2024 Kia Picanto public Review

The A-segment compact car market has always been in demand locally, especially for budget-conscious users who need a reliable daily commuting tool. Adequate space, fuel economy, and practical features are the core requirements for such buyers. The 2024 Kia Picanto public, as a popular candidate in this segment, has focused on upgrading its smart features and interior quality while retaining its advantages in fuel efficiency. After receiving the test car, we prioritized evaluating its daily commuting practicality, configuration experience, and fuel consumption performance to see if it can still hold the title of "value-for-money king" in its class.

From the exterior perspective, the 2024 Picanto public continues Kia’s signature tiger-nose front grille design. However, the grille size has been slightly reduced, with the internal structure replaced by a black mesh pattern. Combined with sharper-looking front headlights on both sides, the new design enhances its recognizability compared to the previous model. The side profile of the vehicle has simple lines, with 14-inch alloy wheels (steel wheels for certain trims) that are unpretentious in design but visually appealing. At the rear, the main changes center on the taillights, which adopt a through-type design. However, the central section is merely decorative when the lights are lit, while the LED elements inside the side clusters are more compactly arranged, creating a clear visual effect at night. Overall, the design leans towards a youthful theme but avoids exaggeration, aligning with the A-segment compact car’s positioning for daily use.

Sitting inside, the interior changes are more significant than those on the exterior. The upper part of the dashboard is wrapped in soft materials, which, although largely composed of hard plastics, feel noticeably finer than the previous model. The center touchscreen has been upgraded from 7 inches to an 8-inch floating display, supporting wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with noticeably improved operating fluency and virtually no lag. The air conditioning control area retains physical buttons, with knobs and buttons offering a moderate level of resistance, making blind operation while driving very convenient. The seats are upholstered in fabric material with soft padding, offering adequate support and comfort for long durations of sitting. The passenger seat supports manual four-way adjustment, while the driver’s seat provides six-way adjustment, making it easy to find a comfortable position.

Regarding space, the 2024 Picanto public retains the same dimensions as the previous model, measuring 3595mm×1595mm×1485mm with a wheelbase of 2400mm. The front row provides sufficient space for passengers up to 175cm tall, with a headroom allowance of roughly one fist. The rear seating space is typical for an A-segment, feeling slightly cramped for two adults with about two fingers’ worth of legroom. However, for daily commuting or school drop-offs, it’s entirely adequate. In terms of storage, the front door pockets can hold two bottles of water, and there’s a small storage compartment below the dashboard ideal for storing phones or wallets. The trunk has a capacity of 255 liters, which can be expanded to 1010 liters by folding down the rear seats—suitable for accommodating larger items occasionally. Additionally, the rear rows are equipped with air conditioning vents and a USB charging port, reflecting thoughtful attention to detail.

In terms of powertrain, the 2024 Picanto public is powered by a 1.2L naturally aspirated engine delivering a maximum output of 84 HP and peak torque of 118 N·m, paired with a CVT transmission. During everyday driving, it offers brisk acceleration, with responsive throttle feedback that makes city driving and overtaking easy. Switching to Sport mode enhances the throttle pedal’s responsiveness, and the transmission adjusts its shifting logic accordingly. However, given the engine’s limited displacement, it does feel less powerful when accelerating beyond 100 km/h on the highway. The brake pedal offers a linear feel, with moderate braking distances, inspiring confidence during daily driving.

In terms of handling, the steering wheel is light, making it suitable for female drivers or city commuting. The suspension is tuned for comfort, effectively filtering out most minor road bumps. However, when crossing speed bumps or large potholes, the rear passengers will feel a noticeable bounce. The body roll is well-controlled, and there isn't significant tilt when cornering, providing a relatively stable driving experience. Fuel consumption is a highlight of this car. In congested urban traffic, our test showed a fuel consumption of approximately 6.2L per 100km; on highways, it can be reduced to 5.1L, showcasing excellent fuel efficiency.

In terms of noise control, the cabin remains fairly quiet at speeds under 60km/h, with engine noise and tire noise being unobtrusive. When the speed exceeds 80km/h, wind noise gradually increases but stays within an acceptable range and does not affect normal conversations.

Overall, the core strengths of the 2024 Kia Picanto Public lie in its upgraded smart features, excellent fuel economy, and practical space performance. Compared to the Toyota Vitz in the same class, it offers richer configurations, especially with wireless CarPlay and Android Auto for greater everyday convenience. Compared to the Honda Brio, it boasts better interior quality and comfort. This car is ideal for young families or commuters with a limited budget who prioritize fuel efficiency and practicality. It meets the needs of daily commuting, picking up and dropping off children, or short trips. If you're looking for a reliable and worry-free vehicle for your daily travels, the 2024 Picanto Public is worth considering.