Australia’s most affordable brand-new automobile is … no long Australia’s least expensive brand-new cars and truck. 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertThe Kia Picanto was for a very long time the entry point into the brand-new cars and truck market, however this newest upgrade indicates it now costs more than among the top-selling budget friendly lorries going today– the MG 3. Stream Supercars and more motorsport action live and complimentary on 7plus Still, the Picanto acts as the entry point into the Korean brand name’s line-up, and has actually crammed in stacks of brand-new and preferable functions to validate the $1700 rate boosts, going heavy on active security tech the MG does not have. The Picanto keeps both manual and automated transmission choices, in addition to a two-variant variety structure to provide more option than many at this end of the marketplace. Here we’re trialling the most affordable one– is it the choice? Just how much does the Kia Picanto cost?We have the most cost effective Picanto on sale– the 2024 Kia Picanto Sport– which begins with $20,690 drive-away with the five-speed handbook transmission on test. 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpert2024 Kia Picanto prices: 2024 Kia Picanto Sport 5MT: $17,890 ($20,690 D/A)2024 Kia Picanto Sport 4AT: $19,490 ($21,690 D/A)2024 Kia Picanto GT-Line 5MT: $19,690 ($22,490 D/A)2024 Kia Picanto GT-Line 4AT: $21,290 ($23,490 D/A)Prices leave out on-road expenses unless otherwise kept in mind To see how the Picanto compares to its competitors, take a look at our contrast tool. What is the Kia Picanto like on the inside?Changes in the cabin are a little less significant than the outside, however there’s many upgrades here. 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertThe basics are the exact same however there are little modifications like a brand-new LCD instrument cluster which is more nicely incorporated into the binnacle than the old analogue dials, and the seat material has actually been upgraded. Smaller sized information consist of the addition of USB-C charge ports, along with extra buttons on the guiding wheel and to the right of the chauffeur’s knee for suitable security systems that have actually been included with this upgrade. Oh, and the guiding wheel is now cut in ‘premium’ leatherette as basic, as is the shifter. Thinking about the dive from the old S to the Sport is approximately $1700, there’s certainly a more upmarket ambiance to numerous points of touch and interaction in addition to the more fulsome tech suite that exceeds priced estimate rate distinction. 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpert2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpert2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpert2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertIt’s all still rather standard and austere, however it’s practical and appealing enough offered the rate point. The freestanding 8.0-inch touchscreen provides cordless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, which in fact works appropriately now compared to older versions, and the manual air-con is remarkably effective as I discovered on a hot summertime day. Storage is excellent thanks to a dual-tier rack under the control panel enhanced by 12V, USB-A and USB-C ports, along with adjustable cupholders and an open tray in the centre console. Whatever is likewise ergonomically put and placed, with the centre stack somewhat angled towards the motorist and whatever is well within arm’s reach– simply do not go searching for soft plastics, since there are none. GT-Line Credit: CarExpertThe rear seats continues to shock, provided you can in fact fit genuine individuals there in spite of the Picanto’s small measurements. I handled to fit 2 of my good friends in the back with very little problems. The Picanto’s high and blocky percentages indicate even somebody my height (6’1) can comfortably fit– a longer roadway journey may be pressing it with routine usage. Being a spending plan city cars and truck there aren’t a lot of rear seats features. You get the requisite ISOFIX anchors on the outboard seats in addition to leading tethers throughout all 3, however there are no vents or folding centre armrest. In fairness that’s to be anticipated of a lorry in this section, however worth calling out if you’re preparing to utilize the 2nd row rather typically. 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpert2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertBehind those rear seats there’s 255 litres of freight capability, which can be broadened to 1010 litres with the rear seats folded. That’s more than a Mazda 2 Hatch (250L) or Suzuki Swift (242L), which is remarkable provided the size class. There’s a quite huge action up from the boot flooring to the seat backs. All variations of the Kia Picanto include a momentary area saver extra wheel. What’s under the bonnet? 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertHow does the Kia Picanto drive?While the bulk of Picanto purchasers will likely go with the dearer four-speed car, it’s excellent that Kia has actually kept the five-speed handbook on sale. 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertWhy? Well for beginners handbooks are ending up being harder and difficult to discover nowadays, and for a great deal of more youthful drivers purchasing their very first automobile this might be a fantastic method to enter into an economical brand-new cars and truck and likewise practice ‘driving stick’. It likewise offers you more control and an included ratio for the lovely standard and meek 1.25-litre gas engine, which is now the sole powertrain offered the 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo from the outbound variety has actually been axed. With simply 62kW of power and 122Nm of torque, this little Kia is no pocket rocket– particularly when peak torque isn’t online till 4000rpm. This thing just weighs 976kg so you can get it moving if you require to press it. I have not driven an atmo handbook for a while, so you might discover you need to row through the equipments a lot to keep the Picanto on the boil. It’s more including and assists you actually contact what the vehicle’s doing, however it can likewise be rather tedious in stop-start city traffic. 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertThe Picanto has a really light clutch and nearly unsteady shift action, which early on may be a little disconcerting however you quickly discover to accept the appeal that features driving this little thing around town. It revs out voluntarily and is relatively responsive, however I ‘d neglect the shift indication in the cluster which motivates you to alter equipments at around 2000rpm– which is never ever going to operate in uneven conditions. Bear in mind you do not get peak torque till 4000rpm and peak power up until 6000rpm. While the brand-new ‘fundamental’ digital instrumentation looks cool in the chauffeur’s binnacle, I feel this is an action in reverse for the handbook as it’s hard to evaluate sometimes the number of revs you’re hanging on liftoff and how rapidly the tacho is increasing on the clock radio-style screen. Even more, the unclear clutch and shift actions can indicate it’s extremely simple to over-rev the Picanto on departure and in between gearshifts. Having hill start help absolutely assists when triggering on a slope. It deals with well too. That chunky leatherette-trimmed wheel and precise guiding calibration make this rather an enjoyable little thing to punt around city streets. GT-Line revealed Credit: CarExpertIt trips quite well too, erring on the firmer side however it does a great task at stabilizing convenience and characteristics. The Sport’s little 14-inch alloys and 175/65 tires include a bit more cushioning than the GT-Line’s 195/45 R16s too. The Picanto is likewise remarkably decided on the highway for such a little cars and truck, assisted by Kia Australia’s localisation of the chassis and steering in addition to, maybe, the reality the Picanto is offered in markets like Europe. While it’ll take a heavy foot to get anywhere rapidly, you will not need to seem like you’re in some harmful little tin box that’ll get blown away by passing buses and trucks. It’s remarkably sure footed and positive at 100 clicks. Even more, the five-speed handbook’s log last ratio suggests it’s not spinning away at well above 3000rpm like it remains in the four-speed automobile. It simply seems like it has longer legs in those circumstances. GT-Line revealed Credit: CarExpertUnlike the MG 3, which does not have any type of modern-day active security tech, the Picanto has a multitude of contemporary help functions which need to not just assist you on the roadway however likewise provide moms and dads piece of mind for their young chauffeurs setting out to drive in this huge frightening world. AEB, blind-spot and rear cross-traffic help in addition to lane keep help all actively step in to prevent crashes or wandering out of one’s lane. You likewise have Lane Following Assist that will actively keep you centred in your lane too, and does so in a not-so threatening method. There’s likewise automobile high-beam for the basic projector-type halogen headlights. LED lighting systems are booked for the GT-Line flagship– I can forgive this in the Picanto, maybe not designs greater up in Kia’s variety. I will keep in mind Kia does not provide the Picanto with a more advanced AEB system with pedestrian and bicyclist detection, nor adaptive cruise control in spite of it being readily available in the Korean domestic market. Most likely quibbling for this specific version. What do you get? 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpert2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpert2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpert2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertPicanto Sport highlights: 14-inch alloy wheels (NEW)Halogen headlightsHalogen daytime running lightsAuto high-beamAuto headlightsLED rear fog lights (NEW)Space-saver sparePower-folding outside mirrors (NEW)8.0-inch touchscreen infotainment systemWireless Apple CarPlay, Android Auto4.2-inch instrument cluster screen (NEW)Leatherette-wrapped guiding wheel (NEW)Leatherette-wrapped shifter (NEW)4-way manual motorist’s seat adjustmentCloth upholstery3 x top-tether, 2 x ISOFIX pointsManual air conditioning4 x speakers, 2 x front tweetersCruise controlPower windowsDay, night rear-view mirror1 x front USB-A outlet1 x front USB-C outlet1 x front 12V outlet2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpert2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpert2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpert2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertPicanto GT-Line includes: 16-inch alloy wheelsLED headlights (NEW)LED daytime running lightsLED tail lights (NEW)GT-Line outside packagePower-folding, heated outside mirrors (NEW)Leatherette upholstery6-way manual motorist seat (incl. height change)3-spoke ‘Sports’ guiding wheel (NEW)Metal pedals (NEW)1 x rear USB-C outlet (NEW)Is the Kia Picanto safe?The Kia Picanto scored a four-star ANCAP security score based upon 2017 Euro NCAP tests, however that score has actually given that ended since 1 January 2024. 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertIt got an adult resident security ranking of 87 percent, a kid resident defense score of 64 percent, a pedestrian defense score of 54 percent, and a security help score of 47 percent. ANCAP and Euro NCAP kept in mind the kid resident and pedestrian defense scores fell under the limits for a complete luxury security score. Requirement security devices consists of: Autonomous emergency situation braking (AEB)Blind-spot help (NEW)Driver attention warningForward accident warningHigh Beam AssistLane Follow Assist (NEW)Lane keep help (NEW)Leading car departure alertRear cross-traffic help (NEW)Rear resident alertReversing cameraRear parking sensorsSafe exit warningHow much does the Kia Picanto expense to run?The Picanto is backed by Kia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometre guarantee. 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertLike the larger line-up, Kia uses 7 years of roadside support and capped-price maintenance– upkeep is needed every 12 months or 15,000 kilometres. Kia Picanto service rates: CarExpert’s Take on the Kia PicantoAustralians enjoy to purchase the most significant and most pricey variations of the majority of cars and trucks, however for those more practical purchasers that take the “ideal size, best size” method, the base Picanto still has a lot to provide. 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertFor $20,000 drive-away you have all the bases covered in regards to help and infotainment innovations, along with a quite affordable and straightforward drivetrain that’s low-cost to run. Based upon my real-world economy you must have the ability to attain over 550 kilometres in between fills of the small 35-litre tank, which with 91 RON unleaded will make this one of the most affordable and most effective methods to navigate. Props to Kia for dressing up the brand-new Picanto with active security functions like blind-spot and rear cross-traffic helps, in addition to active lane centring. While some while argue “you should not have your licence if you require these”, for novice motorists or the senior susceptible to mistakes it’s a terrific safeguard that you do not value the worth up until you require it. You truly do not require to invest up for the GT-Line either unless you actually desire the more premium looks and LED lighting, since the principles of this brand-new Sport are more than strong sufficient for the coin. If you’re in the marketplace for effectively budget plan car there’s little else to select from with the exception of the pre-owned market. 2024 Kia Picanto Credit: CarExpertMORE: Buy a Kia PicantoMORE: Everything Kia Picanto ProsCheap and joyful motoringWelcome upgrades to security suiteSave The ManualsConsSmaller and not as quite as MG 3ANCAP score has now expiredServicing isn’t precisely cheapTop Line SpecsPower: 62kWFuel Type: Unleaded PetrolEconomy: 5.5 L/100kmCO2 Emissions: 117g/kmANCAP Safety Rating: 4
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