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.

Kia Picanto
Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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

European versions registered in 2025, by engine size and power. Economy and CO₂ are WLTP averages.
EngineFuelPowerEconomyCO₂Weight
1.0 litrePetrol46 kW / 62 hp5.1 l/100 km (46 mpg)115 g/km981–1,070 kg
1.0 litrePetrol49 kW / 66 hp4.5 l/100 km (52 mpg)111 g/km974–981 kg
1.0 litrePetrol50 kW / 67 hp5.4 l/100 km (44 mpg)123 g/km1,018–1,083 kg
1.2 litrePetrol57 kW / 76 hp5.4 l/100 km (44 mpg)122 g/km990–991 kg
1.2 litrePetrol58 kW / 78 hp5.5 l/100 km (43 mpg)123 g/km990–1,150 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.

Power, torque and performance for each version of the 3rd generation, facelift.
VersionEnginePowerTorque0–100 km/hTop speedGearboxDrive
1.0 AMT Hatchback 5 doors1.0 litre gasoline60 hp 45 kW93 Nm18.2 s145 km/hautomated manual, 5-speedFront wheel drive
1.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors1.0 litre gasoline60 hp 45 kW93 Nm15.4 s145 km/hManual, 5-speedFront wheel drive
1.0 AMT Hatchback 5 doors1.0 litre gasoline66 hp 49 kW98 Nm17.2 s159 km/hautomated manual, 5-speedFront wheel drive
1.0 AT Hatchback 5 doors1.0 litre gasoline66 hp 49 kW95 Nm16.5 s149 km/hAutomatic, 4-speedFront wheel drive
1.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors1.0 litre gasoline66 hp 49 kW95 Nm14.1 s161 km/hManual, 5-speedFront wheel drive
1.2 AMT Hatchback 5 doors1.2 litre gasoline78 hp 58 kW113 Nm16.5 s164 km/hautomated manual, 5-speedFront wheel drive
1.2 MT Hatchback 5 doors1.2 litre gasoline78 hp 58 kW113 Nm13.1 s165 km/hManual, 5-speedFront wheel drive
1.2 AMT Hatchback 5 doors1.2 litre gasoline83 hp 62 kW120 Nm15.7 s172 km/hautomated manual, 5-speedFront wheel drive
1.3 AT Hatchback 5 doors1.2 litre gasoline83 hp 62 kW122 Nm13.7 s161 km/hAutomatic, 4-speedFront wheel drive
1.0 MT Hatchback 5 doors1.0 litre gasoline99 hp 74 kW175 Nm10.3 s180 km/hManual, 5-speedFront wheel drive
1.2 AT Hatchback 5 doors1.2 litre gasoline—122 Nm——Automatic, 4-speedFront wheel drive

Dimensions and weight

Typical values for the 3rd generation, facelift, mpv and hatchback.
Length3,595 mm142 in
Width1,595 mm63 in
Height1,495 mm59 in
Wheelbase2,400 mm94 in
Ground clearance151 mm6 in
Kerb weight885–1,034 kg1,951–2,280 lb
Boot space255–1,010 litres9–36 cu ft
Seats5
Fuel tank35 litres9 US gal

Where it's sold, and what it's called

MarketSold as2025 sales rank
South AfricaKia Picanto≈ #23

Approximate 2025 ranking from monthly NAAMSA sales reports.

Generations

  1. 1st generation 2004–2007
  2. 1st generation, facelift 2007–2011
  3. 1st generation, second facelift 2008–2011
  4. 1st generation, third facelift 2010–2011
  5. 2nd generation 2011–2015
  6. 2nd generation, facelift 2015–2017
  7. 3rd generation 2017–2021
  8. 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.