Kia PICANTO

3,382 registered in New Zealand · 2005–2026 · 100% from South Korea

The Kia PICANTO is a recognisable name on New Zealand roads, with 3,382 registered across model years 2005 to 2026. It averages 5.7 L/100km in fuel consumption and produces an average of 64 kW. Most are petrol-powered hatchbacks with a 1.2L engine.

Below you'll find a complete breakdown of fuel types, body styles, drivetrain options, regional distribution, and estimated running costs. Select a specific model year to see detailed specs, buyer insights, and variant-level data for that generation of the PICANTO.

Select Year

3,382 On NZ Roads
1.2L Engine
5.7 L/100km
64 kW

Fuel Types

Kia PICANTO fuel type breakdown: PETROL 100%.

Fleet Age Profile

How many Kia PICANTO vehicles from each manufacture year are still registered in NZ. Taller bars mean more of that year on the road — better parts availability and more mechanics who know it.

Kia PICANTO fleet age profile: 2021: 276, 2022: 165, 2023: 92, 2024: 195, 2025: 254.

Drivetrain

Transmission

Kia PICANTO transmissions: 4-GEAR AUTO 89%, 5-GEAR MANUAL 11%.

Engine Size

Kia PICANTO engine sizes: 1.2L 78%, 1.1L 22%, 1.2L 0%, 1.0L 0%, 1.1L 0%.

Imported From

Kia PICANTO imported from: South Korea 100%, Hong Kong 0%.

When They Arrived in NZ

When Kia PICANTO vehicles were first registered in New Zealand — showing import waves and buying trends.

Kia PICANTO NZ arrival timeline: 2022: 163, 2023: 91, 2024: 197, 2025: 257, 2026: 8.

Estimated Running Costs

Select a model year to estimate fuel costs for that specific Kia PICANTO.

per week
per year
per km
km/year
1,000 km 50,000 km
Fuel price
Fuel economy
Fuel type
Prices updated

Colours

GREY 617 (18%)
RED 506 (15%)
WHITE 471 (14%)
BLUE 416 (12%)
GREEN 357 (11%)
ORANGE 296 (9%)
SILVER 267 (8%)
YELLOW 224 (7%)

Colours shown are approximate representations of NZTA basic colour categories, not exact manufacturer paint codes.

Where They Are in NZ

Kia PICANTO regional distribution: AUCKLAND: 916, CHRISTCHURCH: 328, DUNEDIN: 240, WELLINGTON: 169, HAMILTON: 168.

Body Types

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1986–2026 5.6 L/100km
2 Toyota logo
Toyota Corolla 101,776
1971–2026 5.8 L/100km
3 Toyota logo
Toyota Aqua 66,645
2010–2024 2.8 L/100km
4 Mazda logo
Mazda Demio 48,885
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5 Mazda logo
Mazda Axela 47,583
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Frequently Asked Questions

How many Kia PICANTO are there in New Zealand?

There are 3,382 Kia PICANTO vehicles registered in New Zealand as of March 2026, making up 0.1% of the total passenger fleet. Model years range from 2005 to 2026.

How much does it cost to run a Kia PICANTO?

Based on NZTA fuel economy data, the Kia PICANTO averages 5.7 L/100km. At current fuel prices ($3.41/L), that works out to roughly $45 per week or $2,332 per year in fuel, assuming 12,000 km of annual driving. Actual costs vary by model year, driving conditions, and fuel type.

What body type is the Kia PICANTO?

The Kia PICANTO is primarily classified as a hatchback in the NZTA fleet register. It is also available in other body configurations: saloon. The most common fuel type is petrol.

Are Kia PICANTO cars imported or NZ-new?

100% of Kia PICANTO vehicles in New Zealand originated from South Korea. The majority arrived as used imports, which is typical for this model. Check the import status and origin country for the specific year you're considering on the individual year pages.