Kia Picanto Review Covering 2004 To Date

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Quick Summary of the Kia Picanto

OVERALL

Excellent value comes as standard with the Kia Picanto but these cars hold their value very well as a used proposition, curiously making them less of a bargain used than new. My advice? Sweet talk your Kia dealer and see what offers they can do on a new model.

PIC OF THE PACK

It’s not an exaggeration to say that the Kia Picanto changed the citycar rules. Before the Picanto was launched, citycars had either two or three doors. If you wanted to carry more than one passenger, somebody would need to clamber into the back. The five-door Picanto offered a little more civility, cheeky styling and a microscopic asking price. No wonder it has proved so successful and why used examples sell briskly.
Used Kia Picanto for sale

History of the Picanto

The Picanto arrived in UK dealerships in May 2004, coinciding with Kia’s 60th anniversary of vehicle manufacturing. Originally offered powered by either a 60bhp 1.0-litre (with a five speed manual gearbox) or a 65bhp 1.1-litre unit (that gave customers the option of a manual or a four-speed automatic set-up), S, GS and LX models were initially available. They were followed in November 2005 with a luxury leather-trimmed SE+ model. A Zapp! Limited edition model followed in May 2006 offering a year’s free insurance and a Zipp derivative with a full length sunroof followed shortly after.A facelift in the summer of 2007 softened the lines around the Picanto’s front end and upgraded its interior with better quality plastics. The new trim levels kicked off with the standard model than run through Picanto 2 before topping off with the sporty Picanto 3 which features a mesh grille, fog lamps and 15" alloy wheels. The Ice launch edition model featured air-conditioning and a number of other features and came at a competitive price.
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Kia Picanto Road Test

Although 65bhp may not sound a whole hill of beans, it’s a fair amount for such a small car and is enough to give the 1.1-litre Picanto a modest turn of speed. It’ll get to 60mph in 15.2 seconds and run on to a top speed of 95mph. While this may make the cut and thrust of the British motorway system something of a white knuckle ride, it’s perfectly adequate for city motoring and, with its 35 litre fuel tank, the Picanto will manage up to 435 miles between refuels. Given the typically short journeys that many citycars undertake, the staff in your local petrol station are unlikely to be on first name terms with you. A five speed manual transmission is supplied as standard but if you’re really serious about city driving you may well be tempted by the four-speed automatic option. The 1.0-litre engine is only slightly slower but isn’t offered with a choice of an automatic box. Kia have developed a miniature fully-independent suspension system that aims to deliver both zippy handling and a reasonably compliant ride. It has been specially tuned to cope with typical poorly surfaced European roads. Based on a shortened Hyundai Getz chassis, the steering is fairly quick-witted and the wheels are diddy 14-inch numbers fitted with tall 165/65 series rubber. Kia haven’t cut any corners when it comes to safety, the Picanto featuring not only anti lock brakes but load sensitive electronic brake force distribution as well. This system directs braking power to whichever tyre can best deploy it. ABS and EBD can only do so much if the brakes themselves aren’t up to the task, but rather unusually for this class of car, the Picanto features disc brakes all round.
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Buying a Kia Picanto

Keep an eye out for the usual citycar problems – kerbed wheels, dented and scratched wings and doors, keyed paintwork and vandal damage to locks. Both the 1.0-litre and 1.1-litre engines are tough little units and the suspension is rudimentary as are the electrics. The interior is also fairly hardwearing although some of the fascia plastics do scratch easily. The Picanto tends to be bought by the very old or the very young. If you get a choice, opt for a car owned by an oldie.
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Kia Picanto Typical Pricing

Just £4,000 should easily be enough to put you behind the wheel of a 2004 Picanto GS or a slightly higher mileage LX if you’re willing to shop around a little. You’ll need around £5,400 to get your name on the registration documents of a Zapp! Or an SE+. Insurance for all Picanto models is bargain basement stuff, with groupings ranging from 2 to 3.
Used Kia Picanto for sale

Kia Picanto Parts

(approx based on a 2005 Picanto 1.1) Kia spares prices have gained an enviable reputation for good value, and replacement parts for the Picanto are no exception. A clutch assembly is around £110, whilst front brake pads weigh in at around £40. An alternator will cost around £110, and for a starter motor you’ll be looking at £100. A replacement headlamp will require £90.
Used Kia Picanto for sale

Kia Picanto Rated

Performance Performance 3 out of 5

Comfort

Handling

Economy

Styling

Equipment

Build

Depreciation Depreciation 3.5 out of 5

Insurance

Value

Kia Picanto Review2004 To Date