it can deliver when it comes to fuel economy.
Versions equipped with the five-speed manual gearbox can officially average up to 54.3mpg in entry-level 2 trim. Picking the five-speed automated manual transmission has no impact on fuel economy officially.
How realistic are the official fuel consumption figures? Be sure to read our Real MPG submissions for the Kia Picanto, with feedback from owners who actually run these cars.
Insuring a Kia Picanto should also be gentle on your bank account. The range goes from groups 1 to 5, although oddly the most basic 1 version is the model that sits in the highest insurance bracket.
As with other Kia models, the Kia Picanto comes with one of the best warranties offered by any car manufacturer. The famous seven-year or 100,000-mile package is comprehensive, and gives substantial peace of mind to those buying a Kia Picanto for the longer term.
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Help us with the Honest John Satisfaction Index nowKia Picanto models and specs
For such a small car, the Kia Picanto model range is extensive, helping buyers find a balance between price and comfort. However, Kia has simplified the range for the 2024 facelift, whittling it down to four trims.
The entry-level model in the range is now the Kia Picanto 2, and is pretty comprehensively spec'd. You get 14-inch alloy wheels, manual air-conditioning, electric front and rear windows, electrically adjustable side mirrors and premium black cloth upholstery for the seats. There's now a 8-inch touchscreen as standard, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a 4.2-inch digital drivers display. There's also a four-speaker stereo, rear parking sensors and reversing camera system, while the steering wheel and gear lever are wrapped in leather.
The Kia Picanto GT-Line is next in the price range. On the outside, GT-Line brings 16-inch alloy wheels, bespoke GT-Line bumpers, privacy glass, LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights and projection headlights. Inside and highlights include black and grey artificial leather upholstery and an extra USB charging port in the rear.
Although the Kia Picanto 3 does without the sporty styling, it benefits from much of the GT-Line’s extra equipment. It also comes with climate control air-con, chrome exterior door handles, rear parking sensors and cruise control. On top of this there is also the added luxury of heated seats, a heated steering wheel and a wireless mobile phone charger.
Sitting at the top of the range is the Kia Picanto GT-Line S, though it's no longer powered by the 1.0 T-GDi engine. Instead its the only trim on the current range that's available with the 77PS 1.2-litre petrol engine, and while it's borrowed the same sporty bodykit as the GT-Line, it also gets a snazzy sunroof as well.
If you're looking to buy used, the Kia Picanto 1 is the starting point for the line-up. It is basic, with 14-inch steel wheels, black cloth upholstery and a two-speaker audio system linked to a 3.8-inch monochrome radio. However, there is still Bluetooth audio streaming, automatic headlight control, remote central locking and front electric windows.
Then there's the SUV-inspired Kia Picanto X-Line S, which can be identified by its bespoke front and rear bumpers, bringing an off-road style to the compact city car. On the inside, the faux leather seats are heated, as is the steering wheel, while there is also wireless smartphone charging.
Dimensions | |
---|---|
Length | 3595–3670 mm |
Width | 1595–1880 mm |
Height | 1485–1500 mm |
Wheelbase | 2400 mm |
Miscellaneous | |
---|---|
Kerb Weight | 899–1058 kg |
Boot Space | 255–1010 L |
Warranty | 3 years / Unlimited miles |
Servicing | 10000 miles |
Costs | |
---|---|
List Price | £11,235–£15,685 |
Insurance Groups | 4–5 |
Road Tax Bands | B–E |
Official MPG | 44.8–64.2 mpg |
Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
---|---|
Adult | - |
Child | - |
Pedestrian | - |
Overall | 3 |
Currently on sale
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
2 DPi 62 AMT Auto ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
2 DPi 62 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
3 DPi 62 AMT Auto ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
3 DPi 62 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
GT-Line DPi 62 AMT Auto ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
GT-Line DPi 62 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
GT-Line S DPi 77 AMT Auto ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
GT-Line S DPi 77 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | - |
On sale until July 2024
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1 DPi 66 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | £11,235 | - | 14.1 s |
2 DPi 66 AMT Auto ISG Start/Stop 5dr | £14,855 | - | 16.6 s |
2 DPi 66 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | £12,735 | - | 14.1 s |
3 DPi 66 AMT Auto ISG Start/Stop 5dr | £14,635 | - | 16.6 s |
3 DPi 66 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | £15,685 | - | 14.1 s |
GT-Line DPi 66 AMT Auto ISG Start/Stop 5dr | £13,835 | - | 16.6 s |
GT-Line DPi 66 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | £13,165 | - | 14.1 s |
GT-Line S T-GDi 99 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | £15,565 | - | 9.9 s |
GT-Line T-GDi 99 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | £14,165 | - | 9.9 s |
On sale until April 2023
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
X-Line DPi 66 AMT Auto ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 16.6 s |
X-Line DPi 66 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 14.1 s |
X-Line S DPi 66 AMT Auto ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 16.6 s |
X-Line S DPi 66 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 14.1 s |
On sale until January 2023
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
Shadow DPi 66 ISG Start/Stop 5dr | - | - | 14.1 s |
On sale until December 2020
Hatchback | |||
---|---|---|---|
Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
1.0 66 Titanium Edition 5speed 5dr | - | 56.5 mpg | - |
1.0 66 Zest 5speed 4 Seats 5dr | - | - | - |
1.0 66bhp 1 5speed 5dr | - | 59.5 mpg | - |
1.0 66bhp 2 5speed 5dr | - | 56.5 mpg | - |
1.0 66bhp Gt-Line 5speed 5dr | £11,950 | 64.2 mpg | - |
1.0 66bhp Wave 5speed 5dr | - | 56.5 mpg | - |
1.0 T-GDi 99 Gt-Line 5speed 5dr | - | 55.4 mpg | - |
1.0 T-GDi Gt-Line S 5speed 5dr | - | 55.4 mpg | - |
1.25 83 Titanium Edition 4speed Auto 5dr | - | 44.8 mpg | - |
1.25 83 X-Line S 4speed Auto 5dr | - | 47.9 mpg | - |
1.25 83bhp 2 4speed Auto 5dr | - | 44.8 mpg | - |
1.25 83bhp 2 4speed Auto 5dr | £12,245 | 47.9 mpg | - |
1.25 83bhp 2 5speed 5dr | - | 54.3 mpg | - |
1.25 83bhp 3 4speed Auto 5dr | - | 47.9 mpg | - |
1.25 83bhp 3 5speed 5dr | - | 54.3 mpg | - |
1.25 83bhp Gt-Line 5speed 5dr | - | 54.3 mpg | - |
1.25 83bhp Gt-Line S 5speed 5dr | - | 54.3 mpg | - |
1.25 83bhp X-Line 4speed Auto 5dr | - | 47.1 mpg | - |
1.25 83bhp X-Line 5speed 5dr | - | 54.3 mpg | - |
1.25 83bhp X-Line S 5speed 5dr | - | 54.3 mpg | - |
Model History
- April 2017: Kia Picanto goes on sale
- February 2018: Kia Picanto X-Line goes on sale
- July 2018: Picanto 1.0 T-GDi launched
- January 2019: Picanto Wave special edition revealed
- October 2019: Updates for 2020 Kia Picanto
- January 2020: Kia Picanto Zest special edition announced
- October 2020: Updated Kia Picanto priced from £10,745
- December 2021: Kia Picanto Shadow special edition announced
- May 2024: Facelifted Kia Picanto goes on sale
- June 2024: Kia Picanto Shadow special edition announced, priced from £18,045
April 2017
Kia Picanto goes on sale
The new Kia Picanto goes on sale in the UK with prices as follows.
Picanto ‘1’ 69HP 5-speed manual £9,450
Picanto ‘2’ 69HP 5-speed manual £10,750
Picanto ‘2’ 85HP 5-speed manual £11,250
Picanto ‘2’ 85HP 4-speed torque converter auto £11,900
Picanto ‘GT-Line’ 66HP 5-speed manual £11,950
Picanto ‘GT-Line’ 83HP 5-speed manual £12,450
Picanto ‘3’ 85HP 5-speed manual £12,650
Picanto ‘3’ 85HP 4-speed torque converter auto £13,300
Picanto ‘GT-Line S’ 85HP 5-speed manual £13,950
February 2018
Kia Picanto X-Line goes on sale
Kia Picanto X-Line now in UK with Picanto X-Line 1.25 priced at £12,595 on the road.
The Picanto X-Line is powered by Kia’s three-cylinder 1.0-litre T-GDI engine. Previously only available in the Cee’d model family and Rio, the lightweight, compact new engine is available with a Picanto variant for the first time.
The 1.0-litre T-GDI engine produces 100PS and 172Nm torque. The new 1.0-litre T-GDi engine is also being introduced to the sports-inspired Picanto GT-Line, with identical performance and power and torque outputs.
July 2018
Picanto 1.0 T-GDi launched
The new engine develops 99bhp and 171Nm of torque, making it the most powerful Picanto ever. It can accelerate to 60mph in just 9.8 seconds before reaching a top speed of 112mph.
The latest engine to join the Picanto range is available exclusively in ‘GT-Line’ and ‘GT-Line S’ grades and further broadens the appeal of Kia’s city car. Larger sports bumpers and red highlights within the upper grille, side air intakes and side sills deliver a sporting edge, with the dynamic look completed by a rear diffuser, twin exhaust tailpipes and 16-inch alloy wheels with 195/45 R16 tyres.
Bi-function projection headlights deliver a racier look, alongside LED daytime running lights at the front and LED lamps at the rear. Inside, the sporty appearance continues with black and red faux leather upholstery, stainless-steel pedals and satin chrome interior door handles.
‘GT-Line S’ models also feature an electric sunroof, heated front seats and steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, a smart key with engine start/stop button and cruise control with speed limiter, while satellite navigation, Kia Connected Services with TomTom and a wireless mobile phone charger are also standard.
Prices start at £13,320 for the ‘GT-Line’ model, with the 'GT-Line S’ version costing £14,720. The new powerplant already exceeds the latest Euro 6d TEMP emissions regulations, with CO 2 emissions of 117g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of 55.4mpg.
The T-GDi engine accelerates the Picanto from standstill to 60mph in 9.8 seconds on the way to a top speed of 112mph. The new engine exceeds the latest Euro 6d TEMP emissions regulations, with CO2 emissions of 117g/km and a combined fuel economy figure of 55.4mpg.
January 2019
Picanto Wave special edition revealed
Said to be inspired by sunny beaches and blue skies, a new Picanto special edition is now on sale called the Picanto Wave.
Powered by the 1.0-litre petrol engine, the Picanto Wave is finished in Celestial Blue premium paintwork with blue Denim-style cloth and faux leather upholstery.
Standard equipment includes 15-inch alloy wheels, air conditioning, front and rear electric windows, privacy glass for the rear windows and tailgate, a reversing camera system with dynamic guidelines, a six-speaker audio system with 7.0-inch touchscreen display with RDS and DAB radio, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto with voice control and a wireless mobile phone charger.
In addition, there are white accents to the lower centre console trim, air vents and door armrest, together with satin chrome interior door handles and a centre console that features a storage box and sliding armrest.
The Picanto Wave costs £11,895.
October 2019
Updates for 2020 Kia Picanto
The Picanto now features Integrated Stop & Go (ISG) on all vehicles equipped with a manual gearbox. At the same time, the Picanto 1.0-litre now features four-seats, in place of the previous five-seat arrangement, and the entry-level model gets a style upgrade with a new design of wheel trims for the ‘1’ grade.
January 2020
Kia Picanto Zest special edition announced
Priced from £12,650 and features bold Lime Light premium metallic paint as standard. Power comes from the entry-level 67PS 1.0-litre petrol engine combined with a five-speed manual gearbox.
Further standard kit includes 15-inch alloy wheels, grey faux-leather seats and a reversing camera. LED daytime running lights and rear lights are also included, as is rear privacy glass. The inside features black high-gloss trim and a seven-inch touchscreen display with Android Auto and Apple CarPlay.
October 2020
Updated Kia Picanto priced from £10,745
High-end GT-Line and X-Line models get a textured grille and red or black highlights to help them stand out from the range's lower reaches.
Revised rear LEDs complete the look, you can choose from eight paint finishes and alloy wheels 14-16 inches in size.
Inside, ’3’ models and upwards get a larger infotainment screen – up from seven to eight inches – and it can connect wirelessly to two phones, not one as before.
Engines have also been improved. The Picanto's offered with two petrols – a 99PS 1.0-litre with a turbocharger or a 66PS 1.0-litre without. All but basic ‘1’ models have a five-speed manual gearbox that can be swapped for a five-speed automated manual.
Safety has also been boosted with ‘2’ models and upwards coming with an automatic emergency braking system that can detect people as well as cars. All models get seven-airbags including an airbag for your knees.
The new range is priced from £10,745 for a 66PS Picanto ‘1’ rising to £15,795 for a top-of-the-range 99PS GT-Line S model.
December 2021
Kia Picanto Shadow special edition announced
Kia UK has revealed the Kia Picanto Shadow, a special edition model now available to order from Kia dealers and priced from £13,845 on-the-road.
For £895 more than the equivalent ‘2’ model, the Kia Picanto Shadow features 15-inch alloy wheels (up from 14-inch alloys), privacy glass, LED daytime running lights and bi-function projection headlamps, rear LED lights and front fog lamps. The body is also finished in premium Astro Grey metallic paint.
Inside, the Shadow features a six-speaker audio system, 8.0-inch touchscreen display with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a centre console storage box with sliding armrest, and a reversing camera system with dynamic guidelines. Furthermore, the black cloth upholstery from the ‘2’ is replaced with exclusive new black faux leather upholstery with light grey stitching.
The Picanto Shadow is powered by Kia’s popular 1.0-litre DPi (Dual-Port injection) petrol engine, producing 66bhp and paired with a five-speed manual transmission.
May 2024
Facelifted Kia Picanto goes on sale
Kia Picanto given mid-life facelift with prices starting at £15,595 on the road. Available to order with deliveries from July 2024.
Simple, four-tier line-up: ‘2’, ‘GT-Line’, ‘3’ and ‘GT-Line S’
The updated model features new vertical headlights and a lightbar leading into the front air intakes.
Inside, the Picanto offers Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, an 8-inch touchscreen navigation and multiple USB charging ports, all of which are standard on every variant.
The Kia Picanto comes with a choice of two engines: a three-cylinder 1.0-litre (62bhp) or four-cylinder 1.2-litre (77bhp) petrol engine, both offering efficient and capable motoring with lower emissions than before.
Both engines drive the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission (5MT) as standard. An optional five-speed automated manual transmission (AMT) is also available on all versions: a manual transmission with clutch and gear shift actuators to automate their respective functions.
In the UK, the 1.0-litre engine is available on the ‘2’, ‘GT-Line’ and ‘3’ grade variants. The 1.2-litre engine is available exclusively on ‘GT-Line S’ models.
June 2024
Kia Picanto Shadow special edition announced, priced from £18,045
Kia has announced a Shadow special edition of the Picanto. Shadow models are based on the Picanto 3 model, but add more features, exclusive interior colours and premium paint as standard.
The Kia Picanto celebrates its 20th anniversary in the UK in 2024. The Picanto Shadow costs £500 more than the ‘3’ model upon which it’s based, but gives buyers the choice of Adventurous Green, Astro Grey or Midnight Black paint, and an Adventurous Green interior.
Prices for the Picanto Shadow start at £18,045 for the manual model or £18,745 for the automatic version.
What to watch out for
Report of poor response to accelerator pedal in new Kia Picanto S Line 1.25 at between 3,000-4,000rpm. No problem with cruise control bringing car up to speed, but very sluggish using the pedal. There is probably something wrong with the 'potentiometer' accelerator switch. The car has a 'drive by wire system' that makes an electrical connection between the accelerator pedal and the throttle body.
06-10-2019:Various complaints about 2017/67 KIA Picanto. Throttle control potentiometer replaced at first service. C lutch judder, worse in wet, cold weather, reversing uphill into a parking slot. Dealer has tested and does not acknowledge. Screen washers blocked. Dealer’s stance was that was owner's way of using the washers and/or wrong additive that was causing blockage. They cleared it, refilled with their “Car Plan Orange”, sold owner a bottle and fitted more generous nozzles.
08-11-2019:Complaint of clutch judder first thing in the morning in 2018 KIA Picanto X-Line 1.25. Goes away after 5 minutes driving.
01-01-2020:Rattle in front passenger area of new KIA Picanto 1 found to come from loose unused wiring connection block banging against a body part. Easily fixed by straightening and moving the wiring and block.
06-01-2020:Another rattle reported behind the dash of a 2019 Hyundai i10, probably for the same reason as the KIA Picanto (above).
08-02-2021:Kia Picanto reported to have had both front suspension springs replaced under warranty.