It might be small but there is a big personality under the skin of the Kia Picanto.
This tiddler is the least expensive car I have driven in I don’t know how long, yet it had everything I needed, well I wouldn’t have minded heated seats but for less than £17k I can forgo that small pleasure.
Kia which, by the way, has just had its best ever September sales and is now the UK’s third most popular brand, is one of the few companies still building small cars, there is not enough profit in them, so they deserve a cheer for carrying on.
And make no mistake, Picanto is seriously good value for money even if you buy this basic model. Actually, basic is a bit of an insult because Kia has laid just about everything on a plate for Picanto 2 (the UK doesn’t get number 1, it is just for the home market).
Auto dipping headlights, air conditioning, all round electric windows, navigation, parking sensors and a crystal clear rear camera are all standard, not to mention a good handful of driver safety aids.
The spec is so good I thought I had been given a middle grade model, the only giveaway was the manual air conditioning which brings me to another satisfying chapter in the Picanto story.
Modern cars are generally complicated, some a nightmare. They have so much technology you spend an age working out how everything works before daring to drive away, and then you have to remember everything. Well relax, Picanto is like being on a stress free holiday.
Everything is nice and simple. Okay there is no keyless entry or start button, and there is a handbrake (rare these days) but this is part of the joy of Picanto. Slip it into gear and off to go. I even liked the chunky heating dials, one with five clearly marked options and the other with blue or red for temperature. You can have digital, but that is up a level.
Even the touchscreen is a doddle to master, helped by a row of quick keys for radio, navigation etc. The menus are clearly marked and the response razor sharp. My only gripe was the frequent loss of DAB radio signal.
Picanto is into its third generation and the latest update has brought it in line with Kia’s bold new design, the slimline vertical headlights and end to end light strip at the rear are a strong statement.
It also has a new digital driver display and again everything is clear with a steering wheel button to select additional information on the state of play with the car.
The range has been slimmed down, the 1.2 litre petrol dropped so it is just the 3-cylinder one litre option. If interested then get in now because the price is going up £630 for the 2026 model.
The one litre is not the quickest off the mark and would be trailing rivals like its Hyundai i10 cousin, which is turbo charged, and the Toyota Aygo X but it never bothered me and I was impressed with the engine’s flexibility, easily pulling from low revs. It is a five speed box and there is an automatic option. The good news is mid fifties to the gallon.
Space in a car this size is only ever going to be adequate so a tall passenger will be scrunched up in the back seat. For me Picanto is ideal for a couple wanting to downsize and whose children have flown the nest or as a second car for a young family.
The suspension is on the firm side so it is a bit of fun on twisty roads but back seat passengers will feel the bumps more than in the front because they are sitting over 14 inch wheels.
Another small car drawback is road noise – small wheels, short wheelbase, so you will need to pump up the radio volume when cruising.
But what is not to like about a car that is great value, very well equipped with low running costs, especially insurance. For those craving more creature comforts then go up the range, the most you will spend is 20 grand.
Picanto is small, but perfectly formed. I loved it.
Fast facts
Picanto 2
£16,065
1-litre petrol; 63bhp
0-62mph 15.4secs; 90mph
54.3mpg combined
116g/km. 1st tax £440
Insurance group 4
Boot: 255-1010 litres
