Hatchback, since 2003
Kia Picanto specifications
The Kia Picanto is a hatchback, first launched in 2003. European buyers can choose from 5 engine and power combinations, from 46 kW (62 hp) to 58 kW (78 hp). It measures 3,595 mm (142 in) long on a 2,400 mm wheelbase.

- 62–78 hp
- Power (46–58 kW)
- 93–175 Nm
- Torque (69–129 lb-ft)
- 10.3–18.2 s
- 0–100 km/h (fastest to slowest version)
- 5
- Engines sold in Europe
Engines and performance
| Engine | Fuel | Power | Economy | CO₂ | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 litre | Petrol | 46 kW / 62 hp | 5.1 l/100 km (46 mpg) | 115 g/km | 981–1,070 kg |
| 1.0 litre | Petrol | 49 kW / 66 hp | 4.5 l/100 km (52 mpg) | 111 g/km | 974–981 kg |
| 1.0 litre | Petrol | 50 kW / 67 hp | 5.4 l/100 km (44 mpg) | 123 g/km | 1,018–1,083 kg |
| 1.2 litre | Petrol | 57 kW / 76 hp | 5.4 l/100 km (44 mpg) | 122 g/km | 990–991 kg |
| 1.2 litre | Petrol | 58 kW / 78 hp | 5.5 l/100 km (43 mpg) | 123 g/km | 990–1,150 kg |
Versions and performance
3rd generation, facelift, 2021–2023: 11 versions (hatchback), from least to most powerful. Figures are manufacturer claims and vary by market.
| Version | Engine | Power | Torque | 0–100 km/h | Top speed | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1.0 AMT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.0 litre gasoline | 60 hp 45 kW | 93 Nm | 18.2 s | 145 km/h | automated manual, 5-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.0 litre gasoline | 60 hp 45 kW | 93 Nm | 15.4 s | 145 km/h | Manual, 5-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.0 AMT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.0 litre gasoline | 66 hp 49 kW | 98 Nm | 17.2 s | 159 km/h | automated manual, 5-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.0 AT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.0 litre gasoline | 66 hp 49 kW | 95 Nm | 16.5 s | 149 km/h | Automatic, 4-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.0 litre gasoline | 66 hp 49 kW | 95 Nm | 14.1 s | 161 km/h | Manual, 5-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.2 AMT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.2 litre gasoline | 78 hp 58 kW | 113 Nm | 16.5 s | 164 km/h | automated manual, 5-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.2 MT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.2 litre gasoline | 78 hp 58 kW | 113 Nm | 13.1 s | 165 km/h | Manual, 5-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.2 AMT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.2 litre gasoline | 83 hp 62 kW | 120 Nm | 15.7 s | 172 km/h | automated manual, 5-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.3 AT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.2 litre gasoline | 83 hp 62 kW | 122 Nm | 13.7 s | 161 km/h | Automatic, 4-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.0 litre gasoline | 99 hp 74 kW | 175 Nm | 10.3 s | 180 km/h | Manual, 5-speed | Front wheel drive |
| 1.2 AT Hatchback 5 doors | 1.2 litre gasoline | — | 122 Nm | — | — | Automatic, 4-speed | Front wheel drive |
Dimensions and weight
| Length | 3,595 mm | 142 in |
|---|---|---|
| Width | 1,595 mm | 63 in |
| Height | 1,495 mm | 59 in |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 94 in |
| Ground clearance | 151 mm | 6 in |
| Kerb weight | 885–1,034 kg | 1,951–2,280 lb |
| Boot space | 255–1,010 litres | 9–36 cu ft |
| Seats | 5 | |
| Fuel tank | 35 litres | 9 US gal |
Where it's sold, and what it's called
| Market | Sold as | 2025 sales rank |
|---|---|---|
| South Africa | Kia Picanto | ≈ #23 |
Approximate 2025 ranking from monthly NAAMSA sales reports.
Generations
- 1st generation 2004–2007
- 1st generation, facelift 2007–2011
- 1st generation, second facelift 2008–2011
- 1st generation, third facelift 2010–2011
- 2nd generation 2011–2015
- 2nd generation, facelift 2015–2017
- 3rd generation 2017–2021
- 3rd generation, facelift 2021–2023
Questions about the Kia Picanto
How much horsepower does the Kia Picanto have?
The most powerful Kia Picanto sold in Europe produces 58 kW (78 hp) from a 1.2-litre petrol engine. The least powerful version makes 46 kW (62 hp).
How much torque does the Kia Picanto have?
Between 93 and 175 Nm (69–129 lb-ft) for the 3rd generation, facelift, depending on the engine.
How fast is the Kia Picanto from 0 to 100 km/h (0–60 mph)?
The quickest version takes 10.3 seconds from 0 to 100 km/h (about 9.8 s to 60 mph); the slowest takes 18.2 seconds.
What is the top speed of the Kia Picanto?
Up to 180 km/h (112 mph) for the fastest version; the slowest tops out at 145 km/h (90 mph).
How big is the Kia Picanto?
It is 3,595 mm (142 in) long, 1,595 mm (63 in) wide and 1,495 mm (59 in) tall. A typical kerb weight is 885 kg (1,951 lb).
What fuel economy does the Kia Picanto get?
The most economical European version uses 4.5 l/100 km on the WLTP cycle.
Is the Kia Picanto a best seller?
It ranked around number 23 in South Africa in 2025.
Compare the Kia Picanto
Similar hatchbacks
Sources: EEA CO₂ monitoring 2025 (engines), RDW open data and manufacturer data (dimensions, versions), FuelEconomy.gov (US ratings), Wikidata Q494465, Wikipedia. Figures are typical values and vary by trim and year.