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Kia Picanto

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Expert Rating

Kia Picanto

(2017 - present)

    Summary


    The Kia Picanto is a city car five-door hatchback, closely related to the Hyundai i10. The current model was launched in the middle of 2017 and is the third generation model to wear the Picanto name.

    The latest Picanto is considered a significant improvement over its predecessor, reflecting Kia’s progression from a budget brand that competed purely on price to a mainstream brand that rivals established European manufacturers.

    As of July 2023, the Picanto has an Expert Rating of 73%, which puts it right among the midfield of the city car segment. However, it has received an unusually broad variation of review scores from the UK motoring media, ranging from full marks and a “City Car of the Year” award from What Car? to a very poor score and “Don’t Buy” recommendation from rival Which?.

    The GT-Line models have also tended to receive better scores than the more basic models, which don’t get the same level of safety equipment.

    The Picanto has received praise for its practicality, interior quality and driving dynamics. However, it has been criticised for its poor three-star safety rating (four stars with the extra safety pack), which falls well short of the five-star rating from several of its rivals.

    In its 2021 owners’ survey, What Car? rated the Picanto third in its list of the least reliable small cars.

    A facelifted version of the Kia Picanto is due to arrive in UK showrooms before the end of 2023. It features some dramatic styling changes, but the underlying mechanicals will remain much the same.

    Key specifications


    Body style: Small five-door hatch
    Engines: petrol
    Price: From £13,665 on-road

    Launched: Spring 2017
    Last updated: Summer 2018
    Next update due: Late 2023


    Media reviews


    Reviews, road test and comparisons from across the UK automotive media. Click any of the boxes to view.

    The Car Expert

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    Auto Express

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    Autocar

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    Car

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    Carbuyer

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    Honest John

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    Parkers

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    The Telegraph

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    Top Gear

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    What Car?

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    Which?

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    Safety rating


    Independent crash test and safety ratings from Euro NCAP

    Overall score: 3 stars
    Date tested: September 2017
    Read the full Euro NCAP review

    Adult protection: 79%
    Child protection: 64%
    Vulnerable road users: 54%
    Safety assist: 25%

    Note on safety rating

    The Kia Picanto received a three-star safety rating from Euro NCAP in standard specification, which is how the car is sold in the UK as the ‘1’ and ‘2’ spec models.

    Standard on ‘3’ spec and upwards, and optional on ‘2’ spec models, is extra safety kit that upgrades the Picanto’s safety rating to four stars.

    Eco rating


    No eco rating

    As of July 2023, the Kia Picanto has not been lab tested by Green NCAP.

    Reliability rating

    MotorEasy logo 600x167

    Reliability data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by MotorEasy

    All data based on MotorEasy average workshop costs for extended car warranty claims

    As of November 2022, the Kia Picanto has a lower-than-average overall reliability score of 43%, according to exclusive extended warranty data provided by our partners at MotorEasy.

    MotorEasy reports that Picanto drivers have only reported faults from two different claim categories. The first relates to the car’s braking system, although fortunately these tend not to be too expensive with an average repair cost of about £150. Warranty holders have also claimed for suspension repairs, which also cost around £150 on average.

    If you’re looking at a used Picanto, make sure any extended warranty cover you purchase covers all of these potential problem areas.

    Running cost rating

    Clear Vehicle Data logo close crop

    Monthly cost of ownership data provided exclusively for The Car Expert by Clear Vehicle Data

    Fuel consumptionAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models55 mpgB49 – 59 mpgA – C
    CO₂ outputAverageScoreVariationScore
    Petrol models116 g/kmA109 – 131 g/kmA – A
    Insurance groupAverageScoreVariationScore
    All models4A1 – 11A – A
    Service and maintenanceCostScore
    Year 1£124A
    Year 2£332A
    Year 3£517A
    Year 4£692A
    Year 5£931A
    Overall£2,596A

    The Kia Picanto is an exceptionally cheap car to run. It’s fuel consumption is very good, with a ‘B’ score, and that’s the orst result here. Road tax (which is based on CO2 emissions), insurance and servicing are all excellent.

    There are fewer new cars on the road that wil cost you less to own than a Picanto, regardless of which version you choose.

    Awards


    Trophies, prizes and awards that the Kia Picanto has received

    2022

    • Company Car Today CCT100 Awards – Best City Car

    2021

    • Company Car Awards – Best City Car

    2020

    • What Car? Awards – Best Value Car
    • Auto Express Driver Power – Best City Car

    2019

    • What Car? Awards – City Car of the Year
    • News UK Motor Awards – Value Car of the Year
    • Auto Express Driver Power – Best City Car

    2018

    • What Car? Awards – Best City Car
    • Fleet World Honours – Best City Car
    • Red Dot Awards – Car Design award
    • iF Design Awards – Product Design awards

    2017

    • Carbuyer Awards – Best Car for less than £150 a month
    • Car Tech Awards – Most User-Friendly Car

    Similar cars


    If you’re looking at the Kia Picanto, you might also be interested in these alternatives

    Citroën C1 | Fiat 500 | Fiat Panda | Hyundai i10 | Peugeot 108 | SEAT Mii | Skoda Citigo | Smart Forfour | Toyota Aygo | Volkswagen Up!


    More news, reviews and information about the Kia Picanto at The Car Expert

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    Kia reveals special-edition Stonic and Picanto models

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    Twin test: Volkswagen Up! vs. Kia Picanto

    Twin test: Volkswagen Up! vs. Kia Picanto

    Kia extends scrappage deal as part of Spring offers

    Kia extends scrappage deal as part of Spring offers

    Kia’s small car scrappage scheme

    Kia’s small car scrappage scheme

    Kia Picanto review

    Kia Picanto review

    Geneva: Kia Picanto goes sporty

    Geneva: Kia Picanto goes sporty

    All new Kia Picanto to debut at Geneva

    All new Kia Picanto to debut at Geneva

    New Kia Picanto set for Geneva debut

    New Kia Picanto set for Geneva debut

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    The Kia Picanto has received an unusually broad variation of media review scores, ranging from "Best City Car" awards to "Don't Buy" recommendations.Kia Picanto