Kia Picanto 328076
Kia Picanto 328055
Kia Picanto 328090
Kia Picanto 328034
Kia Picanto 328048
Bruce Newton29 Jun 2017
REVIEW

Kia Picanto S 2017 Review

Kia's new super-mini really is a super mini
Model Tested
2017 Kia Picanto S manual
Review Type
Quick Spin

Australians don’t really get too excited about super-minis, the category below the likes of the Mazda2 and Toyota Yaris. Yep, even smaller. But the new Kia Picanto might make a few more people pay attention.

It is tiny, but nevertheless, Kia’s Picanto boasts some features which grow its appeal and has been warmly received by critics in Europe.

What’s it all about?
Super-mini fans and ‘Kiaphiles’ will recall the Picanto – the last of the previous generation - first arrived in Australia barely 12 months ago. At the time, Kia said it was a ‘toe-in-the-water’, ‘study buyer reactions’ exercise. Now, buoyed by the results, Kia has launched the new generation of its micro entry-level model.

The essential five-door hatchback concept remains, as does the 62kW/122Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission.

But the new lineup includes an available five-speed manual, more equipment and locally-developed suspension and steering tune - all underpinned by a new chassis platform. The badging has also gone through a slight change, with the previous ‘Si’ grade now an ‘S’.

Kia Picanto 328034

How much does it cost?
At $14,190 (plus on-road costs), the Kia Picanto manual is one of Australia’s cheapest cars. Backup is impressive: Kia’s seven year/unlimited kilometre warranty and capped price servicing which runs seven years or 105,000km and costs $2552. That’s decent value right there.

New features for the latest Picanto include Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, a reversing camera, cruise control, front and rear power windows and auto-on headlights. A colour 7.0-inch touchscreen atop the dashboard is a key feature of the redesigned interior

Six airbags are standard, as are reversing sensors, air-conditioning and one USB charger, but disappointingly the steering wheel still only adjusts for rake .

The wheels are steel, and the spare is a space saver.

Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) is not currently included but is expected later in the year.

Kia Picanto 328048

Why should/shouldn’t I buy it?
If you’re in the market for a tiny vehicle like this – the Picanto is just 3.595m long and has a meagre 255 litre boot – then there is none better. Yes, it’s that simple.

In fact, based on that new architecture, and with its suspension and steering tuned for Australian conditions, the Picanto provides a level of ride quality which shames some more expensive cars.

In terms of handling, the Kia Picanto is significant as it is the first super-mini to offer torque vectoring. And the light, precise, electric-assisted power steering is at home whether you’re manoeuvring in a carpark or at speed on the open road.

Kia Picanto 328132

Refinement is also a step up for cars in this league. The Picanto isn’t hushed – no super mini is - but it’s not a strain to participate in conversations with those seated alongside or in-front/behind.

Unsurprisingly, it struggles most when it comes to hills. The engine has good low-down response but can’t carry big hills in high gears. The manual requires third gear for any serious climbs.

Speaking of the gear shift, trying to get reverse proved to be genuinely difficult. Possibly our test car needed some adjustment, but do check it out during your test drive.
Our test fuel consumption average came out at 6.4L/100km versus the 5.0L/100km claimed by Kia.

Pricing and Features
Kia Picanto 328160

When is it available in Australia?
The Picanto is on-sale in Australia now. But you’ll have to wait a few months if you want AEB

There is also the prospect of a 1.0-litre turbocharged Kia Picanto GT hot-hatch (warm-hatch?) arriving by year’s end.

Who will it appeal to?
This is an urban car which can seat two adults and two small children. But a family couldn’t share the car with their weekly supply of groceries…it’s people or goodies, not people and goodies.

That said, there is adequate storage for bottles, phones and such stuff around the cabin, and I did manage to squeeze a full-size mountain bike in the back with the seats folded (there is a step in the floor) and the bike’s front wheel removed.

The dashboard is well presented and easy to use, although the plastics are rock hard and whatever material is used to cover the shift lever escaped the chemical plant before the final stage of refining. Those hard plastics also mean you’ll knock and bruise your right elbow on the inappropriately named armrest.

Kia Picanto 328167

Where does it fit?
Automotive industry statistician VFACTS officially classifies the Kia Picanto in the micro category, where it takes on the likes of the Fiat 500, Holden Spark, Mitsubishi Mirage and Suzuki Celerio. Picanto is better than any of them.

So the micro Kia is an obvious car for first-time buyers… or downsizing last-time buyers car for that matter. At both ends of the age and experience spectrum, the Picanto’s small stature and easy diving will be appreciated.

In terms of motoring.com.au recommends, the Picanto fits into the First Cars segment. The old model made the top five alongside the Skoda Fabia, Ford Fiesta, Holden Spark and its own big brother, the Rio.

Kia Picanto 328174

So what do we think?
The Kia Picanto is a terrific little vehicle and it certainly ranks ahead of other super-minis in terms of value and refinement. As for the driving dynamics – well right there is clear confirmation of the benefits of Kia’s Australian suspension and steering development.

The biggest drama is its small size. On Australian roads, dwarfed by trucks and SUVs, it can be a bit intimidating sitting in the Picanto (or any other super-mini car).

That’s not the Picanto’s fault of course. Maybe there just needs to be more cars like this out on the road.

Kia Picanto S Pricing and Specifications:
Price: $14,190 (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.2-litre petrol four-cylinder
Outputs: 62kW/122Nm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 5.0L/100km (ADR combined)
CO2: 117g/km (Estimated)
Safety Rating: TBC

Share this article
Our team of independent expert car reviewers and journalistsMeet the team
Expert rating
72/100
Engine, Drivetrain & Chassis
15/20
Price, Packaging & Practicality
16/20
Safety & Technology
15/20
Behind The Wheel
14/20
X-Factor
12/20
Pros
  • Excellent localised suspension tuning
  • Quiet for a super-mini
  • Strong equipment level
Cons
  • Engine lacks guts
  • Manual shift a bit cranky
  • Feels under-sized in traffic
Stay up to dateBecome a carsales member and get the latest news, reviews and advice straight to your inbox.
Looking for a first car?Get the latest advice and reviews on first car that's right for you.
Explore the First Car Hub
First Car
Disclaimer
Please see our Editorial Guidelines & Code of Ethics (including for more information about sponsored content and paid events). The information published on this website is of a general nature only and doesn’t consider your particular circumstances or needs.

If the price does not contain the notation that it is "Drive Away", the price may not include additional costs, such as stamp duty and other government charges.
Download the carsales app
    AppStoreDownloadGooglePlayDownload
    App Store and the Apple logo are trademarks of Apple Inc. Google Play and the Google Play logo are trademarks of Google LLC.
    © CAR Group Ltd 1999-2024
    In the spirit of reconciliation we acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of Country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respect to their Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples today.