Kia Picanto LS (2025) Price & Specs

The Kia Picanto range has gained a new entry-level LS grade, effectively dropping the starting price by some R24 000. Here’s what these fresh base variants will cost you…

Kia South Africa recently rolled out a new entry-level LS grade to its Seltos range and now it’s the Picanto’s turn. Yes, the South Korean firm has quietly introduced the Kia Picanto LS, effectively cutting the small hatchback’s starting price by R24 000.

As a reminder, the facelifted (Korean-built) Picanto city car hit the local market in April 2024. Now, just over a year later, the line-up has been expanded to 8 derivatives – excluding the pair of Runner-badged panel vans sold in the light-commercial vehicle (LCV) segment, that is – with the arrival of the LS specification.

*The LS grade looks just like the LX from the outside.*

Thanks to a timely heads-up from the ever-watchful vehicle-information specialists over at duoporta.com, we can confirm the new-to-the-range Picanto 1.0 LS 5MT is priced at R236 995, while likewise fresh Picanto 1.0 LS 4AT comes in at R256 995.

Whip out your calculator and, in the case of the manual-equipped LS, you’ll find that translates to a R24 000 saving over the equivalent LX derivative. Opting for the auto-equipped LS over the likewise 2-pedal LX, meanwhile, will save you some R22 000.

*Latest front-end styling was introduced locally in April 2024.*

The Kia Picanto LS variants employ the same naturally aspirated 1.0-litre, 3-cylinder petrol engine as the LX grade. As a reminder, this motor sends 49 kW and 95 Nm to the front axle via either a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed torque-converter automatic transmission. A likewise atmospheric 1.2-litre motor remains available further up the range.

So, what does the new LS specification miss out on compared to the LX grade? Well, the Picanto LS variants do without leather trim for the steering wheel (seemingly switching to polyurethane instead) and gear lever, while also forgoing a 60:40-split folding rear bench and an anti-pinch function on the driver’s electric window. Other than that, the LS trim level shares much with the LX, including ABS, dual front airbags, 14-inch steel wheels and a reverse-view camera.

*Note the LS grade does without the leather steering-wheel trim pictured here.*

How much does the Kia Picanto LS cost in South Africa?

Kia Picanto 1.0 LS 5MT – R236 995

Kia Picanto 1.0 LS 4AT – R256 995

Kia Picanto 1.0 LX 5MT – R260 995

Kia Picanto 1.0 LX 4AT – R278 995

Kia Picanto 1.2 EX 5MT – R284 995

Kia Picanto 1.2 EX 4AT – R302 995

Kia Picanto 1.2 EX+ 5MT – R307 995

Kia Picanto 1.2 EX+ 4AT – R325 995

The prices above include Kia’s 5-year/unlimited km warranty and a 2-year/30 000 km service plan as standard. An earlier version of this article said the Picanto LS came with a shorter 1-year/15 000 km service plan (as indicated on Kia’s initial specification sheet), but the company has since confirmed it receives the full 2-year/30 000 km coverage.

Find a Kia Picanto on Cars.co.za!