Kia Picanto (2024) Launch Review
Given that Kia no longer sells the Rio light hatchback in SA, the Picanto must straddle the line between compact and premium more than ever before. Fortunately, the 3rd rendition (2nd facelift) of the 3rd-gen model is the most polished Picanto yet.
The Picanto remains one of those iconic Korean urban runabouts, albeit on the tiny end, that helped turn its marque from humble to loved in our market. The Sportage family car, obviously, also comes to mind, whilst in the sister stable, the Getz and Tucson played similar roles in entrenching Hyundai in Mzansi.
Kia has sold more than 100 000 units of the Picanto during the model’s 21-year lifetime. But, it’s the rather distinctive 2nd-gen model, which debuted in South Africa in 2011, that leaned on the brand’s iconic Tiger Nose the hardest, thanks to the stylings of ex-Audi designer, Peter Schreyer.
See also: Kia Picanto (2011-2017) Buyer’s Guide
He’d ultimately go on to oversee the designs of everything from both Kia and Hyundai to great success, including the 2nd-gen Picanto’s 2014 update, and this successor (the 3rd-gen model) that debuted in 2017. Since then, this chunkier Picanto has received a facelift in 2020 and now, once again, this year.
Historically, Kia has reacted to many market moves, such as the favouring of automatic transmissions, a greater need for multimedia and, of course, consumer demand for a pleasantly tactile cabin in a small-car package, all appreciably available here. Still, I found myself at the helm of a 5-speed manual in what remains a fun city car that today plays perhaps in a different segment of the market than it once did.
Perhaps the Picanto’s now-maturer price point (between R260k and R325k) sees it being priced out of the “student-car zone”, but despite inflation, the Korean city car remains universally desirable across all age and cultural demographics (even if the majority of its buyers are between the ages of 26 and 32).
See also: Kia Picanto (2024) Price & Specs
And I totally understand why the Picanto has cross-generational appeal. Perhaps South African new-car buyers have adopted a more European outlook, because on “the Continent”, small cars aren’t regarded inferior, but fit for purpose if you live in a city. And, it’s in that respect that the Picanto truly stands out.
But first, how about a grade walk? Kia has ditched the confusing Street, Start and Smart nomenclatures for a simpler LX, EX and EX Plus naming convention, with levels of specification improving as you ascend the price list (as one would expect). Visually, they all benefit from that wide stance enhanced by having the head and tail lamps pushed out to the very edges of the car, with a light bar at the rear.
Similarly, strong horizontal lines make the cabin feel wide and spacious. What’s more, all derivatives benefit from high-quality materials and leather-like (even in the base model) tactile points.
Even entry-level 1.0 LX derivatives are fitted with dual front airbags, ABS (all cars should though), ISOfix points, keyless entry, all-round electric windows (with auto up/down function for the driver), electrically adjustable and -heated side mirrors, remote central locking, alarm and immobiliser, plus (manual) aircon.
The touchscreen-based infotainment system, as you’d expect, is well-appointed and can be smartly paired with your smartphone, thanks to the provision of Apple Carplay and Android Auto compatibility.
On the mid-tier 1.2 EX, the Picanto’s 14-inch steelies become 14-inch alloy wheels, side repeater lamps are incorporated into the (now electric folding) side mirrors, a storage box is added between the front seats and the safety spec is expanded to include electronic stability- and hill-start assist control.
What’s more, the audio system gets upgraded to a 4-speaker setup with tweeters, the LX’s analogue instrumentation is replaced by a 4.2-inch Supervision TFT cluster and automatic light control is added.
Range-topping EX+ derivatives feature 15-inch alloys and LED taillamp clusters. The cabin is upgraded to include faux leather upholstery, push-button start/stop, rear PDC and high-gloss trims on the fascia.
Each grade comes in your choice of a 5-speed manual gearbox or 4-speed automatic transmission, paired with (in LX derivatives) a 1.0-litre inline-3-cylinder petrol engine (it produces 49 kW and 95 Nm) or, in the EX and EX Plus, a 1.2-litre inline-4-cylinder petrol motor (with outputs of 62 kW and 122 Nm).
How much does the facelifted Kia Picanto cost in SA?
| Kia Picanto 1.0 LX 5MT | R260 995 |
| Kia Picanto 1.0 LX 4AT | R278 995 |
| Kia Picanto 1.2 EX 5MT | R284 995 |
| Kia Picanto 1.2 EX 4AT | R302 995 |
| Kia Picanto 1.2 EX+ 5MT | R307 995 |
| Kia Picanto 1.2 EX+ 4AT | R325 995 |
All prices include Kia’s 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan.
Summary
Having driven (a manual) 2024 Picanto I can confirm that it still does precisely what it is meant to do – with aplomb. It’s a cheeky little city car that feels big and comfy on the inside but can fit into the tightest of spaces when you need it to. I’m not sure if people still remember what a Tardis is, but this is like that.
A phone box (dear Gen Z and younger, it doesn’t mean what you probably think it does) with all the mod cons you could desire, so long as you don’t mind the fact that travelling far distances will take some time.
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