Kia Picanto 2003–2008 car dimensions: 3495 mm long, 1595 mm wide and 1480 mm high. Unladen weight is 929 kg. Braked towing is 700 kg.
The cabin offers manual air conditioning on most grades except the base model, along with a CD audio system that includes MP3 playback on higher specs. Power steering is available across the range, and there are numerous storage spots including under-seat trays, dual gloveboxes, door pockets and a sunglasses holder. Safety kit centres on dual front airbags and ABS with EBD as standard or near-standard, with side airbags on some grades. No advanced driver aids appear.
Boot space measures 157 litres with the rear seats in place. The 60/40 split-folding rear seats drop flat to free up 882 litres for larger loads, aided by a low load lip.
Braked towing capacity reaches 700 kg on manual models, with unbraked limited to 400 kg. Automatic versions drop to around 400 kg braked. Payload sits near 420 kg based on a kerb weight under 950 kg and 1350 kg gross vehicle weight. The car suits light urban duties rather than heavy work, with no heavy-duty cooling or reinforced suspension noted.
The cabin uses soft-touch plastics on the dash and doors with bright modern trim. Front seats sit high with six-way manual adjustment on the driver side. The rear bench folds flat in sections and offers three backrest angles. Air conditioning is standard on most grades along with electric front windows. Space suits four adults well for a city car, with strong headroom and usable rear legroom. Storage includes under-seat trays and a sunglasses holder on higher models.
Combined fuel use around 4.9-5.8 l/100 km depending on engine and gearbox
35-litre fuel tank
Service every 10,000 miles or 12 months
Euro NCAP adult 3 stars, child 4 stars, pedestrian 1 star
Standard dual front airbags, ABS with EBD and disc brakes
Petrol engines return official combined figures from 4.9 l/100 km on the 1.1 manual up to higher on the automatic. The diesel version sits lower still. A 35-litre tank supports long gaps between fills in normal use.
Normal service comes every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever arrives first. Oil and filter change at each visit. Timing belt needs attention later under the schedule.
Euro NCAP gave the 2004 car three stars for adult protection, four for child and one for pedestrians. Standard kit covers dual front airbags, ABS with electronic brake-force distribution and disc brakes all round on many versions, plus side-impact beams and seat-belt pretensioners.
Keep the car with regular oil changes and checks on belts, brakes and fluids. The light weight and simple layout help keep day-to-day ownership straightforward.
Length 3495 mm, Width 1595 mm, Height 1480 mm, Wheelbase 2370 mm (Picanto 2003–2008)
Sources: manufacturer data, Kia official EU brochure PDF and Kia UK press release.