In a world where vehicles are becoming increasingly larger and more complex, the Kia Picanto stands as a beacon of simplicity and efficiency. This small city car has been a favorite for urban drivers since its introduction in 2003, offering a compact, fuel-efficient, and affordable alternative to the growing trend of larger, heavier vehicles. With the 2024 model, Kia has made significant updates to the Picanto, ensuring it remains a competitive option in the ever-shrinking small car market. This review will delve deep into the 2024 Kia Picanto, exploring its design, features, performance, and why it might just be the best small car for you.

Overview and History

The Kia Picanto first hit the roads in 2003 and quickly became known for its compact size and affordability. Over the years, it has seen several updates and redesigns. The current model, although still part of the third generation introduced in 2017, has undergone significant changes to keep it fresh and competitive.

Generational Updates:

• 2003: First generation introduced
• 2011: Second generation
• 2017: Third generation
• 2020: Major update to the third generation
• 2024: Significant facelift and technology upgrade

The 2024 Picanto is the result of a decade of evolution, embodying the lessons learned and innovations made over its history. From its humble beginnings as an economical choice, it has become a vehicle that doesn’t just focus on being budget-friendly but also embraces technology and style. This evolution is key to understanding why the Picanto remains a popular choice despite growing competition.

Kia Picanto Exterior Design

The 2024 Kia Picanto has received substantial updates to its exterior, making it more appealing and modern. This is evident in the way Kia has approached the redesign with a focus on both aesthetics and functionality.

Front and Rear Updates:

• Front Design: The new Picanto sports a redesigned front end with a new bumper, gloss black accents, updated headlights, and a new light bar, giving it a fresh and modern look. This new front design is particularly striking in the sportier GT Line and GT Line S trims.
• Trim Variations: While the sportier trims get the new front design, other trims will have a different appearance, ensuring there’s a Picanto for every taste.
• Wheels and Colors: The wheel options range from 14-inch to 16-inch alloys, with new designs introduced across the lineup. Additionally, there are nine paint colors to choose from, including four new options.
• Rear Design: The rear of the Picanto now features a standard light bar across all trims and repositioned badges, enhancing its modern appeal.

The front fascia has been given a youthful yet bold look, with the integration of the new light bar offering a distinct visual signature that sets it apart from its predecessors. This facelift is more than just cosmetic; it represents Kia’s commitment to blending function with form, ensuring the car appeals to younger drivers who value aesthetics and performance.

Key Exterior Features:

• New Bumper and Headlights: Adds a modern touch and improved aesthetics.
• Gloss Black Accents: Elevates the sporty appeal in higher trims.
• Light Bars: Both front and rear light bars add a futuristic look.

These features are crucial for standing out in a crowded cityscape, ensuring the Picanto catches the eye and commands attention, whether parked or on the move.

Interior Features

The interior of the 2024 Kia Picanto is where practicality meets modern technology. While maintaining a no-frills approach, it offers several improvements that enhance the driving experience.

Cabin Design and Technology:

• Digital Driver Display: A new digital driver display offers a modern touch and improved functionality.
• Infotainment System: An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system is standard across all trims. It features nice graphics, good response times, and physical shortcut buttons for ease of use.
• Connectivity: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard, although not wireless. Wireless phone charging is available in higher trims (Three and GT Line S).
• Material Quality: The interior features hard plastics but feels well-built and durable. Higher trims come with black and gray artificial leather upholstery.
• Limited Edition Trim: The Shadow Edition, a limited-run model, offers a unique green interior color scheme, adding a touch of exclusivity.

Inside the Picanto, there is a sense of sophistication often missing in this segment. The layout is intuitive, allowing drivers to focus on the road while easily accessing controls. The infotainment system, with its modern interface and features, is particularly noteworthy. It provides a seamless user experience that rivals even higher-end vehicles.

Comfort and Usability:

• Seating: Five seats are now standard across all trims, unlike the previous model, which offered four seats in standard trims. The interior dimensions remain unchanged, providing adequate space for adults in the back, given the car’s compact size.
• Sunroof: Available only in the GT Line S model for the UK market, adding a premium touch.

For daily commutes or short trips, the Picanto offers ample space and comfort. The seating position and the overall design make long journeys less taxing, a feature that is often compromised in compact cars.

Key Interior Features:

• Digital Driver Display: Enhances the modern feel and provides clear information.
• 8-inch Touchscreen: Standard across all trims with user-friendly interface.
• Apple CarPlay and Android Auto: Ensures seamless smartphone integration.
• Artificial Leather Upholstery: Adds a touch of luxury in higher trims.

Practicality

Despite its compact size, the 2024 Kia Picanto offers impressive practicality, making it a great choice for city driving and beyond.

Boot Space and Storage:

• Boot Design: The boot retains its previous dimensions, offering a practical load space with a height-adjustable floor. It provides 255 liters of space with the rear seats up, expandable to around 1,000 liters with the seats down.
• Usability: While the Picanto’s boot isn’t the largest, it’s sufficient for its class. The adjustable floor makes it easier to load items and access underfloor storage.

Key Practical Features:

• Height-Adjustable Boot Floor: Enhances versatility and storage options.
• 255 Liters Boot Space: Adequate for daily needs and small trips.
• Expandable to 1,000 Liters: By folding the rear seats, making it suitable for larger items.

In urban settings, where parking and maneuvering can be challenging, the Picanto’s compact dimensions are a major advantage. The practicality extends beyond just storage space; it’s about offering a user-friendly experience that simplifies everyday driving challenges.

Performance and Driving

The 2024 Kia Picanto offers a driving experience that balances efficiency and ease of use, making it ideal for city driving.

Engine Options:

• Powertrains: The 2024 Picanto ditches the 1.0-liter turbocharged engine, leaving two naturally aspirated options: a 1.0-liter MPI (65 bhp) and a 1.2-liter MPI (77 bhp). Both engines have seen mild updates but remain similar to their predecessors.
• Acceleration: The Picanto is one of the slower cars in its segment, with 0-62 mph times of 13.1 seconds for the 1.2-liter engine and 15.4 seconds for the 1.0-liter version. Automated manual transmission variants are even slower.
• Fuel Efficiency: Despite the modest performance, fuel economy is a strong point, with the 1.0-liter achieving 54.3 mpg and the 1.2-liter 51.4 mpg.

Driving Experience:

• Ride and Handling: The Picanto offers a pleasant driving experience with responsive steering and a firm suspension that balances comfort and agility well. However, it can feel firm at low speeds and noisy on the motorway.
• Steering and Controls: The steering wheel only adjusts for height, not reach, but the driving position is generally sound. The inclusion of manual climate control dials is a welcome touch for simplicity.

The performance of the Picanto, while not groundbreaking, is adequate for its intended purpose. It excels in city environments where agility and fuel efficiency take precedence over speed. The absence of the turbocharged engine might be a drawback for some, but the naturally aspirated engines provide a more straightforward, reliable experience.

Performance Metrics:

Key Performance Highlights:

• 1.0 MPI and 1.2 MPI Engines: Offer adequate performance for city driving.
• High Fuel Efficiency: Up to 54.3 mpg, making it cost-effective.
• Firm Suspension: Balances comfort and agility well.

Safety Features

Safety is a crucial aspect of any car purchase, and the 2024 Kia Picanto does not disappoint. Kia has integrated several advanced safety features to ensure peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

Safety Technologies:

• Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS): The Picanto comes with a suite of safety features including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), and Driver Attention Warning (DAW). These systems work together to prevent accidents and enhance driver awareness.
• Standard Safety Equipment: All models come equipped with electronic stability control, hill-start assist, and tire pressure monitoring. These features contribute to a safer driving experience, especially in challenging conditions.

Crash Test Ratings:

• Euro NCAP Ratings: While the 2024 model has not yet been tested, previous versions of the Picanto have received respectable ratings, thanks in part to its robust structure and comprehensive safety features.

The emphasis on safety is a testament to Kia’s commitment to protecting its customers. Whether navigating busy city streets or cruising on the highway, the Picanto’s safety features provide an added layer of confidence.

Key Safety Features:

• Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA): Helps prevent frontal collisions.
• Lane Keeping Assist (LKA): Keeps the vehicle centered in its lane.
• Driver Attention Warning (DAW): Alerts drivers if fatigue or inattention is detected.

Pricing and Trims

The Kia Picanto offers a range of trims to suit different budgets and preferences, ensuring there’s a model for everyone.

Model Lineup:

• Trim Levels: The Picanto lineup starts with the Two trim, offering good standard equipment like the infotainment system and rear parking sensors. Above it are GT Line, Three, and GT Line S, with the limited-run Shadow trim adding variety.
• Equipment: Higher trims add features like heated seats and a heated steering wheel, with GT Line models sporting a sportier exterior.

Pricing:

• Cost Comparison: The entry-level Picanto Two starts at £15,590, while the top-spec GT Line S costs just over £19,000. While the Dacia Sandero offers more space and better engines at a lower price, the Picanto remains one of the most affordable new cars available, with Kia’s 7-year warranty adding extra peace of mind.

Trim Comparison:

The varied trim levels allow potential buyers to choose a model that best fits their needs and budget. Each trim level offers unique features, ensuring that there is no compromise in terms of quality or equipment.

Key Pricing Highlights:

• Affordable Entry Price: Starts at £15,590 for the Two trim.
• Top Spec: GT Line S offers premium features for just over £19,000.
• 7-Year Warranty: Ensures long-term peace of mind and reliability.

Comparison with Competitors

When evaluating the Kia Picanto, it is essential to consider how it stacks up against its competitors. In the compact city car segment, there are several notable rivals that the Picanto must contend with.

Key Competitors:

• Hyundai i10: The Hyundai i10 offers similar features and pricing, sharing many components with the Picanto due to the partnership between Kia and Hyundai. However, the Picanto’s design and feature set often appeal more to those looking for a stylish, urban car.
• Volkswagen Up!: Known for its robust build quality and refined driving experience, the VW Up! is a strong competitor. However, the Picanto’s lower price and longer warranty often give it an edge for budget-conscious buyers.
• Toyota Aygo X: The Aygo X offers a distinct design and good driving dynamics. While it might offer a slightly more engaging driving experience, the Picanto is often favored for its practicality and tech features.

The Picanto manages to hold its ground in a crowded market by offering a balanced package of style, functionality, and affordability. Its competitive pricing and extensive warranty are strong selling points that make it a compelling choice for first-time buyers and urban drivers alike.

Comparison Highlights:

• Hyundai i10: Similar pricing and features, but the Picanto offers a more stylish design.
• Volkswagen Up!: The Picanto’s affordability and warranty are significant advantages.
• Toyota Aygo X: While the Aygo X is engaging to drive, the Picanto excels in practicality and tech.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

In today’s world, the environmental impact of a vehicle is a significant consideration for many buyers. The Kia Picanto, being a small city car, inherently offers lower emissions compared to larger vehicles, but there are other factors to consider as well.

Emissions and Efficiency:

• Low CO2 Emissions: The Picanto’s efficient engines contribute to low CO2 emissions, making it an environmentally friendly choice for urban drivers.
• Fuel Economy: With fuel economy figures reaching up to 54.3 mpg, the Picanto is not only cost-effective but also contributes to reduced environmental impact through fewer emissions.

Sustainability Initiatives:

• Kia’s Commitment: Kia has been actively working towards reducing the environmental footprint of its vehicles through various sustainability initiatives, including the use of recycled materials and more efficient manufacturing processes.

The Picanto’s role as a city car aligns with the trend towards reducing environmental impact, especially in urban areas where emissions and pollution are critical concerns. Its efficient design and operation make it a smart choice for environmentally conscious drivers.

Key Environmental Highlights:

• Low CO2 Emissions: Contributes to a smaller carbon footprint.
• High Fuel Economy: Up to 54.3 mpg reduces environmental impact.
• Kia’s Sustainability Efforts: Reflect a commitment to eco-friendly practices.

Final Verdict

The 2024 Kia Picanto is a testament to what a small city car should be: compact, efficient, and affordable. It offers a blend of modern technology, practical features, and a driving experience tailored for urban environments. Despite its modest performance, the Picanto excels in fuel efficiency, build quality, and overall value, making it a highly recommendable choice for city dwellers and those looking for a simple yet reliable car.

Pros:

• Compact and Efficient: Perfect for city driving.
• Good Fuel Economy: Up to 54.3 mpg.
• User-Friendly Infotainment: Standard 8-inch touchscreen.
• Kia’s 7-Year Warranty: Provides excellent long-term value.

Cons:

• Modest Performance: Lacks the power of some competitors.
• Limited Interior Features in Lower Trims: Higher trims offer better amenities.
• No Turbocharged Engine Option: Some may miss the turbo option from previous models.

Overall, the 2024 Kia Picanto stands out as a top choice in the compact city car segment. Its combination of style, practicality, and affordability, backed by Kia’s strong warranty and reputation, makes it a compelling option for anyone in the market for a small, reliable vehicle. Whether you’re a first-time buyer or someone looking to downsize to a more practical car, the Picanto delivers on all fronts, ensuring it remains a beloved choice for years to come.