Does this little car have big car personality and is it still relevant in today's market?
Exterior – Front
So, before I start, I just want to mention that this is the second facelift the Picanto has had with the first being in 2020 and I will say that this is the biggest facelift I have seen for some time. Take the front for example. You wouldn’t know that it is a facelift and more of a whole new generation. We get a new set of headlights that stretch down the side of the front, a bit like the new Sorrento and EV9. These are connected with a light bar mimicking the signature Kia tiger nose. The lower central air vent has grown substantially giving it a modern and aggressive look and this also gives it road presence which it didn’t have before. this definitely makes it noticeable. We also get some slim side vents and a new bonnet on top too.
Exterior – Side
Moving round to the side and we get some more big changes. To start with the front wings have changed to incorporate the new headlights and we also get some new wheel options and colour options that are inspired by the Kia electric range. Overall, from the side it looks like a much more grown up and premium car than what it actually is.
Exterior – Rear
Moving round the back and yet again there are big changes. we get a new set of slimmer taillights which have the new Kia graphics in them. Because of this, we also get a light bar for the first time on a city car. This again like I have said before, gives the car a more grown up and premium look. We also get a new boot design and new Picanto logos too. the bumper is also new and more aggressive with a fake lower diffuser. So, then it is definitely a good car on the outside and is a much-needed improvement. Lets have a look at what engine and gearbox options you can have with the new Kia Picanto.
Car and engine specs and price
So, the engine range of the new Picanto has been slightly updated. We still get the basic 1 litre 3-cylinder petrol engine. This has 62 bhp and is mated to a 5-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. This has a 0-62 time of 15.4 seconds which isn’t the quickest but then it isn’t designed to be the quickest. In the automatic it is an even slower 18.2 seconds. The next engine replaces the turbo engine with a 1.2 litre 4-cylinder engine. This has 77 bhp and can be had with a 5-speed manual or an automatic gearbox. The 0-62 time hasn’t been announced yet but we will let you know once it has been announced. The price of the new Kia Picanto Facelift starts at £15,595 which is decent for this type of car. Lets have a look at the interior.
Interior – Design
So, climbing inside the new Kia Picanto and not much has changed really from the first facelift model. We do get a new digital instrument cluster though which is good, but it isn’t as good as the ones in the higher end Kia’s for example. The infotainment system is quite good too and it is easy to use. It is also very quick. There are a few cheap plastics around the cabin, but this is to be expected. We do get a sporty leather wrapped steering wheel though and leather style seats which are very premium on this type of car. We even get some switchgear from the now discontinued Rio which makes this cabin again feel more higher end than it really is. Overall then a nice place to be considering the value of the car. Lets have a look at the rear seats.
Practicality
So, climbing into the back there is no surprise that legroom is a bit tight and as too is headroom. It isn’t that bad though so a 6-foot adult could just about do a decent journey. there is quite a lot of hard plastic around the cabin though but again this is to be expected. Lets have a look at the boot
Boot Size
So, opening the boot to the new Kia Picanto facelift and you are welcomed to 255 litres of boot space. this is the biggest in it class and is almost as good as the class above. It is also almost on par with the Hyundai i10 which is a very similar car. Folding the seats down you get 1,010 litres which again is still decent.
Summary
So, in summary then what do I think of the new Kia Picanto. Well, it is a small car with big personality. It has the style to look cool and has the technology to feel modern, all for a great price and it also comes with a 7-year warranty. Even if you go for a used model the Kia warranty still comes with a car which just makes this the best affordable car ever.
Exterior 5/5
Interior 4/5
Practicality 4/5
Total 13/15
Model | Kia Picanto GT-Line S |
Engine | 1.2l, 77bhp, 0-62 = 15.4 Seconds, Front Wheel Drive |
Transmission | 5 Speed Manual |
Price | £18,445 |
On Sale | Now |
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