The 2024 Kia Picanto is more than a cosmetic refresh of the 2017 model. It’s a punchy statement of relevance in a class that’s steadily disappearing. The VW Up, Opel Adam, and Renault Twingo have all bid farewell. The Picanto? It’s still kicking, with new LED strips for eyes and a sharper digital brain inside. But let’s go one headline at a time.

Prices: How affordable is the Picanto?

Here’s the honest truth: the Picanto isn’t dirt-cheap anymore. The 2020 version started at just €10,750. Now, the entry-level 2024 model begins at €16,990. That’s a significant jump, but the spec sheet tells you why. Even the most affordable variant comes with air conditioning, power windows, heated seats, a touchscreen, and central locking. Not bad.

If you go all the way up to the GT-Line with the bigger 1.2L engine and automated manual transmission (AMT), it’ll set you back €22,490. For that, you get faux-leather seats, a sports steering wheel, auto climate control, a keyless system, and wireless phone charging.

I tested a mid-spec model with the 63 hp engine and manual gearbox, the sweet spot. It felt minimalist, but never bare. For everyday urban use, even the lower trims pack more than enough.

Kia Picanto: Three or four cylinders?

Here’s where the rubber meets the road, literally. You can choose between two petrol engines:

1.0L three-cylinder with 63 hp

1.2L four-cylinder with 79 hp

There’s no hybrid, no diesel, and no turbo here. Pure simplicity.

The 1.2L feels livelier on paper, and to some extent, it is. But don’t expect GTI-level punch. You have to wring it out on inclines, and it still gasps for more. The 1.0L is more frugal and nearly as capable for the city. The real difference shows up on highways.

During my ride up and down Nesselberg’s inclines, both engines needed revs to stay energetic. Still, neither felt underpowered when driven for what they are: urban commuters with a dash of fun.

The three-cylinder with 63 hp in the test

I drove the 1.0-liter, three-cylinder Picanto most of the day. This engine doesn’t pretend to be fast. Its top speed is 145 km/h, and 0-100 km/h takes 15.6 seconds. That’s not thrilling. But in town, and especially around Nesselberg’s twisty narrow paths, it felt eager and responsive enough.

It pulled briskly from lights, darted through gaps in traffic, and climbed hills with decent spirit, as long as I worked the gears. The 5-speed manual was a joy: snappy, intuitive, and forgiving. Acceleration from 60-100 km/h in 10.6 seconds might not win races, but it kept me engaged.

At full throttle, the engine growled in a pleasantly raspy way. No annoying vibrations, no harshness. Just a typical three-pot soundtrack. Best part? Fuel economy. I averaged 5.2 liters/100 km, right on par with the claimed 5.3.

Kia Picanto also with automatic transmission

Yes, you can get an AMT with either engine. But should you? It depends.

With the 1.0L engine and AMT, the 0-100 km/h time balloons to 18.2 seconds. The 1.2L-AMT combo improves that to 16.5 seconds, but still lags behind the manual’s 13.1 seconds.

If you’re often in stop-go city traffic and don’t mind a sluggish launch, the AMT is convenient. But personally, I’d stick with the manual. In fact, on the Nesselberg’s hilly bends, the manual gave me better control, smoother climbs, and a more involved drive.

Interior: Operation is simple

Step inside the Picanto, and it’s immediately obvious: Kia nailed user-friendliness. The digital instruments are crisp and easy to read. The 8-inch touchscreen sits neatly atop the dash, never demanding too much attention. Controls for climate, heated seats, and lights are all physical, and tactile.

The downside? Hard plastics everywhere. The dashboard, door panels, even the center console, they all scream “budget.” But they’re well-assembled and don’t creak. The seats are supportive, and the steering wheel, though only height-adjustable, feels good in hand.

It’s not plush, but it’s functional.

Up to date with multimedia

Kia has made sure the Picanto doesn’t feel outdated. It now supports wired Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, has built-in navigation, and offers OTA (over-the-air) updates.

Bluetooth audio streaming worked without hiccups. I plugged my phone into the USB-C port (there’s USB-A too) and enjoyed my playlist while navigating to hidden spots around Nesselberg.

Higher trims even get wireless charging and live traffic updates via an integrated SIM card. The infotainment setup can also fetch gas prices, show parking availability, and even display sports scores. Pretty impressive for a small car.

Space: Good in the front, cramped in the back

At 1.75 meters tall, I found the front space perfectly adequate. The seats offered enough legroom and shoulder space, and there was even a usable center armrest.

But in the back, it’s a different story. Even someone my height had knees brushing the front seatback. Headroom was fine, but three adults won’t enjoy the ride back there. This car is ideal for singles, couples, or parents with small kids.

Boot space is surprisingly decent: up to 845 liters with the seats down. Grocery hauls, weekend bags, even two small suitcases fit without drama.

Technical Specifications

Feature	Details
Engine	1.0L, 3-cylinder petrol
Power	63 hp
Torque	95 Nm
Transmission	5-speed manual or AMT
0-100 km/h	15.6 sec (manual), 18.2 sec (AMT)
Top speed	145 km/h
Fuel consumption (test)	5.3 L/100 km
CO₂ emissions	121 g/km
Length	3,595 mm
Boot capacity	255 L (845 L max)
Price (base)	€16,990
Price (GT-Line)	€22,490

Conclusion

The 2024 Kia Picanto isn’t about thrills or drama. It’s about showing up. Every day. Every corner. Every commute.

It reminded me that driving doesn’t always need to be an event. Sometimes, it’s enough to have a car that fits your life. A car that doesn’t take more than it gives. Around Nesselberg, the Picanto felt at home, zippy, eager, unbothered by tight roads, and always easy to park.

For urban dwellers, students, or anyone who wants a reliable and surprisingly refined daily driver, the Picanto is a solid choice.