2024 Kia Picanto Review in Australia: Refreshed exteriors, new tech

A well rounded feature heavy hatchback. Makes most of the more expensive cars look bad

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2024 KIA Picanto Review

The 2024 KIA Picanto is not on sale in India. But it is on sale in Australia.

Picanto Pros:

• A well rounded feature heavy hatchback. Makes most of the more expensive cars look bad
• Unlike most cars in the price range, does not look boring especially in GT-line variant
• Ideal for city driving, the Picanto’s small size and tight turning radius make it easy to navigate through tight spaces and congested areas
• Made in Korea and it shows. Precise build & quality
• Even the base model comes with a decent array of features and modern safety tech like Autonomous Emergency Braking
• Seven-year/unlimited km warranty adds peace of mind, especially for first-time buyers or those looking for a reliable used car in the future
• Manual transmission is still available and is the better option for those who enjoy driving

Picanto Cons:

• The GT variant and it’s amazing 1.0L turbo is no longer available anywhere in the world
• No economical diesel either
• The 1.2L engine is underpowered, requiring high revs to maintain momentum especially on hilly terrain; cabin noise is too much during these situations
• While feature heavy, misses out on keyless entry/exit and button start
• The interior materials and overall quality are basic
• Narrow width makes it a 4-seater
• The four-speed automatic transmission is slow and less responsive, making it less enjoyable to drive
• The GT-Line’s 16-inch wheels result in a harsher ride, particularly on rough city streets

Thanks to Mossy Tariq from Sydney City KIA for lending me a car to review.

Introduction

KIA has given its popular city car, the Picanto, a significant update for 2024, aiming to keep it competitive. It shares the same platform and powertrain as the Hyundai Grand i10 Nios(not sold in Australia). Known for its compact dimensions and affordability, the Picanto faces stiff competition from models like the Suzuki Swift and MG 3. Despite these challenges, the 2024 Picanto seeks to maintain its status as a top choice for city users with massively refreshed styling, new tech, and improved features that make it an attractive option for those looking for a practical yet stylish small car.

KIA Picanto Price & Brochure

The KIA Picanto is available in two variants - Sport and GT-Line. Both variants come with manual and automatic options. Prices start at A$20,690 and go all the way up to A$23,490 (On-road/Drive away).

Download the 2024 KIA Picanto brochure here.

Exterior

Design & Styling

The 2024 Picanto features a majorly refreshed and bold exterior design that is heavily influenced by their new design language. Despite its compact dimensions—3,595mm in length, 1,595mm in width, and 1,485mm in height—the Picanto manages to pack in a surprising amount of character. KIA has updated the Picanto’s front end, giving it a more assertive look with a redesigned grille and new headlights that are sharper and more angular compared to previous models. There is a light bar connecting the two headlights which looks really neat in the nights. The rear lights have had a redesign as well and the semi-light bar at the rear (The actual LED doesn’t go completely from left to right) adds a contemporary touch, creating a cohesiveness that complements the car’s overall design language.

The GT-Line variant offers additional sporty touches, such as a more pronounced body kit and 16-inch alloy wheels that give the Picanto a more dynamic appearance.

Build Quality, Fit & Finish

The Picanto is one of the few models manufactured in South Korea. The doors, tailgate and bonnet have a good deal of weight to them and the doors shut with a nice, premium sound. There's very little flex if you press the metal and no uneven panel gaps. You hardly get to see this with budget cars. It's very satisfying. The fit and finish are typical KIA and quality is top class, inside out

Wheels & Tyres

The 2024 Kia Picanto GT-Line comes equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels, which are shod with 195/45 R16 Nexen tires. This setup not only enhances the car's sporty appeal but also contributes to a more confident and composed handling experience on the road. The larger wheels and wider tires provide better grip and stability, especially when cornering, making the Picanto feel more planted than other small cars in its class. The lower Sport variant, on the other hand, comes with 14-inch alloy wheels and narrower 175/65 R14 Nexen tires, which, while better and more softer for city driving, don't offer the same level of performance as the GT-Line's setup.

Ground Clearance

The ground clearance is approximately 151mm, which is typical for a vehicle in this segment. It is sufficient for navigating most urban environments, including speed bumps and uneven road surfaces.

Standard & Extended Warranty 

KIA Australia offers a standard warranty of 7 years with unlimited kilometers, which is one of the more generous warranties available in the market. This warranty covers a range of components and provides peace of mind for long-term ownership. Additionally, KIA does offer extended warranty options that can further protect against unexpected repairs after the standard warranty period ends.

Maintenance 

The service intervals for the 2024 Picanto are set at 12 months or 15,000 kilometers, whichever comes first. Kia’s capped-price servicing program ensures that owners know upfront what their maintenance costs will be for the first seven services. This program covers essential components such as engine oil, filters, and brake fluids, helping to keep the Picanto in optimal running condition while minimizing unexpected costs.

Safety

The 2024 Kia Picanto has received a significant upgrade in its safety features, making it one of the safer options in the small car segment. Although specific crash test ratings for this model aren't widely published yet, Kia has bolstered the Picanto's safety credentials by including a range of ADAS features as standard including Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, Lane Departure Warning, Lane Keeping Assist, driver attention warning, rear cross-traffic collision assist, etc. You also get 6 airbags as standard, ESC, ABS with EBD, reverse sensors, hill-start assist, two ISOFIX child seat anchors, auto headlamps (no auto wipers though), 3-point seatbelts for all passengers and rear disc brakes.

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