We’ve had quite an adventurous Summer full of fun car events, and new models on review – one of which has been the new Picanto from Kia!
This city car is now in it’s third gen, so we were excited to get a closer look at it, and see what’s changed.
First things first, let’s look at the powertrain. The model we have here is the 2, and it’s powered by a 1 litre petrol engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, making it the perfect choice for navigating urban environments. It offers a balance of fuel efficiency and just enough power to zip through the city streets.
There are other trims to choose from though...
Trim and Transmission and On the Road Price:
‘2’ 1.0 Petrol Manual £15,595.00
‘2’ 1.0 Petrol Automatic £16,295.00
‘GT-Line’ 1.0 Petrol Manual £16,745.00
‘GT-Line’ 1.0 Petrol Automatic £17,445.00
‘3’ 1.0 Petrol Manual £17,545.00
‘3’ 1.0 Petrol Automatic £18,245.00
‘Shadow’ 1.2 Petrol Manual £18,045.00
‘Shadow’ 1.2 Petrol Automatic £18,745.00
‘GT-Line S’ 1.2 Petrol Manual £18,445.00
‘GT-Line S’ 1.2 Petrol Automatic £19,145.00
While it may not be the fastest car on the road, the Picanto delivers exactly what it’s designed for—smooth and reliable performance in city driving, with enough power for occasional motorway journeys.
One of the biggest selling points of the Picanto is its fuel efficiency - perfect for city commuters or anyone who values low running costs. The fuel tank capacity of 35 litres allows you to go the extra mile, and the car’s impressive 54.3 MPG rating make it a budget-friendly option for those looking to keep fuel costs low.
The Kia Picanto is known for its bold and youthful design, it’s nice to see that the new Picanto ‘2’ continues that tradition with its sharp lines, modern features, and compact proportions that make it ideal for urban driving. The exterior is enhanced with stylish touches like 14-inch alloy wheels, body-coloured bumpers, and silver window surrounds. Automatic halogen headlights with daytime running lights ensure good visibility in all conditions, while the electrically adjustable and heated door mirrors add convenience during cold winter mornings. The Picanto ‘2’ also features a rear fog light and a high-mounted brake light for added safety and visibility.
The inside is designed with simplicity and practicality in mind, yet it offers surprising comfort and convenience for its size. The black cloth seat upholstery is durable and easy to clean, while the driver's seat and front passenger seat come with manual adjustment options. Despite its compact dimensions, it can comfortably seat up to five people. The well-thought-out cabin layout provides good headroom and legroom for both the front and rear passengers. The rear seats fold in a 60:40 split, increasing the flexibility of the car’s boot space. This versatile setup makes the Picanto ideal for small shopping trips or weekend getaways where you may need a little extra room.
Key Interior Features include:
• Manual air conditioning: Perfect for keeping the cabin comfortable in all weather conditions.
• 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system: This is the heart of the car’s entertainment system, featuring Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for seamless smartphone integration.
• 4.2-inch driver display: Provides all the essential driving information in a clear and easy-to-read format.
• 4-speaker audio system: Decent sound quality for listening to music, podcasts, or radio on the go.
• Bluetooth® connectivity: Lets you make hands-free calls and stream music wirelessly.
When it comes to technology and safety, Kia has done an excellent job of equipping the Picanto with the latest innovations to ensure a safe and enjoyable drive.
Active Safety Features:
• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist: Detects potential collisions with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists, applying the brakes automatically if necessary.
• Lane Keep Assist & Lane Follow Assist: Helps you stay in your lane and alerts you if you begin to drift.
• Rear Parking Sensors & Reversing Camera: Make parking in tight city spaces easier by providing a visual and audio guide.
• Cruise Control & Speed Limiter: Ensures you stay within speed limits, particularly useful for long stretches of road.
• Hill Start Assist Control: Prevents the car from rolling backward when starting on an incline.
Driving this city car is all about ease and fun, and thanks to its compact size, light steering, and 9.4m turning circle, the Picanto is incredibly easy to manoeuvre through tight city streets and busy car parks. Its MacPherson strut front suspension and multi-link rear suspension provide a good balance between ride comfort and handling, ensuring that bumps in the road are absorbed without compromising on driving dynamics.
Though it’s not designed for high-speed performance, the 1litre engine offers more than enough power for daily commuting, while its light and nimble nature make it enjoyable to drive around town. The 5-speed manual transmission shifts smoothly, providing a satisfying and connected driving experience.
The Kia Picanto may be a small city car, but it packs a lot of punch when it comes to practicality, efficiency, and value for money. It’s designed with urban drivers in mind, offering all the modern conveniences you'd expect, without the price tag or complexity of larger cars.
Thank you all, and enjoy!
Annabelle 😊