2019 Kia Picanto 1.2 GT-Line AT Review

The competition in Malaysia's A-Segment compact car market is intense right now. Consumers want a car that is flexible and easy to drive for daily commuting, while also offering richer features and safety within a limited budget. As a veteran player in this niche market, the 2019 Kia Picanto 1.2 GT-Line AT positions itself with the label of "high safety + practical features," even adding many higher-class details—this test drive aims to see if these highlights can indeed meet the core needs of urban users.

In terms of exterior, the sporty look of the GT-Line version is immediately noticeable. The front face features the signature tiger-nose grille of the brand, with a blacked-out treatment paired with chrome trim, connecting to the projector-equipped LED daytime running lights on both sides, which significantly enhances its recognition compared to the standard version. The side profile features compact lines, 16-inch two-tone alloy wheels, and 195/45 R16 tires, giving this small car a more stable appearance. The rear end has plenty of layering, with blacked-out LED taillights complementing the diffuser-like design at the bottom. Although it's an A-Segment compact car, the overall design doesn't feel perfunctory, making it less likely to look generic on the road.

Stepping inside, the interior materials and layout feel better than expected. Most areas of the dashboard are covered with soft-touch plastic, paired with piano black panels and metallic trims, avoiding a cheap feel. The 7-inch touchscreen infotainment system is well-positioned and offers smooth enough operation for daily use; it supports Bluetooth and USB connections. Below it, physical air-conditioning buttons are retained, making blind operation while driving easier. There are some noteworthy features: it comes standard with single-zone automatic air conditioning, which is rare in this segment; it also has keyless entry/start and a front-row 220V power outlet, significantly enhancing practicality. As for space, the 2400mm wheelbase is standard in the A-Segment. A 175cm tall passenger adjusting the front seat leaves about a fist of space above their head; for the rear seats, it can comfortably fit two adults for short trips, though long journeys might feel a bit cramped. However, the rear seats have ISO FIX connectors for child seats, making it very convenient. The trunk offers a basic capacity of 255L, which is enough for daily groceries or a baby stroller. The 60:40 split-folding rear seats provide flexibility for carrying longer items.

As for performance, the 1.2L naturally aspirated engine delivers a maximum power of 84PS and a peak torque of 122Nm, paired with a 4-speed automatic transmission. In actual driving, the start isn't aggressive, but the throttle response is linear, making city driving and starting smooth without noticeable jerks. Switching to Sport mode makes the throttle more responsive, and the transmission shifts down promptly during acceleration. While there's no strong sense of push-back, it's adequate for urban driving. On the highway at 100km/h, the engine runs at around 2800 rpm, and noise levels are well managed, avoiding any unpleasant loudness. The suspension setup includes a front MacPherson independent suspension and a rear torsion beam non-independent suspension, tuned for comfort. It filters vibrations well over speed bumps or small potholes without being too bumpy; body roll is better controlled than expected during cornering, and the steering is precise with no obvious slack, making it easy to drive and park. As for fuel consumption, city commuting is around 7.2L/100km, while highways consume about 5.5L/100km, with an overall average close to the official 5.8L/100km figure, reflecting good fuel efficiency.

The safety configuration is a bonus feature of this car, with 6 standard airbags (front dual airbags, side airbags, front and rear curtain airbags), as well as an ESC stability control system, forward collision warning, and active braking. Within this segment, it's rare to see such comprehensive active safety features, making it more practical compared to competitors like the Perodua Myvi or Toyota Agya. Driving comfort is also noteworthy, with seats that are moderately firm and soft, ensuring comfort over long periods; tire noise and wind noise are well-controlled at high speeds, and during daily city driving, you hardly notice significant noise.

Overall, the 2019 Picanto 1.2 GT-Line AT’s core strength lies in its "balance": there are no particularly prominent weaknesses, the configuration and safety features are comprehensive, and its RM59,888 price point places it in the upper-middle range within the A-segment. Compared to similar models, its safety and practical configurations stand out as a clear advantage. It clearly suits a specific audience: families with a budget around RM60,000 who prioritize safety, practicality, and daily commuting comfort, or young graduates looking for a reliable vehicle for commuting, grocery shopping, and general city transportation.

In summary, the Picanto 1.2 GT-Line AT is a "practical" small car. It doesn't feature flashy designs but provides users with all the necessary configurations and safety features for daily use. It drives smoothly, is easy to park, and fuel-efficient. If you’re looking for a reliable, safe, and adequately equipped city commuter car, it is worth adding to your list.