Australian pricing and specifications have been released for the all-new 2017 Kia Picanto. Only one variant is initially being offered Down Under.

The sole Picanto variant now on sale, called the Picanto S, is powered by the carryover 1.25-litre naturally aspirated four with 84 Hp at 6200 rpm and 122 Nm at 4000 rpm, if now with the choice of a new AUD 14,190 (list price) five-speed manual version to complement the familiar four-speed automatic version. At AUD 15,690 drive-away, the new automatic model is AUD 700 pricier than the outgoing version.


Some of that premium is offset by a subtle lift in equipment that includes the addition of cruise control, dusk sensing wipers, a new 7.0-inch touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto infotainment connectivity and dynamic guidelines for the reversing camera.
Other standard features include heated exterior mirrors, rear parking sensors, keyless entry. Six airbags, halogen headlights and daytime-running lights together with 14-inch steel wheels are also standard issue.

At 1485 mm high, 3595 mm long and 1595 mm wide, the new Picanto is no larger than the old, though it does boast more modern styling and a 15mm-longer wheelbase (2400 mm) said to improve cabin space somewhat, its maker promising gains in leg- and headroom. Of the eight available paint finishes there are five new hues called Lime Green, Signal Red, Aurora Black, Pop Orange and Sparkling Silver.


Inside, the revamp of design layout and materials promise a more high-quality upmarket look and feel, with more “centrally aligned” dashboard and a so-called “floating” touchscreen arrangement. The new micro hatch is available in five-door, five-seat form only.

The boot space has grown in size from 200 to 255 litres and converts to 1010 litres with the 60:40 rear split fold seating stowed “completely flat”, according to its maker. The rear seating is also more reclined than its predecessor to improve long haul comfort.


Ride and handling has been developed in conjunction with Kia Australia’s expertise, the strut front and torsion beam rear suspension tuning said to offer greater stability and less steering “nervousness” while promising more refinement and sportiness form the driving experience.

A quicker steering rack ratio (from 16.5:1 to 14.3:1) reduces steering inputs from 3.4 to 2.8 turns lock to lock. Torque vectoring by braking is also included as a function of the electronic stability control system.

The third-generation Picanto comes with Kia Australia’s outstanding seven-year warranty with seven years of capped-price servicing and seven years of road side assist.