Kia Picanto Sport 2024 Review

The 2024 Kia Picanto Sport is the entry-level model priced at $17,890 plus on-road costs. <

Now that the turbocharged 1.0-litre three-cylinder Picanto GT has been discontinued, there are just two versions of Kia’s micro-hatch left.

The range comprises the Sport and higher-spec GT-Line, the latter being $1800 more expensive at $19,690 plus ORCs.

For that spend you receive extra equipment like larger wheels and more interior features, while both are available as a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic ($1600 option).

At $21,290 plus ORCs, the automatic GT-Line is the only Picanto to creep beyond the $20,000 barrier.

Predicting that the majority of 2024 Kia Picanto Sport buyers will be purchasing a car for the first time, Kia has done a good job ensuring that there are no deep deficits in terms of equipment levels.

Obviously, the base Sport is slightly less generous in features compared to the GT-Line, but the quality of the cloth trim, tech and general ambience is good enough at this price.

Even the six-speaker audio system, sans a thumping subwoofer, sounds cleaner and crisper than some more expensive small cars.

Despite the lack of height adjustment for the front seats, and a steering wheel that adjusts for rake but not reach, the Picanto Sport is not entirely lacking in amenities.

There are myriad spaces for drink bottles or coffee cups in the centre console and doors, a storage pocket behind the front passenger seat, power windows on all doors (with auto up/down on the driver’s side), 60/40-split folding rear seats and power-folding external mirrors.

The dash is laid out in a clean and ergonomic fashion with the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air-conditioning) being effortlessly simple to use. Yet, the centre console lacks a lidded cubby/arm rest and there are no rear air vents.

The 2024 Kia Picanto Sport’s new-look alloys are largely inconsequential compared to the bold design language, ushering in the company’s new angular styling. The diminutive alloys measure a mere 14 inches and wear suitably tiddly 175/65 tyres.

Attractive to many prospective buyers will be Kia’s generous seven-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty, which is partly let down by a meagre roadside assist program that only stretches to 12 months. This will, however, be renewed annually if you service the car at an authorised dealership.

Servicing is conducted at 12-month/15,000km intervals, with the total cost during the seven years of warranty calculating out to less than $3000.

Significantly, the 2024 Kia Picanto Sport pays more than just lip service to safety, both primary and active.

Where others at this end of the market sometimes skimp on safety technology, the Picanto covers most of the bases.

Autonomous emergency braking (AEB), rear cross traffic alert, driver attention detection, active assistance for the blind spot monitoring system and lane following capabilities are included.

The Picanto has six airbags, one each for the driver and front passenger, one on each side and two full-length head airbags covering both rows of seating.

ABS with electronic brake-force distribution (EBD), and electronic traction and stability control, are also standard.

Picanto models built prior to January 2024 qualified for a four-star (out of five) ANCAP safety rating based on testing conducted in 2017. However, this is now considered out-of-date and so current models are officially unrated.

For the price, you can’t expect too much here. However, the 2024 Kia Picanto Sport is fitted with just enough tech for most buyers.

There are USB-A and USB-C ports up front, a 12-volt power socket and, although there’s no inbuilt sat-nav, it’s available through wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto on a floating 8.0-inch colour touch-screen with a satisfyingly sharp, high-res display.

Newly adopted numerical readouts on a small 4.2-inch digital screen ahead of the driver advise of road and engine speed, although the latter is simply a distraction when it comes to gearshifts.

Fuel economy figures and other trip computer functions can be called up via switches on the multi-function, leather-look steering wheel.

You can have any engine you want in the 2024 Kia Picanto Sport as long as it’s the naturally-aspirated 1.2-litre CVVT four-cylinder petrol.

It carries over from the previous Picanto with identical figures of 62kW and 122Nm – both reasonable enough given it has just 976kg to deal with.

Drive is sent to the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic.

Yes, the 2024 Kia Picanto Sport is prudent, with its official combined-cycle fuel consumption coming in at 5.4L/100km.

Significantly, our manual Picanto Sport undercut the manufacturer’s claim with an impressive average of 4.8L/100km during our extended two-week stay, which included mixed driving conditions.

The Picanto doesn’t ask for anything more than 91RON regular unleaded, and its little 35-litre tank equates to more than 600km of range on average.

The 2024 Kia Picanto Sport drives pretty much as you’d expect a small-engined, sub-one-tonne featherweight to perform.

There is a need to work the 1.2-litre four-cylinder engine reasonably hard if you’re keen to keep pace with traffic and maintaining speed uphill often means shuffling back through the five-speed gearbox’s ratios.

That task is easy enough given the manual is relatively smooth-shifting, but the tight spacing between the pedals can present issues for those with a larger footprint. The four-speed auto will undoubtedly be the buyer favourite.

When cornering, the minuscule rubber can be underdone as grip levels deteriorate early, but what is appreciated is the Australianised suspension tune, meaning the ride quality is acceptably compliant.

City and urban streets are clearly the Picanto Sport’s natural habitat. The steering’s weight and feel are well judged as the reasonably quick and light responses combine well with its tight 9.4-metre turning circle.

There are disc brakes at all four corners, the ventilated front rotors measuring 256mm while the solid rear discs are 234mm. Braking power is adequately strong for the light-footed micro-car.

You might think it’s a case of ‘you get what you pay for’ but the 2024 Kia Picanto Sport’s cabin is refreshingly pleasant with a light and airy feel matched with good vision all round.

Okay, you might only find soft-touch materials on the seats, but this is a sub-$20K micro that shouldn’t be viewed as more cheap than cheerful.

Step up to the GT-Line if you want something slightly more premium.

While the 2024 Kia Picanto Sport is spacious for two adults up front, things become a more cramped in the rear – especially if trying to go three-up.

Let’s just say that legroom is compromised in the back, so much so that carrying four adults in the Picanto is almost a bridge too far.

The 255-litre boot is similarly restricted, although folding the back seats does create a bit of a luggage-carrying surprise.

With a total capacity of 1010 litres, the Picanto is a veritable Tardis, all helped by the space-saver spare under the boot floor.

The 2024 Kia Picanto Sport is one of the most affordable new cars on the Australian market and one of the most popular models across the micro and broader light hatch segments, which has been led in recent years by the slightly cheaper, and soon-to-be-replaced, MG3.

The Picanto is a more sophisticated car, better all-round to drive, and still enticing with its attractive pricing, fair equipment list, low running costs and outstanding seven-year warranty.

Just don’t set your expectations too high and you’re on the right track.

2024 Kia Picanto Sport at a glance:
Price: $17,890 (plus on-road costs)
Available: Now
Engine: 1.2-litre four-cylinder petrol
Output: 62kW/122Nm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Fuel: 5.4L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 125g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety rating: Unrated