About the Kia Picanto
AI-generatedThe Kia Picanto is a practical city car that has been a popular choice in the UK since its introduction in 2004. Now in its third generation (2017-present), the Picanto offers excellent value for money, impressive build quality, and Kia's industry-leading seven-year warranty. It's perfectly sized for urban driving with nimble handling, easy parking, and surprising interior space for its compact dimensions. The Picanto competes directly with rivals like the Hyundai i10, Toyota Aygo, and Volkswagen up. Available with a choice of 1.0-litre and 1.25-litre petrol engines, the Picanto delivers good fuel economy and low running costs, making it an ideal first car or city runabout. The interior is well-equipped even in base trim levels, with higher specifications offering features like touchscreen infotainment, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and advanced safety systems. While it's not designed for motorway cruising, the Picanto excels in its intended environment and offers surprising refinement for such an affordable car.
Known Issues
Known Issues
Second Generation (2011-2017)
2011-2017
- Clutch wear can be premature, particularly in cars used predominantly in stop-start traffic
- Some electrical gremlins reported including faulty window regulators and central locking issues
- Dashboard rattles and interior trim quality concerns on earlier models
- Air conditioning compressor failures on higher mileage examples
- Weak battery performance in cold weather conditions
Third Generation (2017-present)
2017-present
- Touchscreen infotainment system can be slow to respond or occasionally freeze
- Some reports of premature brake disc corrosion, especially on lightly-used vehicles
- Paint quality concerns with stone chips and minor scratches showing more readily
- Occasional reports of condensation in headlight units
- Stop-start system can be temperamental in cold weather
Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels
Running Costs
Running Costs
Annual Fuel
£1,100
Insurance Group
3-8
Average Service
£250
Cost Calculator
Typical Prices
£12,000 - £15,500
£9,000 - £12,000
£6,500 - £9,000
£3,000 - £5,500
Pros & Cons
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Industry-leading seven-year warranty provides excellent peace of mind
- Low running costs including fuel, insurance, and servicing
- Surprisingly spacious interior with good headroom and boot space for the class
- Nimble handling and tight turning circle make it perfect for city driving
- Well-equipped even in base trim with good standard features
- Strong build quality and modern design
Cons
- Limited power from smaller engines makes motorway driving less comfortable
Photo by Mike Bird on Pexels
Best & Worst Years
Best & Worst Years
Best Years
- 2021 - Facelifted model with improved technology, updated styling, and refined engines. Benefits from manufacturer updates addressing earlier issues while still having significant warranty coverage remaining.
- 2019 - Well-sorted third-generation model with proven reliability, good availability, and excellent value. Still benefits from remaining warranty coverage and incorporates improvements from early production runs.
- 2017 - Launch year of the third generation brought significant improvements in quality, safety, and technology. These early examples now offer excellent value with most major issues resolved and warranty still potentially valid.
Worst Years
- 2011 - First year of the second generation suffered from initial production issues and some quality control problems. Earlier cars now showing age-related issues and warranty coverage long expired.
- 2004 - First production year with inevitable teething problems. These early first-generation models are now showing their age with rust concerns and worn mechanical components becoming common.
Buying Checklist
Engine6 items
- Check for smooth cold start and no hesitation when accelerating
- Listen for unusual ticking or rattling noises from the engine bay
- Verify oil level and condition - should be clean and at correct level
- Check for any oil leaks around the engine, particularly from rocker cover gasket
- Ensure timing belt has been changed at recommended intervals (check service history)
Did You Know?
Did You Know?
The Kia Picanto shares its platform and many mechanical components with the Hyundai i10, as both brands are part of the same automotive group.
The third-generation Picanto was the first city car to offer Autonomous Emergency Braking as standard across the range.
Kia offers one of the longest warranties in the automotive industry at seven years or 100,000 miles, which is fully transferable to subsequent owners.
The Picanto name comes from the Spanish word 'picante', meaning spicy or lively, reflecting the car's fun-to-drive character.
Alternatives to Consider
Hyundai i10
8/10Sister car sharing many components but with slightly different styling and interior design. Also benefits from excellent warranty and similar running costs.
Toyota Aygo
8/10Renowned Toyota reliability with slightly sportier styling. Lower running costs but less equipment and smaller boot space than the Picanto.
Volkswagen up!
Premium feel with better interior quality and more sophisticated design. Higher purchase price but strong resale values and engaging driving dynamics.
Suzuki Ignis
Owner Tips
- 1Have the air conditioning system serviced regularly (every 2 years) to prevent compressor failures and maintain efficiency.
- 2Check brake discs regularly for corrosion, especially if the car is used infrequently or for short journeys only.
- 3Keep the touchscreen software updated at dealer services to minimize freezing and responsiveness issues.
- 4In cold weather, allow the engine to warm up before relying on the stop-start system to avoid battery drain.
- 5Clean and lubricate door locks and window mechanisms annually to prevent electrical problems developing.
- 6Follow the service schedule religiously to maintain warranty validity and ensure longevity.
- 7Consider higher trim levels for better interior materials and improved resale value.
- 8For clutch longevity, avoid excessive slipping when pulling away, especially in traffic.
Check a specific Kia Picanto
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