picanto
picanto

Kia Picanto GT-Line: Who nicked my turbo?

2023 Kia Picanto GT Line 5

What is it?

While the battle rages for the high ground — the top tech and expensive, electrified territory of the automotive world — a rear-guard action from the internal combustion engine bargain basement is taking place.

Micro cars such as the MG3, Suzuki Ignis, Fiat 500 and Mazda2 are leading the charge to defend ICE(land).

The latest call to arms comes from Kia with its upgraded Picanto. What are its chances?

Sadly, gone ta-taas is the popular GT, replaced by a pair of GT-Line legionnaires.

Kia says it has called on the company’s footy-like ‘Opposites United’ (How do they think of ’em?) philosophy for the new range, leading to a modern, sporty design highlighted by a new headlight set-up, ‘ripped’ radiator grille and reshaped front bumper.

Out back, the tail lamps and bumper have been tweaked.

2023 Kia Picanto GT Line 4

What’s it cost?

New Picanto comes in two trim levels – Sport and GT-Line – with prices coming in at $17,890, plus on-road costs, for the entry-level five-speed manual.

The four-speed automatic sells for $19,490, while the flagship GT-Line auto tops out the range at $21,290.

On test was the GT-Line.

Price is not the only selling point of this car.

For Picanto buyers it’s welcome to Kia ‘seventh heaven’ with the make’s class-leading seven-year warranty and capped price servicing at 12-month intervals, plus up to eight years of roadside assistance.

GT-Line features a daytime running light strip that extends across the leading edge of the bonnet, pushing out the headlights with emphasis on the width.

Newly designed wheels – 14-inch alloys on the Sport and a 16-inch machine-finished diamond cut quartet for the GT-Line.

Power folding side mirrors with integrated warning indicators are now standard across both trims, with GT-Line boasting heating too.

Seven exterior paint finishes are offered, with Adventurous Green being new to Kia.

Gone are the analogue gauges, replaced by a 4.2-inch digital instrument cluster, making the perfect match for the carry-over 8.0-inch touchscreen – with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto – perched atop the central dashboard.

Beneath it are air-con (no climate) controls with easy-to-operate large knobs.

Rear occupants also benefit from the addition of USB-C charging ports.

With young drivers in mind, Picanto GT-Line is equipped with a range of Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems as standard across both trims.

These include blind spot collision avoidance Assist rear BCA, rear cross-traffic collision avoidance assist, and lane follow and lane keeping assist.

There’s a reversing camera and rear parking sensors but nothing at the front, which is a pity because of the stubby nose.

Passive safety is in the hands of six airbags – dual front, front side and full-length curtain.

2023 Kia Picanto GT Line 1

What’s it go like?

Premium leatherette features as standard on steering wheel and gearshift knob across the range, with the latter also scoring a D-cut sports steering wheel.

Legroom, especially in the back is at a premium, while head room is not so.

The driver’s side footwell is not welcoming to larger feet.

Pedal space is cramped.

Keyless entry is tainted by the need to use the steering column lock to start the motor.

Boot space, with rear seat backs up is briefcase-like 255 litres; with the seat backs folded, a respectable 1010mm.

Nothing (new) to see here in terms of performance.

Picanto carries over the existing 1.2-litre MPI non-turbo engine, mated with either five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission, putting power to the ground through the front wheels.

There’s a marked difference in performance between the former 1.0-litre three-cylinder turbo and the carry-over four-cylinder unit.

Low on torque, GT-Line auto is in no rush to get going, nor is it up to overtaking while on the run.

Tootling around town is more to its liking.

The maker puts fuel consumption on the combined urban/highway cycle at 6.0L/100km.

Over a week of average work the test vehicle recorded 7.1L.

Ride and handling were reasonably comfortable, with some bumps and lumps along the way, considering the short wheelbase (2400mm) and the steering came up with good reaction to driver input.

Feedback was solid but the tyres could not avoid chiming in with annoying road noise on course surfaces.

However, the Picanto gets a ‘gold medal’ for parking.

Pick a spot, almost any spot, and the compact is quick to reward the driver in forward or reverse.

2023 Kia Picanto GT Line 7

What we like?

  • Compact
  • Easy to park
  • Uses little fuel
  • 7-year warranty

2023 Kia Picanto GT Line 9

What we don’t like?

  • Bring back the turbo
  • Not much get up and go
  • Limited rear legroom
  • Road noise on coarse surfaces

2023 Kia Picanto GT Line 8

The bottom line?

Kia lines up its Picanto to broaden the appeal of its mini hatchback, sacrificing its popular GT in the move.

2023 Kia Picanto GT Line 3

 

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Kia Picanto GT-Line, priced from $19,690
  • Looks - 8/10
    8/10
  • Performance - 4/10
    4/10
  • Safety - 6/10
    6/10
  • Thirst - 7/10
    7/10
  • Practicality - 7/10
    7/10
  • Comfort - 5/10
    5/10
  • Tech - 7/10
    7/10
  • Value - 8/10
    8/10
Overall
6.5/10
6.5/10

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