Kia Picanto 2024 review: GT-Line manual | Facelifted version of pint-sized MG3 hatch rival tested

The 2024 Kia Picanto micro hatchback is locked in a battle for the ages with the one-size-larger MG3. Their prize? The title of Australia's cheapest car. And in good news for the South Korean model, it's about to win, as the next-generation Chinese contender is set to move upmarket with a new hybrid powertrain option and a range-wide higher level of technology.
Good news, then, for the Picanto, which can confidently move forward as the go-to option for new-car buyers that want to spend the least amount of money possible. And if they do, they'll be pleased, as the Kia has just undergone a major late-life facelift, which delivers more contemporary styling and a longer list of standard equipment.
In this expert review, CarsGuide Senior Journalist Tom White spends a wheel with the five-speed manual version of the Picanto's new GT-Line flagship - yes, the turbocharged GT is sadly no more post-facelift.
#Kia #Picanto #review
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Timecodes:
00:00 Intro
00:29 Pricing and features
02:33 Design
03:54 Practicality
05:38 Under the bonnet
06:06 Driving
09:19 Efficiency
10:13 Safety
10:56 Ownership
11:30 Verdict
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Read Tom's full review: bit.ly/4cl6h2N
Check out our Kia Picanto hub: bit.ly/3vmoOef
Find more hatchbacks: bit.ly/3JDWjwx
Visit our Urban Guide: bit.ly/3NAZFDa
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[@RetroRoberino]

I love the little retro touches this car has, from the 4 cylinder engine to the 4 speed auto.... I just have a soft spot for this car. I might get this.

[@leroy7592]

CANT BELIEVE THEY GOT RID OF THE TURBO 1.0l 3cyl - THAT ENGINE WAS AWESOME

[@victormarian7889]

yea, I have the cousin Hy I 10 equipped with that and it's peppy !

[@69Phuket]

Me too....I'd just have to get a decent used one..

[@MiggyMndza]

People are expecting too much from small, city cars hence why they're slowly dying. This for me tho, is a solid 10 for what it is. Gets you from point A to B in a fashionably fun manner with only the right amount of tech you need.

[@mrporsche4236]

You dont need 99% of tech in cars today. Even this is way more then you need in terms of tech. This is the perfect city car

[@RetroRoberino]

I live in Germany. I can't wait until we get this facelift. I would get this with the automated manual. It's a shame they don't just put a 4 speed torque converter in it, but it still sounds like the classic 90s slushbox, which I love.

[@smartarcadeLK]

Nice review

[@blackbelt2000]

regarding the hard plastics, you have to cut costs somewhere to keep price down. Simple as that. Considering what kind of car this is and what its intended for then I give it a pass.

[@netsiteing]

Wish that the GT with Turbo engine wasnt dropped.

[@OfficialMINIm]

Kia should’ve kept the 1.0l 3 cylinder turbo engine. Otherwise the car is awesome

[@ezy.from.now.on.]

Not me considering buying it and taking it from Melbourne to Perth 👀...

[@robertceroli3512]

a nip and tuck new wheels digital display and a few other bs changes but the most important item was left unchanged the low powdered out dated eng

[@mvnorsel6354]

I will never know why cup holders get so much airtime in modern cars.

[@phunk8607]

guys you don't enjoy drinking

[@mrporsche4236]

Automatic is $26000 manual around $25000 in australia. Thats the real price

[@Mike-li5yq]

The drive away price for the top of the range GT-Line automatic Picanto in Perth is $23,490.

[@Mark-jz5ye]

Looks great on the outside. Driveline and interior is a let down.

[@con9605]

I just wish the 1L turbo was in the line up. Not interested otherwise...

[@jesus_built_my_hotrod]

The bots are taking over the comments...

[@coldude2559]

I'll wait for the BYD seagull....

[@Mark-jz5ye]

You'll be waiting a long time. It's not coming.

[@rc70ys]

NOT TRUE ! Only 2 versions Base and GT Line and NONE are under $20k !!!

[@fairgo4156]

Oh no! They have made it ugly and have dropped the awesome 1L Turbo model.