In this review
Passenger & boot space
How it copes with people and clutter
Front space
The driver's seat slides back a little farther than the Volkswagen Up's, and tall adults will find easily enough head and leg room to sit comfortably. The i10 is a little wider, but the Picanto is still wide enough to ensure that you won’t feel hemmed in around the shoulders.
There's plenty of storage dotted around, including two cupholders between the front seats that are big enough for the largest of skinny mochaccinos, plus a tray for your mobile phone, and front door pockets big enough to hold a small water bottle.
The sliding centre armrest – a very rare thing in this class and fitted from 3 trim upwards – opens to reveal an extra cubby beneath.
Rear space
All Picantos have five doors but their openings aren't as big as they are in an i10, so getting in and out is more of a squeeze.
Once inside, six-footers will have little to complain about the head room, but will find their knees pressed up against the front seatbacks, especially if anyone tall is sitting in front. It's still pretty good by city car standards, but the Hyundai i10 has quite a bit more leg room. Also, don't forget that for around the same money as a Picanto, there are far roomier options, such as the bigger Dacia Sandero and the Dacia Duster – the latter being a small SUV.
Seat folding and flexibility
City cars don’t usually have clever seating tricks hidden up their wheel arches, and the Picanto's no different. Its rear seatbacks can be split in a 60/40 configuration, but there are no sliding or reclining seats, like you'll find in the similar-priced Suzuki Ignis.
Nor is the front passenger seat height adjustable or available with lumbar support.
Boot space
The Picanto has one of the better boots among city cars. It's bigger than those of the Volkswagen Up or Toyota Aygo and offers more than enough space for a few large shopping bags. We managed to slot in three carry-on suitcases with some space to spare. However, the Suzuki Ignis, Dacia Duster and Dacia Sandero are all available for similar money, and will fit more luggage on board.
There is an enormous lip at the Picanto's boot entrance, but this is mitigated on range-topping X-Line and GT-Line S models by a height-adjustable boot floor that helps to flatten things out. It's a shame that this handy feature isn't available on the cheaper trims.
