Kia Picanto
Used Car Review

Overview

Looking for a small car that’s big on character? The Kia Picanto might just be the perfect fit for your needs. This compact city car delivers surprising personality and practicality in a package that’s easy on your wallet and even easier to park. It’s designed for urban drivers who want something reliable, efficient, and surprisingly fun to drive without breaking the bank.

The Picanto stands out in the crowded small car market with its distinctive styling and well thought out interior. Unlike some rivals like the Ford Fiesta or Volkswagen Polo, the Picanto focuses on being genuinely affordable while still offering modern features and build quality. The cabin feels more spacious than you’d expect, and Kia’s generous warranty gives you peace of mind that many competitors simply can’t match.

Behind the wheel, the Picanto reveals its true strength as a city car that doesn’t compromise on longer journeys. The steering is light and responsive, making urban driving effortless, while the ride quality remains comfortable enough for weekend trips. It’s a car that proves small doesn’t have to mean boring, offering an engaging driving experience that makes even mundane trips feel more enjoyable. For drivers seeking an honest, dependable small car that won’t cost the earth to buy or run, the Picanto ticks all the right boxes.

What's the Kia Picanto Like to Drive?

The Kia Picanto keeps things simple with its engine lineup, focusing on efficiency and urban usability rather than outright power. The standard 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine produces 67 horsepower, which might sound modest but feels perfectly adequate for city driving. For those wanting a bit more pep, the 1.0-litre T-GDI turbocharged unit delivers 100 horsepower, providing noticeably sharper acceleration and making motorway journeys more confident. Both engines can be paired with either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

What makes the Picanto special is how it drives rather than how fast it goes. The lightweight hatchback feels nimble and responsive, darting through traffic with ease. The steering is well weighted for urban use, requiring minimal effort for parking manoeuvres yet providing decent feedback at speed. The suspension setup prioritises comfort over sportiness, soaking up most bumps and potholes effectively. While it’s not the most exciting car in its class, the Picanto delivers a refined and confidence inspiring driving experience that makes daily commuting genuinely pleasant.

Inside the Kia Picanto: Comfort & Features

Step inside the Picanto and you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the quality and space on offer. The dashboard design is clean and modern, with an 8-inch touchscreen taking centre stage in higher trim levels. The materials feel solid for the price point, with soft touch plastics in key areas and controls that operate with satisfying precision. The seats are well shaped and supportive, providing good comfort even on longer journeys. There’s more headroom than you might expect, making the cabin feel airy and welcoming.

Standard equipment is generous across the range, with even base models featuring air conditioning, electric windows, and a decent stereo system. Higher spec versions add Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, making smartphone integration seamless. The climate controls are simple and intuitive, avoiding the touchscreen complexity that can frustrate in some modern cars. Road noise is well controlled for such a small vehicle, creating a peaceful environment that belies the Picanto’s budget friendly price point.

The Kia Picanto succeeds brilliantly at being exactly what it sets out to be: an honest, affordable, and practical small car. It doesn’t try to be something it’s not, instead focusing on delivering genuine value and dependability. The interior quality exceeds expectations for the price point, while the driving experience is more engaging than many budget alternatives. Kia’s generous warranty coverage provides confidence that’s rare in this price segment.

Nicholas Zapolski Car Expert

Is the Kia Picanto Expensive to Run?

The Picanto excels when it comes to running costs, making it an ideal choice for budget conscious drivers. Fuel economy is impressive across the range, with the standard 1.0-litre engine achieving up to 58 mpg in combined driving. Even the more powerful turbocharged version returns around 50 mpg, meaning fewer stops at the petrol station. Insurance groups are low, typically ranging from group 5 to 8, which translates to affordable premiums for most drivers.

The initial purchase price represents excellent value, with new models starting from around £13,000. This competitive pricing extends to the used market, where Picantos hold their value reasonably well. Kia’s impressive seven year warranty provides additional peace of mind and can help reduce unexpected repair bills. Servicing costs are reasonable, and parts are widely available and competitively priced. For those considering car finance, the Picanto’s affordability makes monthly payments very manageable, opening up car ownership to drivers on tighter budgets.

Kia Picanto Practicality & Boot Space

Despite its compact exterior dimensions, the Picanto makes clever use of its available space. The 255-litre boot is respectable for the class, easily accommodating a weekly shop or a couple of small suitcases. The rear seats fold flat to extend cargo capacity when needed, though loading larger items requires some careful planning due to the narrow opening. Interior storage is adequate with door bins, cup holders, and a useful glovebox providing homes for daily essentials.

The real practicality strength lies in urban usability. The Picanto’s compact footprint makes it incredibly easy to park in tight spaces where larger cars would struggle. City driving is stress free thanks to excellent visibility and light controls. For couples or small families, the Picanto offers enough space for daily life while remaining genuinely affordable to run. Compared to other used Kia cars, it represents the entry point into the brand’s reliable and well supported model range.

The Kia Picanto represents outstanding value in the competitive small car market. It combines practical urban dimensions with surprisingly good interior space and build quality that punches well above its weight class. The efficient engines deliver excellent fuel economy, while Kia’s market leading warranty provides reassurance that’s particularly valuable in the budget sector. It’s a car that makes financial sense without feeling like a compromise.

Choose the Picanto if you want a reliable, efficient, and surprisingly characterful small car that won’t strain your finances. It excels in urban environments while remaining capable on longer journeys, making it versatile enough for most driving needs. For drivers seeking honest value and dependable motoring, especially those looking at cars under £10,000 in the used market, the Picanto should be at the top of your shortlist.