It seems that small cars (especially those with internal combustion engines) are destined to disappear, since in urban areas electric cars are cheaper to move around, cleaner and do not suffer from a shortage of charging networks as they do on trips. However, there are models that continue to be updated, such as the Kia Picanto, which will be brought up to date in 2024.
In 2024, it will also be two decades since it was first launched in Europe. Since then, more than a million units have been sold on the continent, of which more than 80,000 in Spain. Let’s review the history of the Kia Picanto up to today. A practical, efficient car that has also stood out for its reliability thanks to its simple mechanics. And it has become much more attractive over the last 20 years.
Kia Picanto (SA). First generation (2004-2010)
The brand says that the model was “aimed at the generation of Sex and the City and Friends«. A car for singles and young couples without children looking for a small car for urban driving.
The 2024 Kia Picanto measured 3.495 mm long and a wheelbase of 2,370 mm. This first generation only had a five-door body and offered a surprising interior space for a car in its segment and a trunk of 127 litersThe Picanto also stood out for its attractive exterior design and for an interior with an acceptable quality of finishes and materials.
Although it may seem unbelievable today, with the update in 2007 a three-cylinder diesel engine was added to the mechanical range. 1.1 CRDi 75 HP and which was approved for a consumption of 4.2 l/100 km and emissions of 112 g/km of CO2, which gave it 800 kilometers of autonomy. Note that gasoline engines 1.1 65 HP gasoline announced average consumption between 5.1 and 5.8 l/100 km (123-138 g/km of CO2).
Kia Picanto (TA). Second generation (2010-2017)
The second generation was presented at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and debuted the brand’s new design language, with the grille Tiger Nose. It grew in size to 3.595 mm length and 2,385 mm wheelbase to offer even more interior space and a more capable trunk 200 litersIt also gained in versatility, with three- and five-door bodies.
This Picanto brought with it numerous comfort and safety features that were pioneers in its segment and, for the first time, some customization options. Customers were getting a well-equipped product at a good price.
It debuted new Kappa gasoline engines, a three-cylinder 1.0 69 HP and a four cylinder 1.2 with 85 HP. All of them are associated with a manual gearbox, but in the 2015 update a four-speed torque converter automatic gearbox was added. At the same time, their performance-consumption ratio was improved by adopting Eco-Dynamics technologies (up to 4.1 litres/100 km and 90 g/km, in the most efficient version) and thus complying with Euro 6 regulations.
Kia Picanto (JA). Third generation (2017-2024)
We met the third generation of the Picanto in 2017. It retained its strengths and, above all, improved its dynamics, as we saw in our test. It also brought connectivity technologies (such as the 7-inch floating central screen with Android and Apple connectivity) and a greater number of safety assistants, such as six airbags, VSM and ESC stability control systems, or autonomous emergency braking (AEB).
Its image gained in modernity, the work of the design centres in Namyang (Korea) and Frankfurt (Germany). It retained its exterior customization possibilities and gained the GT Line finish. With an identical length to the previous one, 3.595 mm The wheelbase has grown by 15 mm to 2,400 mm, offering more interior space and a 255-litre boot.
On the move, the new torque vectoring system and more powerful mechanics stood out, as new 1.0 T-GDI 100 HPwhile the access engines, the 1.0 MPI 67 HP and the 1.2 MPI 84 HP were somewhat more efficient.
The Picanto received a major update in 2021, with X-Line versions, a range of gasoline engines Smartstream which could be associated with the automated manual transmission or the advanced UVO Connect infotainment system.
Kia Picanto 2024
The 2024 Picanto already embraces the design philosophy Opposites Unitedwith a bolder image than ever and up to nine body colors to choose from. Inside, the possibility of customization and the possibility of having synthetic leather seats stand out.
It kept the 3,595 mm length, like the previous one, the five seats or the 255 litre boot. It comes as standard with a navigator with an 8-inch touch screen, compatible with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto that can be updated remotely, and a 4.2-inch screen on the instrument panel.
In the mechanical section the three-cylinder block 1.0 DPI of63 HP of power and 93 Nm of torque (see test) or the maximum or the four-cylinder 1.2 DPI 79 HP and 113 Nm of torque (exclusive to the GT-Line trim). Emissions have been reduced again and the brand’s automated manual transmission (AMT) has debuted.
