Korea's Tiny Car Is Booming in Europe – The Surprising Success of the Kia Picant

 As Korea moves away from compact cars, the Kia Picanto finds surprising success in Europe. Here's why this tiny car is a perfect fit for urban Europe.

If you drive around South Korea today, you’ll notice something missing — small city cars are vanishing from the roads. Once a familiar sight in parking lots and busy intersections, Kia’s compact “Morning” (also known as the Picanto) is becoming rare. Why? Korean drivers increasingly prefer larger SUVs or mid-size hybrids. The compact segment is shrinking fast — at least in Korea.

But here’s the twist: the same car that’s fading at home is now surging in popularity across Europe. From narrow city streets in Paris to commuter traffic in London, the Picanto is experiencing a quiet revolution.

📌 Table of Contents

• 1. By the Numbers – A Record Year for the Picanto
• 2. Why Europeans Love the Picanto
• 3. Big Tech in a Small Package
• 4. Why It Works in Europe (But Not Korea)
• 5. FAQ

1. By the Numbers – A Record Year for the Picanto

Since its debut in 2004, the Kia Picanto has sold more than 1.28 million units worldwide. Remarkably, over half were exported to Europe. In the UK alone, Picanto sales rose by 35% year-over-year in the first half of 2025, reaching 7,607 units out of Kia’s 62,000+ new registrations.

2. Why Europeans Love the Picanto

• Perfect for city driving: Small size, agile handling, and easy parking make it ideal for tight urban roads.
• Affordable pricing: Positioned well below rising EV costs, especially appealing amid inflation concerns.
• Fuel efficient: With 1.0L or 1.2L engines, it delivers excellent mileage for budget-conscious drivers.

3. Big Tech in a Small Package

The Picanto comes loaded with features rarely seen in compact cars:

• 8” touchscreen with Apple CarPlay & Android Auto
• Over-the-air software updates
• Smart keyless entry, rear-view camera, and hill-start assist

And let’s not forget Kia’s legendary 7-year/100,000-mile warranty — a key selling point in Europe.

4. Why It Works in Europe (But Not Korea)

In South Korea, compact cars like the Morning are seen as entry-level or budget vehicles. As income rises and urban sprawl continues, consumer preference has shifted to larger, premium models — even in dense cities like Seoul or Busan. Meanwhile in Europe, the Picanto fits perfectly into compact cities with narrow streets and expensive parking.

Also, while EV adoption is rising, many Europeans still need cost-effective ICE vehicles for short trips — and the Picanto is the perfect bridge between affordability and reliability.

5. FAQ

Q1. Is the Kia Picanto sold only in Europe?

No. It’s sold globally but enjoys particular popularity in Europe due to urban suitability and brand trust.

Q2. Is the Picanto an electric vehicle?

Currently, the Picanto is powered by internal combustion engines (1.0L and 1.2L). An EV version is not yet released but may arrive in the future.

Q3. Why is it called “Morning” in Korea?

In its home market, the Picanto is marketed as the Kia Morning, tailored to Korean branding preferences.