New Kia Picanto 2024: the smallest Kia is now also more fun, more modern and more connected

More than one million units of the Kia Picanto have been sold in the European market since the first generation of the city car went on sale in Kia back in 2004. The second generation arrived in 2010, and in 2017 the third was presented, which now receives such a thorough facelift that we could almost speak of a completely new model.

In the Spanish market, where the Picanto has accumulated more than 80,000 units sold, the smallest Kia model has always been very well received, with a market share almost always between 10% and 11% in the city car segment. Now we will see whether this good performance is sustained, as the Picanto has taken a big step forward not only in design: quality, onboard technology and equipment are a step higher, which has also pushed prices up.

New exterior and interior design, more connectivity

We will come back to this later. But first, don’t miss the complete redesign. Kia has not limited itself to refining the lights and touching up the grille; it has changed practically everything: front and rear headlights, bumpers, bonnet, wheels… Externally there are clear differences between the Concept and Drive trims on the one hand, and the GT Line on the other: the latter gets specific 16-inch wheels instead of 14-inch ones (steel on the Concept and alloy on the Drive), a distinctive front end, a rear diffuser and an eye-catching light bar linking the light clusters, both at the front and at the rear.

The body colour range reinforces the youthful touch that Kia managed to give the Picanto, especially with the third generation of the model. Of the 9 colours available, four are new, with eye-catching shades of red, blue and the green you can see in the images.

As is usually the case, the interior design does not change to the same extent as the exterior, and the modifications focus here on new upholstery. For the basic versions it is black cloth, with optional trims that add gloss-black details. For the GT-Line, a synthetic leather upholstery with metallic tones is chosen. The cabin can be personalised with contrasting-colour inserts and trims on the air vent surrounds and the gear lever.

But the most important novelty inside is found in the “digital” part. The instrumentation says goodbye to analogue dials and becomes a high-resolution 4.2-inch digital screen on all versions, while the touchscreen of the new multimedia system grows to 8 inches and comes as standard with Bluetooth multi-connection (two devices at the same time, for example one to use as a hands-free phone and another to play content) and integration with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In addition, the Kia Connect services are added (real-time traffic, information about possible parking spots, etc.) and the features of the app of the same name, which allows functions such as remotely locking and unlocking the car, locating where it was parked or last-kilometre navigation, once the destination is reached and the car is parked. Both the navigation systems and the infotainment will now be updated over the air.

1.0 and 1.2-litre petrol engines, optional automated manual gearbox

Kia continues to rely on its naturally aspirated three-cylinder petrol engine, offered in two versions: 1.0 litre with 63 CV for the Concept and Drive trims, and 1.2 litre with 79 CV reserved exclusively for the GT Line, as was already the case. In both cases the standard gearbox is a five-speed manual.

The novelty is that, as an option, for both engines and only in combination with the GT Line trim, a new automated manual gearbox is offered instead of the previous 5-speed automatic with torque converter, at a surcharge of around 900 euros. A point worth bearing in mind, especially in a city car like this one. Of course, a Picanto GT Line with the 1.2 engine and AMT gearbox climbs to 21,435 euros, and that is already serious money: at that price you can already reach cars from the segment above.

Range and prices of the Kia Picanto

The Picanto has moved up a step in quality and equipment, but also in price. With the current discount, which ranges between 420 and 440 euros depending on the version, the most affordable Picanto, the 1.0 DPI Concept, costs 16,527 euros, and the 1.2 GT Line starts from 20,510 euros.

The most recommendable version if you want a city car for getting around town with low consumption, without spending what the GT Line trim costs, is the Drive version, which costs 700 euros more than the Concept but adds alloy wheels, a centre armrest, rear speakers and a few decorative details. The GT-Line sporty trim’s “indulgence” is expensive, but it comes with everything: 16-inch wheels, GT Line exterior and interior design, LED daytime running lights, electrically folding exterior mirrors, tinted rear windows, climate control, keyless entry, push-button start and a wireless phone charger.

Kia Picanto 2024 – Image gallery

Technical specifications of this car

HatchbackKIA Picanto6 versions · from 18,385 €