Kia Picanto updated and priced for Oz

KIA Australia has announced further details of its refreshed Picanto range this week, the importer’s smallest offering to present new looks, enhanced technology, and an upgraded safety suite as it arrives in dealerships over the coming months.

Now priced from $20,690 drive-away, the Picanto range is up to $2100 dearer than before. It will continue to rival the likes of the popular MG 3, which is now Australia’s cheapest new car, priced from $19,990 drive-away.

The 2024 Kia Picanto is available in two trim grades – Sport and GT-Line – both powered by the carryover 62kW/122Nm 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine and available with the choice of five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmissions.

The turbocharged three-cylinder 1.0-litre unit has been dropped from the range.

The updated Picanto model range features Kia’s Opposites United design language which it says is highlighted by a new headlight graphic and grille and redesigned front bumper. The rear design is “slightly tweaked” with adjustments made to the tail-lights and bumper.

GT-Line variants are further enhanced with a new ‘signature’ lighting design Kia says “creates the illusion of a wider appearance”.

Sport grades are equipped as standard with 14-inch alloy wheels while the high-grade GT-Line is equipped with 16-inch machine-finished diamond cut alloy wheels. Other feature highlights include artificial leather on the steering wheel and gear selector knob, and a D-shaped steering wheel for the GT-Line grade.

Further, analogue gauges have been replaced by a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster across both trims, featuring alongside the existing 8.0-inch “floating” touchscreen infotainment display and newly added rear USB-C charging ports and power folding mirrors with heating (GT-Line only).

The Kia Picanto is equipped with an extensive safety suite, including ADAS technologies such as blind sport collision avoidance assist, rear cross traffic collision assist, lane follow assist and lane keeping assist, exit warning and driver attention alert.

As standard, the Picanto is available in a Clear White paint finish with at-cost finishes including Sparkling Silver, Signal Red, Sporty Blue, Aurora Black, Astro Grey and new Adventurous Green.

All Kia passenger models are covered by a seven-year / unlimited-kilometre warranty with included capped-price servicing.

“The latest iteration of Picanto integrates features and styling that bring the baseline of the Kia range in line with our newest models, while still delivering the outstanding value that Picanto has come to be known for,” said Kia Australia chief executive officer Damien Meredith.

“Along with the updated product range, Picanto demonstrates Kia’s ongoing commitment to our customer base in providing a car to suit every lifestyle and stage of life.”

2024 Kia Picanto pricing: