The Kia Picanto is the most cost effective new automotive you should buy in Australia proper now.
Be aware: This text is predicated on our most up-to-date assessment of the Kia Picanto, as there have been no main adjustments to pricing or specification since its publication.
We’ve got up to date key particulars similar to pricing and specs with the freshest data obtainable.Learn our newest worth and specs article right here for all the small print.
The pint-size micro-car briefly misplaced the title to the previous-generation MG 3, however the brand new MG 3 is lots pricier, handing the mantle of Australia’s most cost-effective new mannequin again to the Kia.
Because the entry level into the Korean model’s lineup, the Picanto packs in heaps of latest and fascinating options regardless of its low asking worth, going heavy on the kind of lively security tech the MG lacks.
The Picanto retains each guide and computerized transmission choices, in addition to a two-variant vary construction to supply extra selection than most fashions at this finish of the market. Right here we’re trialing the most cost effective one – is it the choose?
How a lot does the Kia Picanto value?
Right here now we have probably the most inexpensive Picanto on sale – the Kia Picanto Sport – which begins from $18,390 earlier than on-road prices with a five-speed guide transmission, as examined.
| Mannequin | Value earlier than on-road prices |
|---|---|
| Kia Picanto Sport 5MT | $18,390 |
| Kia Picanto Sport 4AT | $19,990 |
| Kia Picanto GT-Line 5MT | $20,190 |
| Kia Picanto GT-Line 4AT | $21,790 |
To see how the Kia Picanto strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s the Kia Picanto like on the within?
Modifications within the cabin are rather less dramatic than the outside, however there are fairly a number of upgrades right here.
The basics are the identical however there are small adjustments like a brand new LCD instrument cluster that’s extra neatly built-in into the binnacle than the previous analogue dials, and the seat cloth has been up to date.
Smaller particulars embrace the inclusion of USB-C cost ports, in addition to further buttons on the steering wheel and to the proper of the driving force’s knee for relevant security methods which were added with this replace.
Oh, and the steering wheel is now trimmed in ‘premium’ leatherette as normal, as is the gear shifter.
There’s undoubtedly a extra upmarket vibe to varied factors of contact and interplay, in addition to the extra fulsome tech suite that additionally helps justify worth rises over earlier iterations of the Picanto.
It’s all nonetheless fairly primary and austere, however it’s purposeful and engaging sufficient given the worth level.
The freestanding 8.0-inch touchscreen presents wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which really works correctly now in comparison with older iterations, and the guide air-con is surprisingly highly effective as I came upon on a sizzling summer season day.
Storage is nice because of a dual-tier shelf underneath the dashboard, augmented by 12V, USB-A and USB-C ports, in addition to adjustable cupholders and an open tray within the centre console.
Every little thing can also be ergonomically positioned and positioned, with the centre stack angled barely in the direction of the driving force and all the things effectively inside arm’s attain – simply don’t go in search of tender plastics, as a result of there are none.
The again seat continues to shock, given you possibly can really match actual individuals there regardless of the Picanto’s tiny dimensions.
I managed to suit two of my buddies within the rear with minimal complaints. The Picanto’s tall and boxy proportions imply even somebody my top (6’1″) can snugly match – an extended street journey is perhaps pushing it with common use although.
Being a price range city-car, there aren’t an entire lot of again seat facilities right here. You get the requisite ISOFIX baby seat anchors on the outboard seats in addition to top-tethers throughout all three, however there are not any air vents or folding centre armrest.
In equity, that’s to be anticipated of a automobile on this phase, however price calling out if you happen to’re planning to make use of the second row considerably typically.
Behind these rear seats there’s 255 litres of cargo capability, which might be expanded to 1010 litres with the rear seats folded. That’s greater than a Mazda 2 Hatch (250L), which is spectacular given the Picanto’s smaller measurement.
There’s a fairly large step up from the boot ground to the seat backs, although. All variations of the Kia Picanto function a brief space-saver spare wheel.
| Dimensions | Kia Picanto Sport |
|---|---|
| Size | 3595mm |
| Width | 1595mm |
| Top | 1485mm |
| Wheelbase | 2400mm |
| Cargo capability | 255-1010L |
To see how the Kia Picanto strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What’s underneath the bonnet?
The complete Picanto vary is fitted with a 1.25-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.
| Mannequin | Kia Picanto |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.25L 4cyl petrol |
| Energy | 62kW at 6000rpm |
| Torque | 122Nm at 4000rpm |
| Transmission | 5-speed guide |
| Pushed Wheels | Entrance-wheel drive |
| Weight | 976kg – tare |
| Gas financial system (claimed) | 5.4L/100km |
| Gas financial system (as examined) | 6.0L/100km |
| Gas tankcapability | 35 litres |
| Gas requirement | 91 octane unleaded |
| CO2 emissions | Euro 5 |
To see how the Kia Picanto strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
How does the Kia Picanto drive?
The majority of Picanto consumers go for the dearer four-speed auto, so it’s nice that Kia Australia has stored the five-speed guide on sale.
Why? Nicely, for starters manuals have gotten tougher and tougher to seek out lately and, for lots of youthful motorists shopping for their first automotive, this may very well be a good way to get into an inexpensive new automotive and in addition apply ‘driving stick’.
It additionally offers you extra management and an added ratio for the beautiful primary and meek 1.25-litre petrol engine.
With simply 62kW of energy and 122Nm of torque on faucet, this little Kia is not any pocket rocket – particularly when peak torque doesn’t come on-line till 4000rpm. Nonetheless, this mini-car solely weighs 976kg, so you will get it shifting if that you must push it.
I haven’t pushed an atmo guide for some time, so like me you may discover it’s a must to row by way of the gears lots to maintain the Picanto on the boil. It’s extra involving and helps you actually get in contact with what the automotive’s doing, however it can be fairly tiresome in stop-start metropolis visitors.
The Picanto has a really gentle clutch and an nearly wobbly shift motion, which early on is perhaps slightly jarring, however you quickly be taught to embrace the attraction that comes with driving this little unit round city.
It revs out willingly and is pretty responsive, however I’d ignore the shift indicator within the cluster as a result of it encourages you to vary gears at round 2000rpm, which is rarely going to work in hilly situations. Take into account you don’t get peak torque till 4000rpm and peak energy till 6000rpm.
Whereas the brand new ‘primary’ digital instrumentation appears neat within the driver’s binnacle, I really feel it is a step backwards for the guide because it’s tough at instances to gauge what number of revs you have got on board on take-off and the way rapidly the tacho is rising on the clock radio-style show.
Additional, the imprecise clutch and shift actions can imply it’s very simple to over-rev the Picanto on takeoff and between gearshifts. Having hill begin help undoubtedly helps when setting off on an incline.
It handles effectively too. That chunky leatherette-trimmed steering wheel and correct steering calibration make this fairly a enjoyable little factor to punt round metropolis streets.
It rides fairly effectively besides, erring on the firmer aspect however doing a superb job of balancing consolation and dynamics. The Sport’s little 14-inch alloys and 175/65 tyres add a bit extra cushioning than the GT-Line’s 195/45 R16s as effectively.
The Picanto can also be surprisingly settled on the freeway for such slightly automotive, helped by Kia Australia’s native tuning of the suspension and steering, maybe in addition to the actual fact the Picanto is bought in markets like Europe.
Whereas it takes a heavy foot to get wherever rapidly, you don’t really feel such as you’re in some harmful little buzzbox that’ll get blown away by passing buses and vans. It’s surprisingly sure-footed and assured at 100 clicks.
Additional, the five-speed guide’s lengthy last ratio means it’s not spinning away at effectively above 3000rpm like it’s within the four-speed auto. It simply feels prefer it has longer legs in these situations.
Not like the MG 3, which lacks any type of trendy lively security tech for now, the Picanto has a slew of contemporary help options that ought to not solely aid you on the street but in addition give mother and father peace of thoughts when their teen got down to drive on this huge scary world.
AEB, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic help in addition to lane preserve help all actively intervene to keep away from collisions or drifting out of 1’s lane.
You even have Lane Following Help, which can actively preserve you centred in your lane, and it does so in an unthreatening manner.
There’s additionally auto high-beam for the usual projector-type halogen headlights. Sadly, LED items are reserved for the GT-Line flagship. I can forgive this within the Picanto, however maybe not fashions larger up in Kia’s vary.
Be aware that Kia doesn’t provide the Picanto with a extra refined AEB system incorporating pedestrian and bicycle owner detection – nor adaptive cruise management – regardless of it being obtainable within the Korean home market. In all probability nitpicking for this specific variant.
To see how the Kia Picanto strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
What do you get?
The Kia Picanto is offered in two trim ranges – on take a look at right here is the bottom Sport.
2025 Kia Picanto Sport tools highlights:
- 14-inch alloy wheels
- House-saver spare
- Computerized halogen headlights
- Computerized high-beam
- Halogen daytime working lights
- Energy-folding exterior mirrors
- 4.2-inch instrument cluster display screen
- 8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system
- Wi-fi Apple CarPlay
- Wi-fi and wired Android Auto
- 4-speaker sound system
- Air-conditioning
- Fabric upholstery
- 6-way guide driver’s seat with top adjustment (NEW)
- Top-adjustable headrests
- 60:40 break up/fold rear seats
- Leatherette-wrapped steering wheel and shifter
- 1 x entrance USB-A outlet
- 1 x entrance USB-C outlet
Picanto GT-Line provides:
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Reflector LED headlights
- LED daytime working lights
- LED entrance gentle bar
- LED rear mixture gentle
- Gloss black grille, badging
- Chrome beltline trim
- Heated exterior mirrors
- ‘Premium’ upholstery
- Delicate-touch centre armrest
- Top-adjustable entrance seats
- Alloy pedals
- ‘D-Lower’ steering wheel
- Gloss black inside trim
- 1 x USB-C port (behind centre console)
To see how the Kia Picanto strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
Is the Kia Picanto secure?
The Kia Picanto now not has an ANCAP security score, as its four-star score from 2017 expired originally of final 12 months.
Customary security tools contains:
- Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
- Blind-spot help
- Driver consideration warning
- Ahead collision warning
- Excessive Beam Help
- Lane Comply with Help
- Lane preserve help
- Main automobile departure alert
- Rear cross-traffic help
- Rear occupant alert
- Reversing digicam
- Rear parking sensors
- Secure exit warning
To see how the Kia Picanto strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
How a lot does the Kia Picanto value to run?
The Picanto is backed by Kia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee.
| Servicing and Guarantee | Kia Picanto |
|---|---|
| Guarantee | 7 years, limitless kilometres |
| Roadside help | As much as 8 years |
| Service intervals | 12 months or 15,000 kilometres |
| Capped-price servicing | 7 years |
| Common annual service value | $439.57 |
| Complete capped-price service value | $3077 |
Just like the Korean model’s wider lineup, Kia presents seven years of roadside help and capped-price servicing for Picanto consumers, and upkeep is required each 12 months or 15,000km.
To see how the Kia Picanto strains up in opposition to the competitors, try our comparability device
CarExpert’s Tackle the Kia Picanto
Australians love to purchase the most important and costliest variations of most fashions, however for these extra pragmatic consumers that take the “proper measurement, proper measurement” method, the bottom Picanto has lots to supply.
For simply over $20,000 drive-away you have got all of the bases coated by way of driver help and infotainment applied sciences, in addition to a fairly economical and uncomplicated drivetrain that’s low cost to run.
Based mostly on my real-world expertise, you need to be capable of obtain over 550km between fills of the tiny 35-litre tank, which with 91-octane unleaded will make this one of many most cost-effective and best methods to get round.
Props to Kia for decking out the Picanto with lively security options like blind-spot and rear cross-traffic assists, in addition to lively lane centring.
Whereas some could argue “you shouldn’t have your license if you happen to want these items”, it’s an excellent security web that the younger, previous and everybody in between will respect in the event that they ever want it.
You actually don’t want to spend up for the GT-Line both, until it’s essential to have the extra premium aesthetics and LED lighting, as a result of the basics of this new Picanto Sport are greater than stable sufficient for the coin.
Apart from, if you happen to’re out there for correctly price range motoring, there’s little else to select from lately until you purchase used.
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