Browse over 9,000 car reviews

FROM OUR EXPERT TEAM
Explore Articles

Kia Picanto 2021 review: S snapshot

Kia Kia Picanto Kia Picanto 2021 Urban
...
EXPERT RATING
7.0

Likes

  • Value
  • Wireless phone connectivity!
  • More practical than it looks

Dislikes

  • Halogen headlights
  • Harsh cabin materials
  • Neither transmission great
Tom White
Senior Journalist
28 Sep 2020
2 min read

The Kia Picanto S is the Korean brand’s smallest and most affordable car in Australia.

Wearing an MSRP of just $14,690 for the five-speed manual version, the Picanto is one of the most affordable new cars on the Australian market. A four-speed automatic can be had at a $1500 premium, at $16,290 before on-road costs.

Updated for the 2021 model year, the Picanto S now scores a set of new halogen headlights, new designs for its 14-inch steel wheel covers, a new 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a full colour multi-function display in the dash cluster.

Standard fitment includes cloth seat trim, plastic wheel and shifter, auto lights, basic air conditioning, and cruise control.

All Picantos now get auto emergency braking as part of their safety suite (but no other advanced safety items), and it has six airbags, dual ISOFIX points, and three top-tether mounts. The Picanto carries a four-star ANCAP safety rating.

The base S remains powered by the same 1.25-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as previous iterations, producing 62kW/122Nm. Official fuel consumption figures for the combined cycle are 5.0L/100km for the manual and 5.8L/100km for the auto. Our week-long test of the five-speed manual produced a real-world figure of 6.4L/100km.

The Picanto has a 35-litre fuel tank and can consume base-grade 91RON fuel.

As always Kia offers its seven year/unlimited kilometre warranty on the Picanto range, and service pricing is fixed for the life of the warranty and averages out at a yearly cost of $389.42.

The automatic version of the S is our pick of the range, as it offers the best balance of equipment and price in the Pincanto range.

Kia Picanto 2021: S (PE)

Engine Type Inline 4, 1.2L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 5.0L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $10,450 - $14,300
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$18,020
Based on 137 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$13,950
HIGHEST PRICE
$22,999
Tom White
Senior Journalist
Despite studying ancient history and law at university, it makes sense Tom ended up writing about cars, as he spent the majority of his waking hours finding ways to drive as many as possible. His fascination with automobiles was also accompanied by an affinity for technology growing up, and he is just as comfortable tinkering with gadgets as he is behind the wheel. His time at CarsGuide has given him a nose for industry news and developments at the forefront of car technology.
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$13,950
Lowest price, based on third party pricing data.
For more information on
2021 Kia Picanto
See Pricing & Specs

Comments