For The 1.25-litre engine delivers lively acceleration and good in-gear flexibility. Equinox trim has all sorts of luxury goodies.

Against Even though this engine is better than the 1.0, it adds too much to the price to make sense.

Kia Picanto Hatchback

What Car? says

2 out of 5 stars

Cheaper versions of the Picanto make the most sense, so there's no way we can recommend this expensive model.

What Car? readers say

No reader reviews found


Key facts

0–60mph
11 secs
Top speed
106 mph
Average mpg
60.1
Tank range
462 miles
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Read in full

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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