Kia Picanto (04-11) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on 28 February 2006

Last Updated: 05 January 2010

The Picanto is a great small car that's big on value and interior space. Like all Kia's it is well put together and generously equipped, while light steering and a tiny turning circle make it ideal for nipping in and out of small spaces. Kia injected new life into the model with a facelift in 2008, giving it new lights and bumpers. As before, it is still available exclusively as a five-door, making it ideal if you have young children. It's been a surprise hit as a new car, which means that there's now a wide range of models available at budget prices. One of the few black marks against its name is a less than impressive three star Euro NCAP crash safety rating. However, all cars sold from the beginning of January 2010 come with a seven-year warranty, making it a great buy.

3.5 out of 5

Other Kia reviews

3.5 out of 5

Summary

New price range:

£5,895 - £9,510

Used price range:

£1,255 - £7,598

View all used prices

Get a Kia Picanto (04-11) information pack

Next steps

Kia Picanto cars for sale

Use our cars for sale search facility to find great deals on second hand cars. We have 338 models like this for sale, starting at £1,799.

Find used Kia Picantos for sale

Cracking value, economical engines, five-doors as standard, cheap to run, reliable

Not as clever with space as other small cars, mediocre safety rating

For the review of the latest Kia Picanto click here

Driving & Performance

Performance

2.5 out of 5
"There are two petrol engines available in the range, a 60bhp 1.0-litre and a 64bhp 1.1-litre -..."
Handling

3 out of 5
"The Picanto is a really comfortable car in town - just as it was designed to be. It's easy to drive..."

Comfort

Comfort

3 out of 5
"Considering the Picanto is a small city car the interior is remarkably roomy. The front passenger..."
Practicality

3 out of 5
"There’s good head and legroom for two adults in the front and two in the back. The Picanto is only..."
Equipment

4.5 out of 5
"Following the Picanto’s facelift in 2008, Kia simplified its trim levels to the basic model, 2, Ice..."
Behind the wheel

3.5 out of 5
"The dashboard is good-looking with all major controls angled towards the driver. The steering..."

Costs

Running costs

4.5 out of 5
"Low list prices and high desirability due to affordable insurance and excellent equipment levels..."
Green credentials

4 out of 5
"The Picanto is eco-friendly and easy on the environment - although newer rivals are greener. With an..."

Safety & Reliability

Safety

2 out of 5
"Euro NCAP awarded Picanto three stars in crash tests, which is disappointing for a modern small car."
Reliability

4 out of 5
"We haven’t heard of any major problems from owners since the Picanto’s launch. The cabin is durable..."

Buying & Selling

Buying new

3 out of 5
"The Picanto makes an attractive proposition as a new car as prices are tempting and it's very well..."
Buying used

4 out of 5
"There are plenty of used examples around – many of which are available from Kia’s dealership..."
Selling

4 out of 5
"There’s a healthy appetite for small city cars and Picanto fits the bill. It’s cheeky, affordable..."