Kia Picanto (04-11) - Review

Review by Dan Harrison on
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

2 out of 5

Safety

Euro NCAP awarded Picanto three stars in crash tests, which is disappointing for a modern small car. However all models get ABS with EBD, dual front airbags, seatbelt pre-tensioners and three-point seatbelts all round. Sidebags are offered on some cars, while the remote central locking and immobiliser take care of security.

NCAP Test

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Provides motoring consumers with a realistic and independent assessment of the safety performance of some of the most popular cars sold in Europe.

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  • Adult Occupant Rating

    3 out of 5
  • Child Protection Rating

    4 out of 5
  • Pedestrian Test Rating

    1 out of 5
4 out of 5

Reliability

We haven’t heard of any major problems from owners since the Picanto’s launch. The cabin is durable and well put together, plus it has a pleasant mix of good quality materials. The mechanicals have proven strong, so the Picanto shouldn’t let you down. Kia upped the standard warranty in 2010 from three years to seven years, proving what faith it has in the quality of its cars.

Car check problem points

Body

No problems reported.

Engine/Gearbox

No problems reported.

Other

No problems reported.