When it comes to buying a small car in Australia, affordability often tops the list. But budget shouldn’t mean boring. The 2025 Kia Picanto is here to prove that small city cars can be stylish, practical, and loaded with features, all while keeping the price tag within reach of most buyers.
The Picanto has been a steady seller in Australia’s micro-car segment, appealing to first-time car buyers, urban commuters, and anyone looking for a cheap-to-run city runabout. Now, with the 2025 update, Kia is doubling down on its strengths: refreshed styling, new tech, better safety features, and an improved ownership package.
In this deep dive, we’ll explore everything about the 2025 Kia Picanto – from design and performance to interior comfort, technology, safety, and how it stacks up against rivals. If you’re in the market for a compact hatchback that’s easy on the wallet but big on personality, this review will give you all the insights you need.
Design – Compact but Confident
The first thing that strikes you about the 2025 Kia Picanto is its confident look. Kia’s design language has been evolving rapidly, and even in its most affordable model, the company doesn’t cut corners on style.
The updated front fascia features a bolder interpretation of Kia’s "Tiger Nose" grille, now slimmer and paired with sharp new headlights that give the Picanto a more upscale appearance. The higher trims get LED daytime running lights, adding a modern touch.
From the side, the Picanto retains its compact, urban-friendly proportions. At just under 3.6 metres long, it’s one of the smallest cars you can buy in Australia, but clever styling tricks like flared wheel arches and new alloy wheel designs (14–16 inches, depending on the grade) make it look sporty rather than plain.
At the rear, the taillights get a refreshed C-shaped LED signature, and the bumper has been redesigned for a stronger stance. Colour options remain vibrant – perfect for younger buyers who want their car to stand out.
Key Design Highlights:
- Refreshed "Tiger Nose" grille
- Updated LED headlights and taillights
- Compact proportions ideal for city driving
- Alloy wheels available up to 16 inches
- Bold colour palette to suit different personalities
In short, the Picanto doesn’t look cheap. It looks fun – exactly what a city car should be.
Interior – Surprisingly Practical
Step inside the 2025 Picanto, and you’ll notice how Kia has maximised space in a small footprint. While it’s definitely not a large car, the Picanto’s cabin is cleverly laid out to feel roomier than you’d expect.
The dashboard design is clean and modern, dominated by an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system in the centre (standard across the range). The system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, ensuring smartphone integration is seamless – a key expectation for budget-conscious, tech-savvy buyers.
The materials are mostly hard plastics, but they’re textured nicely, and Kia has added soft-touch elements in higher trims. The switchgear feels solid, not flimsy, and that adds to the sense of quality.
Space and Comfort:
- Front seats: Supportive with height adjustment on higher trims. Tall drivers will fit surprisingly well.
- Rear seats: Tight for adults on long trips, but fine for kids or short city journeys.
- Boot space: 255 litres – enough for shopping, small luggage, or daily use. With the seats folded, it expands to 1,010 litres, making it one of the more practical small hatches.
Despite its size, the 2025 Picanto is a genuinely usable everyday car, not just a city toy.
Technology & Features
Kia knows that younger buyers expect features that make life easier and safer. That’s why the 2025 Picanto is well-equipped even at entry level.
Standard Features (base model):
- 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay/Android Auto
- Bluetooth connectivity
- Cruise control
- Reversing camera with dynamic guidelines
- Rear parking sensors
- Air conditioning
- Digital instrument display (updated graphics for 2025)
Higher Trim Additions:
- Premium audio system
- Keyless entry and push-button start
- Alloy wheels
- LED headlights
- Leather-appointed seats (synthetic)
- Climate control air conditioning
These features make the Picanto feel more like a "grown-up" car despite its budget price.
Engine and Performance
Under the bonnet, Kia keeps things simple – which is exactly what budget car buyers want. The 2025 Picanto is expected to retain its 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, producing around 62kW of power and 122Nm of torque.
It’s not fast, and it’s not trying to be. But for city driving – where manoeuvrability, light steering, and fuel efficiency matter more than outright power – the Picanto does the job perfectly.
Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic. While most buyers will opt for the auto for convenience, the manual is engaging and keeps the price even lower.
Driving Experience
On the road, the Picanto feels nimble thanks to its light weight. The suspension is tuned for comfort rather than sportiness, soaking up speed bumps and potholes with ease. Steering is light, making it a breeze to park in tight city spots.
Highway driving reveals its limitations – the engine can feel strained at higher speeds, and cabin noise increases – but for short trips and urban use, it’s perfectly suited.
Fuel Efficiency
Budget buyers are usually just as concerned about running costs as purchase price. The 2025 Picanto delivers on this front.
Fuel consumption is rated around 5.0–5.4L/100km, depending on the transmission. That makes it one of the most fuel-efficient petrol cars you can buy in Australia.
Combined with Kia’s 7-year/unlimited kilometre warranty, servicing packages, and strong resale value, the Picanto offers one of the lowest cost-of-ownership profiles in its class.
Safety – Big Focus in a Small Car
Small cars used to compromise on safety, but not anymore. The 2025 Kia Picanto is expected to build on its already solid safety credentials.
Standard safety tech includes:
- Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) with pedestrian detection
- Lane Keep Assist
- Forward Collision Warning
- Driver Attention Alert
- Six airbags
- Rear parking sensors and reversing camera
Higher trims may add features like Blind Spot Monitoring and Rear Cross Traffic Alert, depending on availability in Australia.
For its segment, the Picanto punches above its weight in safety. While it can’t match larger cars in crash performance simply due to physics, it provides strong peace of mind for city drivers.
Ownership and Running Costs
Kia’s aftersales package remains one of the strongest in the market:
- 7-year/unlimited km warranty
- Capped-price servicing program
- Roadside assistance included with servicing
Insurance premiums are generally low thanks to the Picanto’s affordable parts and modest performance. Combined with excellent fuel economy, it’s one of the cheapest new cars to own in Australia.
Competitors – How Does It Stack Up?
The city car segment is shrinking in Australia, with fewer models available each year. The Picanto’s main rivals include:
- Suzuki Swift – Slightly larger and sportier, but pricier.
- Mitsubishi Mirage (limited stock) – Cheap but dated and lacking features.
- MG3 (updated 2025 model) – Budget-friendly but without Kia’s strong warranty.
- Hyundai i10 (overseas, not in Australia) – Shares DNA with Picanto but not sold locally.
Among these, the Kia Picanto strikes the best balance of price, features, warranty, and style. It remains one of the few truly affordable new cars in Australia in 2025.
Who Should Buy the 2025 Kia Picanto?
The Picanto is ideal for:
- First-time car buyers looking for something affordable, reliable, and stylish.
- City commuters who need a car that’s easy to park and cheap to run.
- Downsizers who no longer need a big SUV or sedan.
- Parents buying a safe, reliable first car for their teenagers.
It’s less ideal for:
- Buyers who regularly travel long distances on highways.
- Families needing more space for kids, luggage, or equipment.
Verdict – Small Car, Big Value
The 2025 Kia Picanto continues to prove that good things come in small packages. It blends affordability with style, technology, and safety, making it one of the most compelling budget cars in Australia.
In a market where cheap new cars are becoming rare, the Picanto stands out as a smart choice. It’s not about outright performance or luxury – it’s about delivering value, reliability, and a dash of fun in a city-friendly package.
For under $20k, there are few cars that can match what the Picanto offers. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly city car with style, the 2025 Kia Picanto deserves a top spot on your shortlist.
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