2017 Kia Picanto Review: Compact Urban Car With 7-Year Warranty

The 2017 Kia Picanto arrives as a refreshed take on the city car segment, blending eye-catching design, practical upgrades, and everyday usability. Building on its predecessor’s reputation for affordability, this model introduces subtle enhancements that make it more appealing for tight streets and daily commutes. With a starting price around $14,190 plus on-road costs in markets like Australia, it targets budget-conscious buyers seeking reliability without compromise.

Striking Exterior Evolution

The Picanto’s outer shell receives a modern makeover, adopting a more mature stance compared to earlier versions. Its compact dimensions—3595mm long, 1595mm wide, and 1485mm tall—remain ideal for maneuvering in crowded parking lots, while a 15mm longer wheelbase at 2400mm pushes the wheels to the corners for a planted look and better stability.

• Bolder front fascia: Sharp headlights with dusk-sensing auto function and a prominent grille give it a confident presence.
• Improved proportions: Extended wheelbase enhances rear passenger space without bloating the overall footprint.
• Sporty touches: Higher trims like GT-Line add aggressive styling cues, appealing to younger drivers.

This design shift not only boosts visual appeal but also aids aerodynamics and roadholding, making it stand out against rivals like the Suzuki Ignis or Holden Barina.

Interior Comfort and Space Maximized

Step inside, and the cabin feels surprisingly upscale for the price. Kia has optimized every inch, stretching interior volume beyond what the modest size increase suggests. Rear legroom and headroom impress, accommodating adults comfortably on short trips, while boot capacity jumps 25% to 255 liters—class-leading with seats up and expanding to 1010 liters when folded 60:40.

Materials strike a balance: tasteful cloth seats and metallic accents feel solid, though some plastics reveal the budget roots. Noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) levels drop thanks to added sound deadening in the dash and improved door seals, keeping the cabin hushed even on rough roads.

Tech Features That Punch Above Weight

Kia equips the Picanto generously from the base S trim. A standout is the seven-inch floating touchscreen supporting Apple CarPlay and Android Auto—rare in this class—paired with a reversing camera featuring dynamic guidelines. Other niceties include auto up/down driver’s window, powered windows all around, and cruise control.

• Infotainment hub: Intuitive interface with smartphone mirroring for navigation and music.
• Safety aids: Brake-based torque vectoring for sharper cornering, though full ANCAP rating sat at four stars in 2017.
• Convenience: Dusk-sensing lights and a space-saver spare tire round out the package.

These features deliver premium vibes at entry-level pricing, earning praise for making tech accessible.

Powertrain and Efficiency Breakdown

Under the hood lies a carryover 1.25-liter four-cylinder petrol engine producing 62kW at 6000rpm and 122Nm at 4000rpm. It’s paired with a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic, the latter dominating sales at 80-90%. Fuel economy shines at 5.0L/100km combined for the manual and 5.8L/100km for the auto, sipping regular unleaded or E10.

While not a powerhouse, the engine suits urban duties. The manual unlocks peppier responses, but the auto’s higher revs on highways can buzz under load. A 35-liter tank limits range slightly, but low thirst keeps running costs down.

Driving Dynamics: Nimble and Refined

Kia tunes the 2017 Picanto for fun, with quicker steering (2.8 turns lock-to-lock vs. 3.4 previously) and suspension tweaks for local roads. It darts through traffic with agility, corners confidently via torque vectoring, and soaks up bumps without jitter.

Highway competence surprises: stable at speed, quiet cruising, and accurate steering make it viable for longer runs despite the auto’s limitations. Reviewers note its ‘chuckable’ nature and pride in Aussie-specific tuning.

“The new-generation Picanto is an eye-catching city car with a comfortable ride and great steering.” – WhichCar

Safety and Reliability Assurance

Earning a four-star ANCAP in 2017, the Picanto includes essentials like airbags and stability control, bolstered by torque vectoring for active safety. Kia’s seven-year, unlimited-kilometer warranty underscores build confidence, covering the compact from bumper to bumper.

Pricing, Rivals, and Ownership Verdict

At $14,190+ORC for the manual S, it undercuts many peers while offering more kit. Against the Fiat 500 or Hyundai i10, it excels in space and warranty. Ownership shines with low fuel bills, minimal servicing, and residual value boosted by Kia’s rep.

Drawbacks? Modest power for full loads and no GT-Line in some markets like Australia initially. Yet, for solo or couple urban use, it’s a winner.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

• Pros: Stylish looks, spacious for size, loaded tech, fun handling, epic warranty.
• Cons: Basic engine on highways, four-star safety, small fuel tank.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the 2017 Kia Picanto fuel-efficient?

Yes, with 5.0-5.8L/100km combined, it’s among the thriftiest in its class, ideal for city driving.

How reliable is the Kia Picanto?

Kia’s seven-year warranty and strong build quality make it highly dependable for daily use.

What’s the boot space like?

255 liters standard, expanding to 1010 liters—best in segment for practicality.

Is it good for families?

Suitable for small families or couples; rear space fits kids/adults briefly, but not for long hauls with four.

Manual or automatic better?

Manual for engagement and economy; auto for ease, though noisier at speed.

Final Thoughts: Why Choose the 2017 Picanto?

This model cements Kia’s city car prowess, blending value, tech, and driveability. Perfect for first-time buyers, commuters, or secondary cars, it proves small can be mighty.