2025 Kia Picanto Sport assessment

The Kia Picanto is the most affordable new automotive you should purchase in Australia proper now.

Notice: 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 resembling pricing and specs with the freshest data obtainable.Learn our newest value and specs article right here for all the main points.

The pint-size micro-car briefly misplaced the title to the previous-generation MG 3, however the brand new MG 3 is so much 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 recent and fascinating options regardless of its low asking value, going heavy on the kind of lively security tech the MG lacks.

The Picanto retains each handbook and automated 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 affordable one – is it the choose?

How a lot does the Kia Picanto value?

Right here we’ve got probably the most reasonably priced Picanto on sale – the Kia Picanto Sport – which begins from $18,390 earlier than on-road prices with a five-speed handbook transmission, as examined.

To see how the Kia Picanto traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device

What’s the Kia Picanto like on the within?

Adjustments 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are small adjustments like a brand new LCD instrument cluster that’s extra neatly built-in into the binnacle than the outdated analogue dials, and the seat material has been up to date.

Smaller particulars embrace the inclusion of USB-C cost ports, in addition to extra buttons on the steering wheel and to the precise 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 numerous factors of contact and interplay, in addition to the extra fulsome tech suite that additionally helps justify value rises over earlier iterations of the Picanto.

It’s all nonetheless fairly primary and austere, however it’s useful and engaging sufficient given the worth level.

The freestanding 8.0-inch touchscreen presents wi-fi Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which truly works correctly now in comparison with older iterations, and the handbook air-con is surprisingly highly effective as I came upon on a sizzling summer season day.

Storage is sweet due to a dual-tier shelf below the dashboard, augmented by 12V, USB-A and USB-C ports, in addition to adjustable cupholders and an open tray within the centre console.

All the things can be ergonomically positioned and positioned, with the centre stack angled barely in direction of the driving force and the whole lot effectively inside arm’s attain – simply don’t go in search of delicate plastics, as a result of there are none.

The again seat continues to shock, given you’ll be able to truly 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 highway journey is likely to be pushing it with common use although.

Being a funds city-car, there aren’t a complete lot of again seat facilities right here. You get the requisite ISOFIX little one seat anchors on the outboard seats in addition to top-tethers throughout all three, however there aren’t any air vents or folding centre armrest.

In equity, that’s to be anticipated of a automobile on this phase, however value calling out in case you’re planning to make use of the second row considerably typically.

Behind these rear seats there’s 255 litres of cargo capability, which could 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 dimension.

There’s a fairly large step up from the boot flooring to the seat backs, although. All variations of the Kia Picanto characteristic a brief space-saver spare wheel.

To see how the Kia Picanto traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device

What’s below the bonnet?

All the Picanto vary is fitted with a 1.25-litre naturally aspirated four-cylinder engine.

To see how the Kia Picanto traces up towards the competitors, take a look at 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 handbook on sale.

Why? Effectively, for starters manuals have gotten more durable and more durable to search out as of late and, for lots of youthful motorists shopping for their first automotive, this could possibly be a good way to get into an reasonably priced new automotive and likewise follow ‘driving stick’.

It additionally provides you extra management and an added ratio for the gorgeous primary and meek 1.25-litre petrol engine.

With simply 62kW of energy and 122Nm of torque on faucet, this little Kia isn’t 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 it’s essential to push it.

I haven’t pushed an atmo handbook for some time, so like me you would possibly discover you must row by means of the gears so much 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 site visitors.

The Picanto has a really mild clutch and an virtually wobbly shift motion, which early on is likely to be a bit jarring, however you quickly study to embrace the allure 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 alter gears at round 2000rpm, which isn’t going to work in hilly situations. Bear in mind you don’t get peak torque till 4000rpm and peak energy till 6000rpm.

Whereas the brand new ‘primary’ digital instrumentation seems to be neat within the driver’s binnacle, I really feel it is a step backwards for the handbook because it’s tough at instances to gauge what number of revs you will have on board on take-off and the way shortly the tacho is rising on the clock radio-style show.

Additional, the obscure clutch and shift actions can imply it’s very straightforward 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 facet 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 be surprisingly settled on the freeway for such a bit automotive, helped by Kia Australia’s native tuning of the suspension and steering, maybe in addition to the very fact the Picanto is offered in markets like Europe.

Whereas it takes a heavy foot to get anyplace shortly, 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 handbook’s lengthy closing 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.

In contrast to the MG 3, which lacks any type of fashionable lively security tech for now, the Picanto has a slew of contemporary help options that ought to not solely aid you on the highway but in addition give mother and father peace of thoughts when their teen got down to drive on this large scary world.

AEB, blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic help in addition to lane maintain help all actively intervene to keep away from collisions or drifting out of 1’s lane.

You even have Lane Following Help, which is able to actively maintain you centred in your lane, and it does so in an unthreatening means.

There’s additionally auto high-beam for the usual projector-type halogen headlights. Sadly, LED models are reserved for the GT-Line flagship. I can forgive this within the Picanto, however maybe not fashions increased up in Kia’s vary.

Notice 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. Most likely nitpicking for this explicit variant.

To see how the Kia Picanto traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device

What do you get?

The Kia Picanto is out there 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
• Automated halogen headlights
• Automated high-beam
• Halogen daytime working lights
• Energy-folding exterior mirrors
• 4.2-inch instrument cluster display
• 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 handbook driver’s seat with top adjustment (NEW)
• Peak-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 mild bar
• LED rear mixture mild
• Gloss black grille, badging
• Chrome beltline trim
• Heated exterior mirrors
• ‘Premium’ upholstery
• Smooth-touch centre armrest
• Peak-adjustable entrance seats
• Alloy pedals
• ‘D-Minimize’ steering wheel
• Gloss black inside trim
• 1 x USB-C port (behind centre console)

To see how the Kia Picanto traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device

Is the Kia Picanto protected?

The Kia Picanto not has an ANCAP security score, as its four-star score from 2017 expired at first of final 12 months.

Normal security tools contains:

• Autonomous emergency braking (AEB)
• Blind-spot help
• Driver consideration warning
• Ahead collision warning
• Excessive Beam Help
• Lane Comply with Help
• Lane maintain 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 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at 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.

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 traces up towards the competitors, take a look at our comparability device

CarExpert’s Tackle the Kia Picanto

Australians love to purchase the most important and most costly variations of most fashions, however for these extra pragmatic consumers that take the “proper dimension, proper dimension” method, the bottom Picanto has so much to supply.

For simply over $20,000 drive-away you will have all of the bases lined by way of driver help and infotainment applied sciences, in addition to a fairly economical and uncomplicated drivetrain that’s low cost to run.

Primarily based on my real-world expertise, it is best to have the ability to 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 might argue “you shouldn’t have your license in case you want this stuff”, it’s an incredible security web that the younger, outdated and everybody in between will admire 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 strong sufficient for the coin.

In addition to, in case you’re out there for correctly funds motoring, there’s little else to select from as of late until you purchase used.

Desirous about shopping for a Kia Picanto? Get in contact with considered one of CarExpert’s trusted sellers right here

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