For over a decade, the Kia Picanto has been the undisputed king of budget city cars in Australia. Known for its compact proportions, frugal fuel usage, stylish design, and unbeatable value-for-money, the Picanto has carved out a loyal following among first-time car buyers, students, city commuters, and downsizers.
In 2025, Kia refreshes its smallest model with sharper looks, enhanced safety, new infotainment options, and a revised engine lineup. But in a fiercely competitive budget hatchback market that now includes rivals like the MG3 Hybrid, Suzuki Swift, and even EV alternatives like the BYD Dolphin, does the new Picanto still hold its crown?
Let’s dive into a comprehensive, Aussie-focused review of the 2025 Kia Picanto to help you decide whether it’s still the right compact car for your needs and budget.
What’s New in the 2025 Picanto?
Kia's refreshed 2025 Picanto brings a sharper aesthetic and more tech, without losing the core essence of what made it a city-favourite. Here’s what’s new:
- Updated front fascia with EV9-inspired LED lighting
- Enhanced driver safety suite (AEB, lane keep assist, etc.)
- Revised infotainment with 8-inch touchscreen and wireless Apple CarPlay
- Two carry-over petrol engines
- New GT-Line cosmetic enhancements
Kia has retained the Picanto’s winning recipe – affordable pricing, excellent warranty, and a tiny footprint perfect for Australian urban environments.
Variants and Pricing in Australia (2025)
The 2025 Kia Picanto continues with a simplified variant lineup:
| Model | Transmission | Driveaway Price (approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| Picanto S | 5-speed Manual | $17,890 |
| Picanto S | 4-speed Auto | $19,990 |
| Picanto GT-Line | 4-speed Auto | $21,490 |
| Picanto GT (Turbo) | 5-speed Manual | $22,490 |
All prices are drive-away, which is a big selling point for budget-conscious buyers. The base model remains one of the cheapest brand-new cars on the Aussie market.
Exterior Design – Small Car, Big Style
The 2025 Picanto has undergone a significant visual refresh. Kia has taken design cues from its larger electric vehicles, giving the Picanto a more futuristic look with:
- A wider tiger-nose grille
- Sharper LED daytime running lights
- New alloy wheel designs (up to 16")
- New colours including “Lemon Splash” and “Signal Red”
Despite its compact 3.6m length, the Picanto manages to look dynamic and sporty — especially in GT-Line guise with contrasting black accents and a subtle rear diffuser.
Verdict: The new Picanto stands out in a sea of anonymous small cars with a stylish, youthful presence.
Interior and Features – Surprisingly Spacious
While it may be a micro hatchback, the Picanto’s cabin punches above its weight in terms of layout, design, and practicality:
Interior Highlights:
- 8.0-inch infotainment touchscreen (with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto)
- Digital instrument cluster (partial)
- Premium-feel steering wheel (leatherette on GT-Line)
- Rearview camera and rear parking sensors
- Fold-flat rear seats (60:40 split)
There’s enough head and legroom in the front for taller drivers. Rear space is tighter, but suitable for short urban trips. Boot capacity sits at 255 litres, expanding to 1,010 litres with seats folded.
Storage: Decent door bins, twin cup holders, and a deep glovebox make it surprisingly practical.
Infotainment and Connectivity
Kia has kept the tech simple but effective in the 2025 Picanto.
- 8.0-inch Touchscreen: Bright, intuitive, and well-placed
- Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto: Standard across the range
- Bluetooth with voice recognition
- USB-A and USB-C ports
Unlike rivals like the Suzuki Swift which sometimes lack modern tech on base models, Kia provides top-tier connectivity even on the Picanto S.
Engine Options and Driving Performance
The Picanto range offers two engines in 2025:
| Engine | Power | Torque | Fuel Economy (claimed) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.25L 4-cylinder (NA) | 62kW | 122Nm | 5.3–5.8L/100km |
| 1.0L 3-cylinder Turbo | 74kW | 172Nm | 5.2L/100km (manual only) |
Driving Experience
The 1.25L engine feels adequate for daily city duties – it's not fast, but it's smooth. The 4-speed auto is dated but fine in stop-start traffic.
The GT model with the turbo engine is a delight for those who like a bit of zip – it's light, nimble, and actually fun to drive around urban corners.
Steering: Light and accurate
Ride comfort: Surprisingly composed over bumps
Noise: Minimal at urban speeds, but a bit buzzy at highway pace
Fuel Efficiency – Cost-Effective Commuting
One of the biggest reasons Aussies choose the Picanto is its fuel-sipping nature.
- City driving: ~6.0L/100km in real-world tests
- Highway cruising: As low as 4.5L/100km
- Tank size: 35L = 600–700km range per fill
The Picanto is among the most fuel-efficient petrol cars under $20K in Australia, especially in stop-start metro driving.
Safety Features and ANCAP Rating
In 2025, the Picanto gains a few key safety upgrades:
Standard Safety Across All Models:
- AEB (Autonomous Emergency Braking)
- Lane Keep Assist
- Rear parking sensors
- Reversing camera
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Dual front, side, and curtain airbags
However, due to older platform constraints, the Picanto still misses out on adaptive cruise control and lane centring assist.
ANCAP Rating: 4-star (last tested in 2017). A newer crash test is expected, but likely won’t reach 5-stars due to lack of active highway safety aids.
Ownership Costs & Warranty
Kia Australia leads the pack when it comes to customer peace of mind.
- Warranty: 7 years/unlimited km
- Capped Price Servicing: Up to 7 years
- Servicing Interval: 12 months / 15,000km
- Average Annual Service Cost: ~$300–$350
Insurance costs for the Picanto are also among the lowest for any new car in Australia, especially for P-platers and city drivers.
Competitors – How Does It Compare?
Here’s how the 2025 Picanto stacks up against rivals:
| Model | Price | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| MG3 Hybrid | From $23K | Fuel economy, hybrid powertrain | No ANCAP rating, new in segment |
| Suzuki Swift | From $23K | Larger size, sporty feel | Pricier, no wireless CarPlay |
| Mitsubishi Mirage | Discontinued | N/A | N/A |
| Fiat 500 | From $29K | Unique styling | Tiny boot, expensive |
| BYD Dolphin | From $38K | Electric, high tech | Expensive upfront |
The Picanto remains the best value-for-money petrol hatchback under $20K.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Kia Picanto?
- First-time car buyers
- Students and city commuters
- Downsizers looking for a no-fuss urban runabout
- Budget buyers needing low-cost ownership
It’s compact enough for laneways and parking garages, cheap to run, yet still modern enough not to feel basic or bare-bones.
Final Verdict – Still the Budget Hatchback King?
The 2025 Kia Picanto continues to dominate its segment by being the right car for the right time. It's affordable without cutting corners, stylish without being flashy, and cheap to run without feeling dated. In a world of rising car prices, it’s a breath of fresh air that you can still buy a new, quality car for under $20K.
Whether you’re a uni student, a retiree in the suburbs, or simply someone looking to save money at the pump, the Picanto is a no-nonsense hatchback that delivers where it counts.
Pros and Cons Summary
Pros:
- Affordable drive-away pricing
- Excellent fuel economy
- Wireless Apple CarPlay standard
- Strong 7-year warranty
- Easy to park and live with
Cons:
- No adaptive cruise control
- Rear seat space is tight
- Dated 4-speed automatic in base model
Conclusion
In 2025, the Kia Picanto still proudly carries the torch as the most accessible new car in Australia. While rivals inch closer in tech or efficiency, none match the Picanto’s blend of price, warranty, usability, and charm.
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