Assalamualaikum PakWheelers! In this owner review, Mustafa Qazi sits down with Wasim, a proud owner of the Kia Picanto 2020, to discuss the car’s real-world performance, fuel average, comfort, maintenance, and overall value. The Kia Picanto has often been criticised in the market for offering poor fuel economy, but this review challenges that belief with real data and honest feedback.
Make, Model & Purchase Details
Wasim owns a 2020 Kia Picanto, which he purchased as the second owner in 2022. He bought the car for Rs. 2.3 million, at a time when the invoice price for a new Picanto was around Rs. 2.8 million.
As of now, he says that the used market value for his car is roughly Rs. 2.6 to 2.7 million, and a brand-new unit carries an invoice of nearly Rs. 3.8 to 3.9 million. According to him, he bought the car at the right time, and even with today’s prices, he believes it’s still priced more competitively than many alternatives.
Fuel Average – The Real Surprise
One of the main stigmas attached to the Kia Picanto is its fuel economy. But Wasim’s experience tells a different story.
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In City (Heavy Traffic): Around 13.5 km/l
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In City (Normal Conditions): A steady 15 km/l
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On Highway: Up to 20 km/l while cruising at 100–120 km/h
These numbers are quite impressive for a 1000cc hatchback, especially considering urban driving conditions. Wasim attributes this performance partly to his smooth driving style, but he confirms that the car’s efficiency has exceeded expectations.
Performance
Equipped with a 1.0L engine, the Picanto isn’t a sporty car, but Wasim finds its performance more than adequate for city driving. He states that even when pushed hard, the car responds well and delivers decent pickup.
In normal driving conditions—such as commuting around Karachi at 60–70 km/h—the car feels completely capable. He mentions that the Picanto performs exactly as needed for city drivers who mainly need smooth overtaking and steady speed.
Maintenance
Wasim maintains his car through local workshops, which keeps his maintenance costs very manageable. His regular service includes:
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Oil change
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Air filter
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AC filter
This costs him around PKR 11,000 to 12,000 every 5,000 km, translating to an approximate cost of PKR 2.25 per kilometre—a figure consistent with most economical hatchbacks.
Spare Parts – Easily Available
In terms of spare parts, Wasim reports no availability issues. Whether you go to Kia dealerships or the open market, parts are accessible. Some parts also come from Malaysia and Indonesia, which may have slight price variations but are still within a reasonable range.
He isn’t aware of the exact price of specific parts like headlights, but confirms that they are similar to those of other hatchbacks in the same category.
Reliability
Having driven the car for over three years and approximately 45,000 km, Wasim says he has not faced any significant mechanical issues. The build quality has held up well, and the car feels solid and durable.
Comfort
Wasim is very satisfied with the comfort level, especially on highways. He describes the seats as soft and supportive, and the dashboard design gives off a sporty vibe.
That said, the rear seat space can feel a bit cramped if the front seats are fully pushed back. In such cases, rear legroom is compromised, but it’s manageable for city commutes.
Suspension & Handling
Despite Karachi’s deteriorating roads, the car’s suspension has held up well. Wasim confirms that he hasn’t had to do any suspension work even after 45,000 km.
The ride is stable at both low and high speeds, and the ground clearance is adequate for daily use. The car maintains good balance and grip, making it a confident choice for city and occasional highway driving.
Features – All the Basics Covered
The automatic variant that Wasim owns comes with all essential features expected from a small hatchback:
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Auto door locks
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Heated side mirrors
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Strong AC performance
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Power windows
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ABS (Anti-lock Braking System)
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Two airbags
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ISOFIX child seat anchors
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Rear wipers
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Daytime Running Lights (DRLs)
While it doesn’t match imported hatchbacks in feature count, it still ticks all the boxes for a locally manufactured compact car.
Safety
Safety features in this car include:
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Dual airbags
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ABS braking
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ISOFIX mounts for child seats
These features make it a well-rounded option for families looking for reliable and practical urban transport.
Resale – Holding Its Value
Given the rising prices of new cars, Wasim feels the Picanto’s resale is strong. He was able to purchase the car at a good rate and sees its current market value holding well, especially compared to newer alternatives.
PakWheels Experience – Thumbs Up
Wasim also shared his experience with PakWheels’ services, having used their platform to buy and sell cars, including an inspection service. He describes the experience as smooth, professional, and highly satisfactory.
