Kia Picanto GT-Line previewed in Malaysia, launching soon?



The third-generation Kia Picanto was first presented to the world at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show early this year and now it has made a public appearance on our local shores at the 2017 Malaysia Autoshow.

Naza Kia Malaysia (NKM) chose to display the much more aggressive Picanto GT-Line to the Malaysian public. The GT-Line adds on a unique body kit, rear diffuser, dual exhaust outlets and larger 16-inch dual-tone alloys. It also gets the new headlamp design with U-shaped LED daytime running lights.

Compared to the outgoing model, the new Picanto has grown 15 mm in wheelbase to 2,400 mm and sit 5 mm lower at 1,485 mm while the length and width remain at 3,595 mm and 1,595 mm respectively. Kia claims that the new hatchback offers better headroom, shoulder room and legroom. Boot space has swelled to 255 litres, 55 litres more than before.

Like the Stinger GT AWD on display, the interior of the Picanto GT-Line is completely sealed from prying eyes, presumably due to finalisation of specification. If international models are of any indication, the Picanto can be equipped with a plethora of luxury features such as centre floating infotainment system with Apple CarPlay, three-spoke multifunctional steering wheel, reverse camera, leather upholstery and even a sunroof! We will have to wait for the official launch to confirm the specification.

In other markets, the Picanto is offered with an all-new 1.0-litre Kappa Eco-prime three-cylinder petrol engine which produces 75 hp and 95 Nm of torque as well as a 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder T-GDI engine that outputs 99 hp and 172 Nm of torque (on X-Line only).

Safety is the new-generation Picanto’s strongest suit – seven airbags, hill start assist, tyre pressure monitoring system, Vehicle Stability Management with Torque Vectoring Brake Based (TVBB), Straight Line Stability (SLS) (helps the car stay in a straight line under heavy braking), Forward Collision Warning System (FCWS) and Emergency Brake Assist System (AEB). NKM, if you are reading this, please let us have them all!

Previously, the second-generation Picanto sold through NKM carried a price tag of below RM60k, however with all these features in place, expect the new car to carry a hefty premium. Stay tuned for more updates on the all-new Picanto!


IMAGE GALLERY