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Kia Picanto 2021 review: S snapshot

EXPERT RATING
7.0

Likes

Value
Wireless phone connectivity!
More practical than it looks

Dislikes

Halogen headlights
Harsh cabin materials
Neither transmission great
Tom White

Deputy News Editor

2 min read

The Kia Picanto S is the Korean brand’s smallest and most affordable car in Australia.

Wearing an MSRP of just $14,690 for the five-speed manual version, the Picanto is one of the most affordable new cars on the Australian market. A four-speed automatic can be had at a $1500 premium, at $16,290 before on-road costs.

Updated for the 2021 model year, the Picanto S now scores a set of new halogen headlights, new designs for its 14-inch steel wheel covers, a new 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, and a full colour multi-function display in the dash cluster.

Standard fitment includes cloth seat trim, plastic wheel and shifter, auto lights, basic air conditioning, and cruise control.

All Picantos now get auto emergency braking as part of their safety suite (but no other advanced safety items), and it has six airbags, dual ISOFIX points, and three top-tether mounts. The Picanto carries a four-star ANCAP safety rating.

The base S remains powered by the same 1.25-litre four-cylinder petrol engine as previous iterations, producing 62kW/122Nm. Official fuel consumption figures for the combined cycle are 5.0L/100km for the manual and 5.8L/100km for the auto. Our week-long test of the five-speed manual produced a real-world figure of 6.4L/100km.

The Picanto has a 35-litre fuel tank and can consume base-grade 91RON fuel.

As always Kia offers its seven year/unlimited kilometre warranty on the Picanto range, and service pricing is fixed for the life of the warranty and averages out at a yearly cost of $389.42.

The automatic version of the S is our pick of the range, as it offers the best balance of equipment and price in the Pincanto range.

Kia Picanto 2021: S (Pe)

Engine Type Inline 4, 1.2L
Fuel Type Unleaded Petrol
Fuel Efficiency 5.0L/100km (combined)
Seating 5
Price From $9,900 - $13,530
Safety Rating

Pricing Guides

$15,821
Based on 198 cars listed for sale in the last 6 months.
LOWEST PRICE
$12,990
HIGHEST PRICE
$21,977
Tom White

Deputy News Editor

Tom’s way into motoring journalism was anything but straightforward despite annoying his parents to no end as a child by identifying makes and models with ease, and acquiring a large collection of Matchbox models. Other interests took over in the intervening years, including tinkering with electronics and computers, and an interest in the past, which eventually culminated in a Bachelor of Arts and Science from the University Of Sydney with a major in Ancient History. During this time, Tom was exposed to all sorts of cars by working as a valet and eventually the Bell Captain at The Star casino in Sydney. He then went on another side-quest, studying law at Macquarie University before applying for a job at CarsGuide. After being hired Tom worked his way up the ranks in a variety of roles and refined his craft, now serving as CarsGuide's Deputy News Editor, with special interests in new technologies and electric vehicles, as well as emerging trends from China. Tom has been recognised by his peers as the EV Journalist of the Year at the 2026 Newspress Australia Awards. He’s personally owned a selection of wheels from a 1981 Holden Gemini to a 2009 Ford Falcon, through to his current 2011 Subaru Forester and many others in between. You can find Tom on LinkedIn and Instagram. Education Bachelor of Arts and Sciences | The University of Sydney | 2010 - 2014 Graduate Certificate of Laws | Macquarie University | 2015 - 2016 Awards 2026 Newspress Australia EV Journalist of the Year Featured Publications CarsGuide | 2016 - present
About Author
Disclaimer: The pricing information shown in the editorial content (Review Prices) is to be used as a guide only and is based on information provided to Carsguide Autotrader Media Solutions Pty Ltd (Carsguide) both by third party sources and the car manufacturer at the time of publication. The Review Prices were correct at the time of publication. Carsguide does not warrant or represent that the information is accurate, reliable, complete, current or suitable for any particular purpose. You should not use or rely upon this information without conducting an independent assessment and valuation of the vehicle.
Pricing Guide
$12,990
Lowest price, based on CarsGuide listings over the last 6 months.
For more information on
2021 Kia Picanto
See Pricing & Specs

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