Kia Picanto review

The Picanto’s entry engine option might seem a bit meagre on paper, but in practice it’s a great little motor that suits the Picanto’s peppy character. Of course, if you’re in anything approaching a rush, the only option is to go for the more powerful 1.2 number, though shaving the 0–62mph time down from 15.4s to 13.1s is hardly the stuff of hot hatch legend.

In many ways the Picanto is a delightful analogue riposte to the easy torque of electric vehicles everywhere: it’s light, and you feel a direct connection to the mechanical elements of the car, whether it’s the steering wheel, gearstick or pedals. The Picanto feels chuckable, and has that rental car quality of feeling like it can take a bit of abuse. Not something you can say of many EVs.

Will I be allowed on motorways?

Well, there’s no need to be dramatic about it. The entry engine has a heady top speed of 90mph, while the 1.2 knocks that up to 98mph. Autobahn-tastic. Attempting either won’t help you reach the 54.3mpg/51.4mpg fuel consumption promised by the five-speed manual though.

The Picanto feels perfectly happy to bop along a fast road at 65/70mph, as long as you plan your overtakes in advance. It’s delicate and precise, with very little weight in its steering. And obviously it’s tiny, so prone to sidewinds and skittishness. Definitely don’t go tornado hunting in one. But it’s not an effort to drive: far from it, it’s a joy at low speeds.

The 1.2 is slightly peppier and more willing than the 1.0, but you’ll pay for that with added noise. Best treat the throttle like a priceless vase and not burst your eardrums in the process. We got 51mpg out of it – so bang on the WLTP claim – but if you’re treading on eggshells for almost no additional speed, why bother with the 1.2 at all? Stick to the smaller one and you’ll be plenty happy.

What else do I need to know?

It's easy to get comfortable behind the wheel and the driving controls are all sensibly laid out: the Picanto is perfect as a first car for those building up their hours on the road, or for someone who just wants to jump in and go. Thank those thin pillars for the confidence-inspiring visibility too.

It nails its brief, but similar cars occasionally go beyond that. The i10 is a better companion on longer journeys, for instance: the Kia’s suspension is a little stiff, but it still shields you from potholes and bumps pretty well.