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By David Lewis | 31 January 2026
With reports that the Hyundai i10 has been discontinued in the UK, the Kia Picanto now stands as one of the few affordable petrol city cars still available to buy new.
As choice in the small car market continues to narrow, the Picanto remains a simple, well-equipped and easy-to-own option for drivers who want a compact car without rising costs or unnecessary complexity.
The UK city car segment has changed rapidly. Many familiar models have been discontinued, moved upmarket, or switched to hybrid and electric power, pushing prices higher.
The recent discontinuation of the Hyundai i10 reflects this wider shift. While some dealer stock remains, new factory orders have ended, reducing options for drivers still looking for a traditional petrol-powered city car.
As a result, the Kia Picanto has become an increasingly strong option in the city car segment, and demand has continued to grow.
For drivers who previously considered the i10, the Picanto offers a familiar and reassuring experience. It is compact, easy to drive, economical to run, and well-suited to town and everyday journeys.
Its small footprint makes parking and manoeuvring simple, while efficient petrol engines keep running costs manageable for commuting, errands and local travel.
The Kia Picanto’s position as a superb city car choice has also been recognised by the UK motoring press.
At the 2025 Auto Express New Car Awards, the Picanto was named ‘City Car of the Year’, with judges highlighting its everyday usability, comfort, and ability to feel confident both in town and on longer journeys.
Auto Express editor Paul Barker said the Picanto “feels grown up on the open road”, noting that it offers the benefits of a small car without being limited to urban driving alone.
The award adds further reassurance for drivers considering a Picanto as an alternative to models like the Hyundai i10.
Prices for the Kia Picanto start from only £16,745 on the road, helping keep city car ownership accessible at a time when many alternatives have moved beyond first-time buyer budgets. Driving away in a new Picanto can cost as little as a few hundred pounds a month on a Personal Contract Hire option, depending on terms.
Despite its size, the Picanto comes well-equipped as standard. Every model includes an 8-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, rear parking sensors and a reversing camera, air conditioning, and a wide range of safety features.
The Picanto range is offered in three clear trim levels: Pure, GT-Line, and GT-Line S, making it easy to choose the right level of equipment.
All versions use a 1.0-litre petrol engine, with a choice of manual or automated manual transmission. This straightforward approach keeps ownership simple while still offering modern technology and comfort.
Kia’s 7-year warranty also adds peace of mind, particularly for first-time buyers or drivers downsizing from larger cars.
The new Kia Picanto is available in a wide range of eye-catching colours, giving drivers the freedom to choose a look that suits their personality and lifestyle.
Available colours include:
Whether you prefer something classic, bold, or modern, the Picanto’s colour range helps it stand out in the city while still feeling easy to live with day to day.
The Kia Picanto’s compact size makes it ideal for busy urban streets, tight parking spaces, and everyday manoeuvring.
These compact dimensions make the Picanto easy to park and simple to drive, while still offering a comfortable cabin and practical boot space for everyday use.
With fewer affordable city cars available, seeing and driving the Picanto has become more important than ever.
At TMS Kia, customers can explore the latest Picanto models, compare trims and book a test drive with friendly local teams who are happy to explain everything clearly.
For drivers who were considering a Hyundai i10, the Kia Picanto now stands as one of the most practical and affordable alternatives still on sale in the UK.
Book a Kia Picanto test drive at TMS Kia and experience one of the UK’s best petrol city cars for yourself.
Hyundai’s decision to end production of the i10 for the UK and European markets has been widely reported across the automotive industry.
Independent confirmation can be found from the following sources:
Fleet World
Auto Express
The Korean Car Blog
RushLane
The Interface
