With the previous headline rush into pure electric carsnow faltering, there is growing appreciation of what agood petrol car can do for a manufacturer, as in theKia Picanto GT-Line S.
While some rivals had axed their city cars or effectivelymoved them up market and therefore into more expensiveterritory, Kia adopted a policy of keeping open theiroptions for the maximum number of buyers to choose.So, the entry level Picanto series has been given a make-over for 2026 and the third generation since 2003 hasbeen carefully refreshed. It comes in Pure, GT-Line andGT-Line S trims from £17,095 to £21,245.
Out has gone the bigger 1.2 litre engine and the currentsix-model range is based on a single near-1.0 litre petroltriple-pot engine with a choice of manual or automatedtransmission in three trim levels, but you’ll pay more taxfor the AMT versions.On top models, there are eye-catching styling changesfront and back to the bumpers and more powerfulheadlights with some careful reworking of the interior toinclude elements from the maker’s bigger cars.
This streamlined range may lead you to think that theremoval of the previous 1.2 litre engine has spoiled the setup of the top models, but that is more fanciful than thefeeling behind the wheel of the GT-Line S we tested.It may lack the cubic capacity of before but its actualperformance speaks volumes for the latest engineeringapplied to the A-class five-door city car.
Acceleration was respectable if not racy and it easily keptup with motorway traffic with only a pleasant buzz cominginto the cabin.Overall, its economy was actually better than indicated inthe official figures issued for the model and I think you’dbe struggling to get it below mid-40s. If you did opt for theautomated manual transmission for whatever reason theeconomy might be slightly worse, but I would not considerit a significant drop.Where we did find the Picanto GT-Line S did struggleseemed to be on gentle slopes or having to smartly pick-up from low revs when cruising, as in having to overtake,and this seemed to necessitate at least two downchanges.
Thankfully with a light clutch and direct slick gearchange,this was easily and smoothly accomplished. The gear gateis well defined and ratios seemed fairly well chosen tomatch the little engine’s characteristics.Underfoot, the car slowed progressively and smoothly withmodest pressure applied, the conventional handbrake dida good job and the steering ratio was tight while the wheeldid not seem to suffer from any kickback or vagueness.It felt agile in town when parking, was steady on mainroads and appeared to relish twisting country lanes in themanner of the original Mini.Where it did score over the Mini was the Kia Picanto’ssightlines, which were all unobstructed, through itswindows with their low waistlines, big wipers andabundant washers.
The Picanto’s bonnet seemed to drop out of sight from thedriver and it made me think it would bee a good mode forprovisional licence holders to learn in.Inside, it’s very good for two infront but a tight fit for thosebehind unless they have really short legs, but headroom was fairly good. The boot is small and suitable only for acouple of shopping bags but the 60:40 split allowsprogressive increases in loads. Access was very good.For the driver the layout of major controls, proximity ofsecondary buttons on the wheel, column or spread underthe central infotainment screen was very good.
Dials directly in front of the driver could be quickly read and their content changed as required while the infotainment screen was big and integrated with mobile phones and apps. Oddments room was a bit on the scarce side everywhere with just slim door trays, a small glovebox and central bin/console incorporating wireless charging. Seats were surprisingly comfortable in such a small cabin, with generally good adjustment range, supportive design and even effective headrests. Kia has put a lot into this in terms of driving aids and assistance systems, warning buzzers, communication and telephony not to mention the music choices. For the driver, the handling is safe and surefooted without any real vices and it coped well with different roads. I really think the Kia Picanto GT-Line S is a car you couldn’t fail to like.
FAST FACTS
Model: Kia Picanto GT-Line S
Price: £19,945
Mechanical: 68bhp 3-cyl 998cc petrol engine, 5sp
Max Speed: 100mph0-62mph: 14.6sec
Combined MPG: 55mpg
Insurance Group: 8a
C02 emissions: 129gkm
Bik rating: 31%, £455FY, £200SR
Warranty: 7yrs/ 100,000 miles
Rating: 4/ 5
Size: L3.61m, W1.60m, H1.49m
Bootspace: 255 – 1010 litres
Kerbweight: 990kg
For: Agile, easy driving, reasonable performance, goodeconomy, comfortable, clear visibility, long warranty
Against: Small boot and rear seats, road noises,occasionally lumpy ride, busy engine note. By Robin Roberts Miles Better News Agency
