For The 1.25-litre engine delivers lively acceleration and good in-gear flexibility. Standard kit on 2 spec cars includes electric rear windows, Bluetooth and an MP3 socket.

Against This engine adds a fair bit to the price because it’s not available with the cheapest trims. It’s not as clean or fuel-efficient as the 1.0-litre.

Kia Picanto Hatchback

What Car? says

3 out of 5 stars

The 1.25-litre engine is stronger than the 1.0-litre, but it pitches the Picanto against much more accomplished rivals.

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Key facts

0–60mph
11 secs
Top speed
106 mph
Average mpg
65.7
Tank range
505 miles
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The full Kia Picanto review


Buyer's notes

Target Price team says:

The 1.25-litre petrol engine is much stronger and smoother than the entry-level 1.0-litre, and if it were available with 1 Air trim this would be the pick of the range. Unfortunately, Kia offers it only with dearer trims, which pushes the price too close to that of mainstream superminis such as the brilliant Ford Fiesta.

As a result, we reckon the 1.0-litre model makes most sense. Yes, performance is disappointing, but it's reasonably cheap to buy. For most Picanto buyers, that'll be enough. However, don't get too excited about the claimed average fuel economy of around 70mpg. In our True MPG tests, the car didn't get anywhere near it.

Whichever version of the Picanto you buy, you’ll enjoy a seven-year, 100,000-mile warranty.

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Picanto rivals

Picanto used car reviews