The Kia Picanto, celebrating its 19th anniversary this year, has reached a quarter of a million sales in the UK.
Starting from £13,665, it’s the most affordable new car in the country — yes, it undercuts the Dacia Sandero by £130 — yet still manages to combine style, tech, economy and Kia’s signature seven-year warranty.
You can lease the plucky little supermini with Select from just £204 per month*. We also recently road-tested the Picanto in sporty GT-Line S trim, and had an absolutely hoot in it.
On the roads for almost two decades, there have been three generations of the Picanto, with the first making its debut on 25 May 2004 — coincidentally, Kia’s 60th anniversary. The original Picanto was a vibrant, youthful city car, offering impressive space, a rich specification list, and (for its era) advanced tech. In 2007, a facelift kept it fresh, although there was little change to the functional rather than flash interior. Kia sold 83,935 of these first-gen cars, boosted by the 2009 scrappage scheme that brought many new buyers to the brand.
The second generation Picanto was launched at the 2011 Geneva Motor Show and took on Kia’s distinctive ‘tiger nose’ grille, immediately giving it a more grown-up and almost premium demeanour. Enhanced CO2 efficiency through new Kappa engines, superior safety, and a three-door variant all contributed to its allure, allowing it to win several UK awards for its affordability, efficiency, and driving experience. By the end of its run in 2017, it boasted 82,407 UK sales.
The current model landed in the UK on 1 May 2017, showcasing an advanced design and sportier aspects and introducing the ‘GT-Line’ grade. The model’s turbocharged engine and manual transmission became instant hits among UK drivers, with the GT-Line something of a dark horse for those that like their diminutive hot hatches. The Picanto’s look transitioned to a modern aesthetic, with a 2020 update enhancing its charm.
Currently, the model is one of the A-segment leaders, with 84,762 sales in this generation alone. The Picanto’s lifetime sales are now 251,104 in the UK, with the 250,000th UK sale being a Picanto ‘2’ in Silver Frost.
A new Picanto arrives in 2024 with a dramatic design that echoes the forthcoming brand’s super-SUV, the all-electric EV9.
End of the line for the Kia Rio
It’s not all good news, though. The Ford Fiesta-rivalling Kia Rio is retiring from the UK after a 22-year run. While it recorded more than 150,000 sales in that time, recent years have seen it struggling against the rise of the SUV, including its closely related sibling, the Kia Stonic.
*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 29/08/23.
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