The Kia Picanto has been refreshed for 2024, bringing a bold new design and improved features, but does it add enough spice to stand out in the city car segment?

• The 2024 Kia Picanto gets a fresh look with Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, enhancing its bold and modern appeal.
• Kia’s updated Picanto retains the practicality that made it a favourite in the urban mobility segment.
• Offering a blend of affordability, efficiency, and style, the 2024 Picanto continues to deliver in the entry-level hatchback segment.
• Visit www.sandtontimes.co.za for more stories.

The Sandton Times took the Kia Picanto for a week long test-drive, putting it to the test on the streets and highways of Sandton. Having owned two Kia Picanto’s before in different generations, the driving experience was all too familiar.

The new Kia Picanto is fresh off its 2024 refresh. The press release says it’s bold, spiced up with a new design philosophy called ‘Opposites United,’ which, if nothing else, sounds a bit like a Premier League team, but let’s cut to the chase – how much “picante” is this little urban warrior actually packing?

Let’s start with the design. Kia claims this new Picanto is infused with the same DNA that won them design awards. Sure, it’s got a sportier look, with a new front bumper, a tweaked ‘tiger nose’ grille, and sharp, futuristic lighting. The rear’s been given the same treatment: new taillights and a bulked-up bumper to give it more presence. Kia’s done its best to make the Picanto look wider and more muscular – like it’s been hitting the gym after hours. In fairness, it’s an improvement.

The Picanto has always looked the part as a cheeky city car, and now it looks a bit more determined, like it’s ready to take on the next roundabout with purpose. However, design philosophy aside, the dimensions haven’t changed. It’s still 3,595mm of compact joy, with 1,595mm in width and a 2,400mm wheelbase. That makes it as easy as ever to throw around tight city corners or squeeze into spaces that would terrify a larger vehicle. But here’s the kicker – the Picanto is a pro at hiding its size. It feels much bigger inside than the exterior dimensions suggest. Boot space is just about passable, though – don’t expect to fit anything more than a couple of grocery bags unless you fold the seats down.

The new Picanto comes with two engine choices. First up, there’s the 1.0-litre three-cylinder engine pushing out a very modest 49kW and 95Nm of torque. It’s frugal but also not exactly setting the tarmac on fire. Then there’s the slightly meatier 1.25-litre four-cylinder engine with 62kW and 122Nm. It’s better for those who need just that little bit more power when overtaking or hauling up a steep hill. Transmission options include a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic.

When it comes to handling, the Picanto retains its city-slicker vibe. It’s nimble and light, making it perfect for darting through urban traffic. The suspension – MacPherson struts at the front and a torsion beam at the rear – keeps things comfortable, even on the less-than-perfect South African roads. It’s not sporty by any stretch of the imagination, but the Picanto isn’t trying to be. It’s meant to be fun, easy to drive, and cheap to run – and it nails those objectives.

Step inside, and the Picanto continues its “big car in a small package” mantra. The 8-inch touchscreen dominates the dash, offering Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a reverse camera. If you’re in the EX Plus model, you’ll even get LED rear lights, a smart key, and push-button start. The materials are decent for the price point, with Kia opting for a mix of artificial leather and some soft-touch plastics. It’s not luxurious, but it’s functional and durable – exactly what you want in a car built for city living.

In terms of safety, Kia’s not skimped on the essentials. The Picanto’s shell is made of Advanced High-strength Steel (44% of it, to be exact), which should give you some peace of mind. Dual airbags, ABS, and ISOFIX child seat anchors come standard across the range, with higher trims offering more features like ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and Hill-start Assist. Kia’s approach to safety is no-nonsense, and that’s reassuring when you’re navigating unpredictable urban roads.

Now, let’s talk value. Kia has sold more than 100’000 Picantos in South Africa since 2004, and for good reason – it’s the quintessential budget city car. The pricing for the new range starts at R260’995 for the 1.0 LX manual and goes up to R325’995 for the fully loaded 1.2 EX Plus automatic.

But here’s the thing: despite all its improvements, the Picanto remains…well, a bit mild. It’s practical, reliable, and value-packed, but if you’re hoping for a city car with a bit of spice, something to really get your blood pumping, this might not be it. Even with the bold new design and tech upgrades, the Picanto feels more like comfort food than a fiery new dish. And that’s okay – because for many, that’s exactly what they’re looking for in an entry-level car.

So, is the Kia Picanto picante? Not quite. But if you’re after a practical, stylish, and economical city runabout that gets the job done without fuss, the Picanto is hard to beat. You might not get the spice, but you’ll certainly get the substance.

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