Used Kia Picanto cars

Solid build, great practicality and exceptional affordability have been the hallmarks of the Kia Picanto ever since the Mk1 hit the UK streets back in 2004. Following the launch of the Mk2 in 2011, it is now into its third generation, this compact city-car embraces the very best that the acclaimed Kia marque has to offer, competing favourably with rivals like the Toyota Aygo and the Volkswagen up!. With each new iteration, the Picanto has gone from strength to strength, its design becoming sharper and sportier, and its performance being refined to deliver the best in dynamic efficiency.

Kia Picanto updates and facelifts

The arrival of the Mk3 Kia Picanto in 2017 saw the model acquire a more mature and sophisticated design, with the interior offering increased space and high-quality finishes in comparison to the older iterations. Improved driving dynamics and added personalisation options have further enriched the motoring experience. In addition, smart technology comes as standard across the entire line-up of newer Picantos.

Two of the major attributes of the Picanto over the years have been its affordability and the efficiency of its engine options. From the frugal 1.0-litre and 1.1-litre petrol engines of the original model through to the 1.0-litre T-GDi turbo version, great fuel economy and low CO2 emissions are assured, while the latest in driver-assistance technology provides added reassurance out on the road.

Selecting the ideal used Kia Picanto is easy thanks to the abundant range of trim levels available in the Mk3 line-up. From the base-level 1 trim through to the sporty GT-Line S, there’s an option among the Kia Picanto range to suit everyone from first-time motorists to seasoned drivers.

Practicality and style of the car

City cars such as the Kia Picanto are renowned for their suitability for tackling urban environments. Whether it’s short trips around town or the morning school-run, the Picanto can rise to any challenge. It does so in style and while providing great practicality. From 5-door access through to an impressive level of headroom throughout, there is more than enough space for rear-seat occupants.

Added versatility – not to mention boot space – comes courtesy of the split-folding rear seats. An impressive 255-litre capacity provides greater practicality than that offered by the Citroën C1 (196 litres), with a maximum capacity of 1,010 litres of luggage space available with both rear seats folded forward.

Running costs

Many motorists opt for a city-car such as the Picanto for the fuel-efficient performance on offer. The Picanto is also cheap to insure, making the model a firm favourite among the cost conscious. No matter which trim you choose, they all fall below group 11 (out of 50). Similarly, road tax for any used Kia Picanto registered after April 2017 comes in at a wallet-friendly £180 annually.

How a used Kia Picanto drives

When it comes to performance and fuel-efficiency, the Kia Picanto is certain to impress. The Mk3 edition of the vehicle comes equipped with an entry-level 1.0-litre three-cylinder petrol engine. Perfect for urban environments, this efficient option returns an impressive 56.5-64.2mpg while delivering 66bhp. This means there’s more than enough punch to ensure tackling the open road is effortless.

For an added kick of power, the Picanto also provides a 1.25-litre petrol option, first introduced during the Mk2 era (2011-2017) of the vehicle. The result is a power output of 84bhp and fuel-efficiency of 44.8–54.3mpg, making it a more responsive option for those requiring a little added oomph, or those who regularly tackle steeper inclines.

Topping the engine line-up is the turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDi petrol engine. Available for the GT-Line and GT-Line S models, this 99bhp option almost matches the fuel economy of the 1.25-litre petrol option, with an impressive 55.4mpg achievable. Combined with light, nimble handling, the result is a fun and rewarding drive, with the model racing from 0-62mph in as little as 9.8 seconds.

Engines and Official MPG

For a complete list of engine options and performance figures, see the table below.

2011 - 2017

Engine	Official NEDC MPG
1.0	62.8–67.3 mpg
1.0 3dr	67.3 mpg
1.0 Air	67.3 mpg
1.0 Air 3dr	67.3 mpg
1.1	62.8 mpg
1.25	60.1–62.8 mpg
1.25 3dr	60.1–62.8 mpg
1.25 Automatic	50.4–53.3 mpg
1.25 Automatic 3dr	50.4–53.3 mpg
1.25 EcoDynamics	65.7 mpg
1.25 EcoDynamics 3dr	65.7 mpg

2017 - onwards

Engine	Official NEDC MPG	Official WLTP MPG
1	56.5–64.2 mpg	50.4–58.9 mpg
1.0 Automatic	-	52.3–54.3 mpg
1.0 T-GDi	55.4 mpg	41.3 mpg
1.25	44.8–54.3 mpg	43.5–49.6 mpg
1.25 Automatic	47.9 mpg	-
1.25 Automatic X-Line	47.1 mpg	-
1.25 X-Line	54.3 mpg	-

Features you can expect in a Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto has been carefully designed and developed to ensure it always offers a ride that is not only comfortable, but also harmoniously blends with the vehicle's performance and efficiency. As such, it is brimming with features that are designed to enhance your driving experience every time you slide into the driver's seat, irrespective of the trim level you choose.

Technology

For instance, the entry-level 1 trim might seem somewhat basic compared to pricier models in the Kia range; however, its visual appeal and the finishing touches on display place the model a notch above many competitors in its class, including compact runarounds such as the Volkswagen up!. Not only that, but standard features include front electric windows and USB connectivity, providing a level of convenience that is often overlooked in this price range.

The Kia Picanto provides amenities such as air conditioning and Bluetooth connectivity. These features add a layer of comfort and convenience that enhance the overall driving experience, enabling you to stream audio from your smartphone to the vehicle’s speakers. From the 3 trim level upwards, meanwhile, the Picanto includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto smartphone connectivity. This intuitive system enables the mirroring of your smartphone via the vibrant colour touchscreen that sits prominently in the centre of the dashboard. This interface also provides access to sat nav and a reversing-camera system, further enhancing the Picanto's technological prowess.

Safety

Like all models in the Kia range, the Picanto is designed with a strong emphasis on safety, providing you with a sense of reassurance and peace of mind throughout your travels. The most recent models have been awarded a three-star rating by Euro NCAP, with a commendable 79% adult-occupant protection score and 64% for child occupants. All third-generation models are also equipped with an Advanced Driving Assistance Pack. This pack includes Hill-Start Assist and tyre pressure monitoring, as well as a Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist system, which detects vehicles and pedestrians in your path and alerts you to their presence, applying the brakes if you don’t react in time.

In addition to these safety features, the Kia Picanto includes daytime running lights to improve visibility and enhance your own road presence, a crucial yet simple feature for safer driving. Higher-spec models go a step further, offering parking sensors and a reversing-camera. Such measures provide additional support when manoeuvring in tight spaces, making the Kia Picanto a versatile and reliable vehicle for all driving scenarios.

Trims available on the Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto comes in a choice of trims depending on the model year you choose.

Kia Picanto 1

From the 14-inch steel wheels to the black cloth upholstery, the entry-level 1 trim offers much to admire. There’s ample interior space and 5-door practicality, while the range of driver-assistance and safety measures provides peace of mind. USB ports and Bluetooth streaming also provide connectivity during your travels.

Kia Picanto 2

Steel wheels become alloy when you step up to the 2 trim, while the interior also benefits from a number of upgrades. Premium black cloth upholstery, leather trimmed steering wheel, front and rear electric windows – the 2 trim provides more for your money yet retains the same great affordability.

Kia Picanto 3

When opting for the 3 trim, you can expect even more features to be included, ranging from automatic air conditioning to an 8-inch touchscreen navigation system. This connects to your smartphone via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, letting you stream calls and audio with a minimum of fuss. You can also take advantage of rear parking sensors and a reversing-camera system, meaning edging into the narrowest of spots is effortless.

Kia Picanto GT-Line

Sporty flourishes abound in the GT-Line edition, where the 16-inch alloy wheels and the exclusive GT-Line Exterior Styling Pack add a streak of colour to an athletic appearance. Privacy glass, D-cut steering wheel with red stitching, black and red faux-leather upholstery, and an 8-inch touchscreen display further add to the appeal of the trim.

Kia Picanto X-Line S

Distinctive styling makes the X-Line S trim truly stand out from the rest of the Picanto line-up, with the exclusive X-Line S Exterior Styling Pack including wheel arch extensions, off-road bumpers and an elevated ride height. There are also aluminium pedals, heated front seats and black faux leather upholstery with green stitching to add a unique appeal to the cabin.

Kia Picanto GT-Line S

GT-Line S

Top of the range is the GT-Line S, which complements the already impressive GT-Line, with added touches including heated front seats and steering wheel, wireless mobile phone charging and a Smart Key with Engine Stop/Start Button.

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