Here’s the new and improved Kia Picanto - and it’s a sharp new look for the popular supermini.
When it comes to a lease car to ease the cost of living crisis, the Picanto has got mass appeal.
Kia says the nimble little hatchback will appeal to everyone from urban commuters and working professionals to those getting behind the wheel of their first car.
This author certainly enjoyed his time in one - and you can read our verdict on the Picanto in this exclusive Select Car Leasing review.
Now the humble Picanto - which competes with rivals like the Hyundai i10, Volkswagen Up! and the Suzuki Swift - has been treated to an exceedingly eye-catching makeover.
It borrows exterior styling from vehicles higher up the Kia range and comes with a ‘tiger nose’ grille and a ‘bold’, ‘futuristic’ and ‘sporty’ stance, according to Kia.
The entry-level Picanto comes with 14-inch wheels as standard, while there will also be a ‘GT-Line’ trim that adds sportier styling, larger 16 inch rims, a rear diffuser, and an uprated interior.
What’s also new for the soon-to-be-arriving Picanto is a fresh engine.
Up until now, all Picantos had a 1.0 litre petrol mill under the bonnet, with power of either 66 hp and 99 hp.
A new 1.2 litre petrol unit will soon join the line-up, and which Kia says is perfect for those who want a little more power, or those who worry about running out of puff while going up big hills.
There’s no word yet on what oomph the 1.2 litre engine might have, but we’ll keep you posted.
Lease customers have a choice between a five-speed manual or automatic gearbox, depending on the trim level, and whichever transmission you opt for, the Picanto is sure to be frugal in its use of fuel.
Inside the cabin, an 8-inch infotainment touchscreen with sat nav is fitted as standard, and it’s compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. You can also control the system using voice commands and it supports over-the-air updates.
Meanwhile Kia says the Picanto is ‘one of the safest cars in its class’, coming with driver assistance systems like Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with vehicle, cyclist, and pedestrian detection, which will slam on the brakes for you if, for example, it detects an imminent collision when you’re turning into a junction.
You also get a 255 litre boot, which is just a shade larger than the luggage space available in the Hyundai i10 and the VW Up!
The only slight fly in the ointment is that Kia appears to have dropped the range-topping, turbo-charged Kia Picanto GT-Line S (below). It’s the car we recently tested, and it’s the dinky little hot (well, mild) hatch you never knew you wanted.
The ‘S’ has got an hilarious, shouty exhaust that you’d never dream would be associated with a Picanto and the car was an absolute hoot to drive.
If that sounds like your type of fun, get in there now and lease one while you can, with prices with Select for the Kia Picanto GT-Line S beginning at just £253 per month*.
You can lease the regular Kia Picanto from £198 per month*.
*Prices include VAT. Credit is Subject to Status, Ts and Cs and Arrangement Fees apply. Excess mileage may apply. Stock levels and prices correct as of 04/07/23.
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