Kia Picanto Review

In the Malaysian A-Segment small car market, fuel-efficient and durable models with adequate features have always been the top choice for commuters and small families. As a popular contender in this segment, the 2024 Kia Picanto public continues the family's consistent high-cost performance advantage, while also optimizing its configuration details. In this test drive, we focused on its daily practicality and driving performance to see if it can still maintain its position as the "value-for-money king" in its class.

In terms of exterior design, the 2024 Picanto public maintains a compact and nimble body proportion with dimensions of 3595mm in length, 1595mm in width, and 1485mm in height, making it highly maneuverable and easy to park in the city. The front features Kia's iconic tiger-nose grille complemented by sharp headlights. Daytime running lights come as standard, offering good recognizability when illuminated. The side profile features simple lines, and the 14-inch tires (same specifications as the 2019 EX model) have a conventional design. The tail lights echo the front design, and a rear fog light is standard. Overall, the design avoids excessive flashy elements and leans towards a practical and timeless style.

Stepping inside, the interior features a predominantly black color scheme with a clear and straightforward center console layout. The standard touchscreen infotainment system operates smoothly. Although the screen size is not explicitly noted, it suffices for daily navigation and connecting to mobile Bluetooth. The steering wheel has a multifunctional design, allowing for volume and call control. The instrument cluster features an electronically-lit analog display with clear information visibility. In terms of materials, the upper dashboard is made of hard plastic, but the seam finish is tidy and in line with the price point. The seats are manually adjustable; the front seats offer average wrapping but adequate support, and the rear seats support a 60:40 split-fold. When folded, the trunk capacity can expand from 255L, making it easy to store larger items. As for space, the 2600mm wheelbase (unchanged from the old model) allows a 175cm front-seat passenger to have a fist's worth of headroom, and a similarly tall rear-seat passenger will have two fingers of legroom and a fist of headroom, making it fine for short trips but slightly tight for long journeys. In terms of storage, the door panels can hold two bottles of water, the central armrest box and glove compartment provide adequate space, and the front row comes with a standard 220V/230V power outlet, convenient for charging devices.

For performance, the 2024 Picanto public is equipped with a 1.2L naturally aspirated engine, delivering a maximum power of 84PS (6000rpm) and a maximum torque of 122Nm (4000rpm), paired with an automatic transmission. At startup, the power response is not particularly swift, but it is sufficient for urban commuting. A light press on the accelerator enables a smooth start. Acceleration between 30-60km/h is relatively linear. Overtaking requires a deeper press of the accelerator, with the transmission showing slight lag when downshifting, though the overall smoothness is commendable. The driving mode is limited to a normal mode, without sport or eco modes, making it suited for users prioritizing steady driving.

Regarding handling, the steering wheel is light, making city driving very easy. The steering precision ranks above average for its class. The chassis features a front MacPherson independent suspension (based on the 2019 GT-Line specifications), while the rear suspension employs a torsion-beam non-independent setup. It handles common city speed bumps and minor bumps well, with no significant body bounce. However, for larger potholes, rear passengers may feel some vibrations. The vehicle remains stable at high speeds without feeling floaty, and body roll is kept within reasonable limits when cornering, making it suitable for everyday commuting.

In terms of fuel consumption, the official combined fuel consumption is 5.8L/100km (the same as the old model). During the actual test drive in urban conditions (half congested, half smooth), the fuel consumption was around 6.2L/100km; on highways (at speeds of 90-110km/h), the fuel consumption was about 5.5L/100km. The performance is decent. A full 35L fuel tank can achieve a range of approximately 600km, which is sufficient. As for braking performance, the brake pedal travel is moderate, with gentle braking force in the early stages and linear response in the latter stages. During emergency braking, the vehicle remains stable without significant nosedive.

In terms of ride comfort, the sound insulation is relatively good compared to others in the same class, with wind and tire noise at speeds below 60km/h being not noticeable. At higher speeds, tire noise slightly increases but does not affect normal conversation. The seat comfort is average, and prolonged sitting may cause some lumbar soreness. The rear air conditioning vents are standard, catering to the needs of rear passengers.

Safety features are a highlight of the 2024 Kia Picanto public, with six airbags as standard (front dual airbags, side airbags, front/rear curtain airbags), ABS, vehicle stability control, rear parking sensors, reversing camera, and hill-start assist. These features are relatively comprehensive compared to other models in the same class. In particular, its six airbags are an advantage over some competitors that only have two airbags.

Overall, the core advantages of the 2024 Kia Picanto public lie in its high cost-performance ratio, comprehensive safety features, and compact body. Compared to its class competitor, the Perodua Myvi, the Picanto has more airbags and richer features; compared to the Proton Iriz, its fuel consumption is lower, and its maintenance cost is more affordable. This car is suitable for budget-conscious users who value practicality and safety, such as urban commuters, young people who have just started working, or small families. It's very fitting for daily commuting, grocery shopping, or picking up children. If you need a fuel-efficient, easy-to-drive, and well-equipped compact car, the 2024 Kia Picanto public is worth considering.