Not very long until the launch of the new Kia Picanto, it seems – distributor Naza Kia has opened a new teaser website for the car, and while it doesn’t specifically mention the name of the “compact” model, the sole image of the headlight confirms that we’re talking about the next-generation A-segment hatch.
Preliminary specifications of the new JA model have also been listed, and these include safety equipment such as six airbags, ABS, stability control and hill-start assist. That’s no surprise, given that the outgoing TA model already had these items as standard.
Also included are projector headlights with LED daytime running lights, LED tail lights and keyless entry, again all fitted to its predecessor. What is new is the seven-inch infotainment touchscreen, with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.
Although there were no mention of the powertrain on offer, expect the Picanto to soldier on with the same 1.25 litre four-cylinder as before – making 87 PS at 6,000 rpm and 122 Nm of torque at 4,000 rpm – mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. A five-speed manual was briefly offered on the previous model, but the low take-up rate means that it’s unlikely to make a return here.
During the preview of the new Picanto last month, Naza Kia announced that the car will be launched in the first quarter of next year, with sales advisors present hinting of a sub-RM60,000 price tag. That would be more or less identical to the previous model, which retailed at RM61,888 on-the-road with insurance. You can register your interest on the site here.
GALLERY: 2018 Kia Picanto previewed in Malaysia
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No LED headlamp
No AEB
No built-in smart tag
Meh, Myvi > all
Built-in Smart tag FTW!!!
The old Picanto started the trend of 6 airbags and VSC for a cheap car.
We must thank Picanto for pushing ALL car companies in Malaysia to giving us VSC and 6 airbags.
Some sad people say Iriz was the trendsetter. Well, Iriz followed Picanto.
Got ur history wrong there bub.
Picanto started with only 2 airbags first. Then BAM! came Iriz with 6 airbags. And it changed the segment forever. Iriz wasnt just a trendsetter, it was trully a game changer.
Nope, this gen Picanto was the trendsetter for 6 airbags + ESC for budget segment.
https://paultan.org/2013/10/31/kia-picanto-malaysia-price-confirmed/
Nope. The price wasnt exactly affordable for this segment. At that prices, u can alredi get a Preve with 6 airbags & ESC. Iriz was the game changer.
From pic back seat is so small…myvi > kia
Off course la… picanto is a-segment… direct competitor should be Axia rather than Myvi what…
If U have to compare back seat, U should compare it with Axia. However, the Myvi win on most counts hands down.
There are some who will still buy the Picanto due to its cuteness though. That is something Myvi don’t have. Cheers…
Myvi & picanto are different segment. Picanto A segment car should compared to axia and myvi B segment car should compared to Rio. But myvi are included apple carplay & android auto and LED DRL (not LED headlights)?
This car won’t be cheap, for the same money, consumers will think they can get Myvi. Bigger and cheaper maintenance, why not?
Myvi can at least mirror link, and between LED DRL and headlamp, LED headlamp benefits driver more.
If want “DRL” with myvi, just turn on small light, voila become DRL edi, even if just halogen bulb.
As a Picanto owner, I can safely say the Myvi’s size difference with the Picanto is not that significant to be honest.
But in terms of perceived quality, the Picanto wins hands down. Even though the interior’s fully plastic, it’s not those scratchy plastic you’d find in a Myvi.
Picanto is nicer, just sadly many won’t appreciate it.
Few years ago, when i test drove, i really liked it. It’s noticably refined and quieter than axia/myvi. It’s these aspects that can’t be shown on specs sheet makes it easier to be shunned.
Plus, Naza has reaaaally terrible after sales reputation. That alone puts Kia off the list for many.
You compare current picanto and myvi of course. Try comparing it with the current myvi, no car can win its rear leg space in B segment except maybe jazz and city
Naza horrible after sales? Never experienced it.
I dont see a point for them to offer high class specs when they can only offer low class after sale service. Definitely i wont touch this korean brand again. Had very bad experience with my 2015 picanto. Service personnel in setapak were clueless and no updates were given. Not forgetting the resale value. :(
You do know that there are plenty of Kia SC that you can go to, right? If Setapak SC not so good why don’t you go to another SC like the PJ Red Cube?
I’m a member of a Kia Picanto Owner’s Club, and 9 out of 10 members are incredibly happy with their Picanto.
Wow. Didn’t know such low-powered cars are still bring built.
Small cars r city cars, not like how pipu uses them here.
Many new models are coming soon by different brands.
What is Nissan TC doing??????????? There are many new nice looking Nissan models but none can be seen in Malaysia.
What happened to Altima? Maxima? New Sentra? Note???
Wake up and stop sleeping TC!
Basher says TC sleeping means gud job wor…
No manual transmission? Very bad! At least then must have paddle shifters….
4speed paddle shifters? Haha… Why…? Just chuck to L and vroom then D.
I dont care european design or whatever, but the best compact vehicle nowdays must have ‘teh tarik hook’
For people who feel ashamed driving local cars, myvi especially. However if they bring in the 1.0 Turbo engine I might consider this over the myvi
vote up for picanto
vote down for myvi
Myvi > This. Who advertises chrome door handle and projector headlamps anyways. Might as well say it comes with 4 biji tayar goodyear
What? Only 87ps and 4 speeder? Gravely underpowered.
myvi 1.3M is way better & cheaper…I was interested to buy a MT Picanto previously but turned down by its specs.
Fuh sedar2 picanto dah kluar pasaran. Kalau dapat warna kuning punya ni, lain daripada yang lain daripada kereta yg lain spec luar biasa
Design cantik then dengar kata touchscreen function siap boleh connect dengan smartphone utk guna basic function mcm navigation, call and messaging? Memang best ni