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KiaPicanto (2011-2017)

City
Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
Used only

£3,688Typical price

Test score

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A well-styled, chunky-looking supermini that has proved popular for its cheap price and day-to-day usability, the Kia Picanto is a very likeable runabout or city car. This second-generation model (launched 2011) has proved to be more of an all-rounder than its predecessor, and it's appealing for more than just its low cost - it's no longer a no-frills, no fun option. Read on for our full review.

pros

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cons

What's included?

What is it?
What's it great at?
What's it like to drive?
How reliable is the Kia Picanto (2011 to 2017)?
How comfortable and spacious is it?
How economical is it to run?
How safe is it?
Is there anything I should look out for?
Should I buy it?

KEY TEST RESULTS
Comfort and practicality
Brand reliability 0-4 years

Jan 2023Last checked by Which?
May 2011First reviewed by Which?
May 2011Released

The overall Which? test score is made up of the following star ratings, all determined by our rigorous lab tests.

How we test cars

6 Jun 2025

Ease of driving

Overall
Visibility
Smoothness of power delivery
Driving stability
Cabin layout

How we test ease of driving

To find out how easy a car is to drive, we assess cars across a number of areas from visibility and handling to the layout of the cabin and how smoothly the engine delivers its power.

Performance

Overall
In-gear acceleration
Brakes

How we test performance

We test braking distances and whether the effectivess of the brakes fade with repeat use. Performanc is based on in-gear acceleration.

Comfort and practicality

Overall
Entry and exit
Seat comfort
Ride quality
Quietness
Seat space
Boot space (small and sports cars)

How we test comfort and practicality

Comfort and practicality includes how easy it is, or not, to get in and out of the car and the maximum height of occupants. We also measure road, wind and engine noise and assess how well the car deals with bumps from large potholes to jittery surfaces like cobble stones.

Euro NCAP

How we test euro ncap

Any car that receives a rating of two stars or less from Euro NCAP is made a Don't Buy. Any car that receives three stars can't be a Best Buy. If a car has been available for more than four years and has not been tested by Euro NCAP, it cannot be a Best Buy.

Safety kit

How we test safety kit

We factor in the safety equipment that’s factory-fitted or optional, along with how well the car protects its occupants and pedestrians in the event of an accident. We also test how easy it is to fit a variety of child car seats.

Model reliability 5-9 years

How we test model reliability 5-9 years

How reliable this car is, based on the real life feedback of current owners as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Car reliability 10-15 years

How we test car reliability 10-15 years

Brand reliability 0-4 years

Overall
Electric car reliability
Full hybrid reliability
Plug-in hybrid reliability
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

How we test brand reliability 0-4 years

Our reliability ratings are based on the feedback from tens of thousands of UK motorists, as collected in our annual Which? car survey. We divide all reliability feedback into three age groups: cars aged up to four years, five to nine years, and 10 to 15 years.

Brand reliability 5-9 years

Overall
Diesel reliability

Brand reliability 10-15 years

Overall
Petrol reliability
Diesel reliability

General
Class	City
Luxury	No
Convertible	No
Availability	Used only
Used price	£3,688 - £7,567
Fuel type	Petrol/Diesel/Mild hybrid
Tested fuel efficiency	54.3 to 54.6mpg
Length	3,595mm
Width (excluding wing mirrors)	1,595mm
Width (including wing mirrors)	1,875mm
Height	1,480mm
Driver max height
Second-row passenger max height
Boot space with seats up
Boot space with seats down
Number of seats	5
Folding rear seats	Yes
Isofix attachments	Yes
Turning circle	10.2 m
On sale date	23 May 2011
Lowest pence-per-mile cost	£11.15

Latest tested engine
Engine and trim name	1.0 Edition7
Fuel type	Petrol
Capacity and power	1-litre (66hp)
Transmission	5-speed manual
Driven wheels	Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity	35 litres
Tested fuel economy: City / Out of town / Motorway (mpg)
Tested fuel economy: Combined (mpg)
Cost per mile	11.21p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£47
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
NOx level	Extremely Low (trace)
CO level	Extremely High
CO2 at tailpipe/tank-to-wheel (TTW) (g/km)	115
Official Euro emission level	Euro 6b
Engine test date	01 February 2016
Test programme	2012-2016

Engine two
Engine and trim name	1.0 3cyl
Fuel	Petrol
Capacity and power	1-litre (69hp)
Transmission	5-speed manual
Driven wheels	Front-wheel-drive (FWD)
Fuel tank capacity	35 litres
Tested fuel economy: combined mpg
Cost per mile	11.15p per mile
Cost of filling tank	£47
Monthly fuel cost
Annual fuel cost
Braked tow load (KG)	700kg
Unbraked tow load (KG)	400kg
Engine test date	05 July 2011
Car test programme	2001-2012

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KiaPicanto (2011-2017)

where to buy or sell