Kim Henson takes the 1.2 litre version of the 2025 Picanto for a short test drive…
(All words and photographs © Kim Henson and Wheels-Alive).
Kia’s Picanto has been endearing itself to owners for many years, and the latest incarnation of the company’s smallest model is no exception.
Deliberately compact, the Picanto is available with a 62 bhp 1.0 litre three cylinder power unit or a 77 bhp 1.2 litre four cylinder motor (both petrol-driven), and my test drive was in the larger-engined, higher powered form.
As standard, in both versions drive is to the front wheels via a five speed manual gearbox, with optional ‘automated manual’ transmission also offered. In fact this ‘AMT’ system comprises a manual gearbox and incorporates clutch and gearchange actuators.
The Picanto is a compact vehicle, but big on spec, with standard equipment in all variants including an 8-inch touch screen/navigation system,comprehensive connectivity features and multiple USB charging points (plus many other standard-fit features on a long list).
Picanto ‘On the Road’ prices start at £16,065 for the 1.0 litre ‘Picanto 2’, with the 1.2 litre ‘GT-Line S’ version that I drove costing £18,915.
The GT-Line S is offered only in 1.2 litre form, and amongst many standard-fit equipment items, this car comes with (for example)16-inch aluminium alloy road wheels, a tilt/slide sun roof, customisable ambient lighting, forward collision avoidance assist (protecting in terms of city, pedestrian, cyclist and junction turning aspects) and blind spot collision avoidance assist systems.
Featured too are heated front seats, a heated steering wheel, a reversing camera system and reverse parking sensors, cruise control, hill-start assist control and a wide variety of inbuilt safety systems.
Ultimately the 1.0 litre variants are a little more economical on fuel, with the 1.2 litre Picantos being more lively on the road.
According to Kia’s figures my 1.2 litre test car provides an overall Combined consumption figure of 51.4 miles per gallon, acceleration from rest to 62 mph in 13.1 seconds, and a top speed of 98 mph. (For comparison, 1.0 litre Picanto 0 – 62 mph acceleration and top speed figures are, respectively: 15.4 seconds and 90 mph. I know too that in real world use, fuel consumption can better 60 miles per gallon).
Behind the wheel
I was impressed by the latest Picanto’s comfortable and supportive front seats, and by the clean design of the interior. Rear seat space is not over generous (although bearing in mind that after all this is a compact vehicle), but the wide-opening four doors allow easy access. Luggage space is also relatively small.
I liked the facia design, with clear instrumentation and with the attractive, useful 8-inch touch screen positioned centre stage to help guide the driver (and inform the front seat passenger too).
The smooth-running four cylinder engine delivered power and torque in plenty. For the record, maximum torque is quoted as being 112 Nm (83 lb.ft) at 4,200 rpm, but during my drive the willing motor pulled strongly from lower speeds too.
The engine was quiet as well as eager, and the car cruised easily in a hushed manner at higher speeds.
I was also pleasantly surprised by the accommodating ride quality, the MacPherson strut front and four-link rear suspension set-ups doing their job with minimal intrusion/upset for occupants.
The steering felt nicely-weighted at high and low speeds, while the brakes were reassuring in feel.
My test drive was conducted during heavy rain, and I took it easy on the twisting roads of my test route in Somerset, but given the conditions the car felt sure-footed and was enjoyable in terms of handling/roadholding.
VERDICT
The Picanto has always been a well-liked small car, and over the last two decades has proved to be a reliable model, serving owners very well.
The latest version promises to continue this positive tradition, and is a worthy contender in the compact vehicle sector.
My personal choice would be a 1.2 litre version, with its edge in terms of overall performance. That said, I have friends who recently bought a 1.0 litre example and are very happy with its performance and, especially, its fuel economy.
I feel it is also worth mentioning Kia’s seven year/100,000 mile warranty, helping to provide long-term peace of mind to potential owners.
