Verdict
The RM12,721 gap takes you from the 83 hp, 1.25-litre Kia Picanto to a larger electric hatchback with a 77 hp/130 Nm rear motor, 30.12 kWh battery and 225 km claimed range. The Proton eMas 5 is 540 mm longer, has a 250 mm longer wheelbase and a 375-litre boot, so it is the more practical five-seater. It also adds blind-spot information, rear air vents and 53 kW DC charging. The Picanto remains the simpler city choice: 540 mm shorter, 247 kg lighter and RM12,721 cheaper upfront.
Pick the Kia Picanto if RM47,079 pricing, a compact 3,595 mm body and petrol refuelling suit your daily routine better than EV charging.
Pick the Proton eMas 5 if you want the bigger 375-litre boot, 225 km electric range, rear-wheel drive and extra driver-assistance equipment.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Picanto RM47,079; Proton eMas 5 RM59,800.
- Powertrain: Picanto 83 hp/122 Nm 1,248 cc petrol engine; eMas 5 77 hp/130 Nm electric motor.
- Length and wheelbase: Picanto 3,595 mm and 2,400 mm; eMas 5 4,135 mm and 2,650 mm.
- Boot space: Picanto 255 litres; eMas 5 375 litres.
- Weight: Picanto 983 kg; eMas 5 1,230 kg.
- Rear suspension: Picanto torsion beam; eMas 5 multi-link.
Picanto
- RM12,721 cheaper to buy.
- 540 mm shorter and 247 kg lighter.
- Gets 14-inch alloy wheels, front foglamps and automatic headlamps.
- 255-litre boot trails the eMas 5's 375 litres.
- No blind-spot information system; the eMas 5 has one.
- Its 4-speed automatic has fewer ratios than the eMas 5's single-speed EV drive, and it lacks the EV's 225 km electric range.
eMas 5
- 375-litre boot and 2,650 mm wheelbase.
- 30.12 kWh battery, 225 km range, 6.6 kW AC and 53 kW DC charging.
- Gets blind-spot information, rear air vents, navigation and a 14.6-inch touchscreen.
- RM12,721 dearer than the Picanto.
- 247 kg heavier and 540 mm longer.
- Uses 15-inch steel wheels, where the Picanto gets 14-inch alloys.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM47,079✓ | RM59,800 |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | A-Segment | B-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70 | RM30✓ |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing | 400V architecture |
| Capacity | 1,248 cc | — |
| Horsepower | 83 hp | — |
| Torque | 122 Nm | — |
| Fuel | Petrol | Electric |
| Bore | 71 mm | — |
| Compression Ratio | 10.5 | — |
| Number of Motors | — | 1 |
| Motor Horsepower | — | 77 hp✓ |
| Motor Torque | — | 130 Nm✓ |
| Battery Capacity | — | 30.12 kWh |
| EV Range | — | 225 km✓ |
| Charging Rate (AC) | — | 6.6 kW |
| Charging Rate (DC) | — | 53 kW |
| V2L | — | 3.3 kW |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Conventional Automatic | Single Ratio Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 4-Speed Automatic | — |
| Gears | 4 | — |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | — |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Rear Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | 5.8 L/100 km | — |
| Top Speed | — | 125 km/h✓ |
| Co2 | 134 g/km | — |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,595 mm | 4,135 mm |
| Width | 1,595 mm | 1,805 mm |
| Height | 1,485 mm | 1,580 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,400 mm | 2,650 mm |
| Weight | 983 kg | 1,230 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 35 litres | — |
| Doors | 4 | 5 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 255 litres | 375 litres✓ |
| Front Tyre | 175/65R14 | 205/65R15 |
| Rear Tyre | 175/65R14 | 205/65R15 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | — |
| Factory Tyres | Nexen N'blue HD Plus | Linglong Comfort Master |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Multi-link |
| Front Wheels | 14" Alloy | 15" Steel |
| Rear Wheels | 14" Alloy | 15" Steel |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 3 stars | — |
| ANCAP | 4 stars — With AEB | — |
| Safety | ||
| Airbags | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain | Driver and Passenger, Front Side, Front and Rear Curtain |
| ABS/EBD | ✓ | ✓ |
| Stability Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Alarm | ✓ | ✓ |
| Immobilizer | ✓ | ✓ |
| Airbag Disable Function | ✓ | — |
| Child Safety Lock | Manual For Rear Doors | Manual for Rear Doors |
| Seat Belts | 5 Three-point | 5 Three-point |
| Blind Spot Info System | — | ✓ |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available on 2 Outer Rear Seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | No | Warning Only |
| Seatbelt Reminder | Available for all seats | Front Seats Only |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen projector | Halogen Projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | Full LED |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | ✓ | — |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustable |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-Folding | 60:40 Split-folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual Single-Zone | Manual Air-con |
| Rear Air-con | — | Rear AC Vents |
| Power Sockets | 2 Front | 2 USB Front, 1 USB Rear |
| Interior Lighting | Room lamp | Map Lights |
| Cup Holders | 2 Front, 1 Rear | 2 Front |
| Audio | 7.0-inch Touchscreen Radio with CD, MP3, AUX, USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 speakers | 14.6" Touchscreen with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto, 6-speaker Sound System |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Keyless Push Button | Keyless Entry (Depress Brake Pedal) |
| Locks | Keyless Operation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | — |
| Steering Audio Control | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | Remote Control Activation | Manual Operation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 3 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | Yes | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | — |
| Bluetooth | ✓ | ✓ |
| Navigation | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | Electroluminescent Analogue | Full LCD Monitor |
| Parking Brake | Handbrake | Electronic |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 6 years✓ |
| Warranty Notes | — | 8-Year/160,000 km BEV and Components Warranty, 8-year/160,000 km Battery Warranty |
Specs shown for the selected variant of each car. ✓ marks the better figure where lower/higher is objectively better. Road tax: West Malaysia, private registration.
Used Picanto & eMas 5 for sale
Picanto vs eMas 5 FAQ
Is the Kia Picanto or Proton eMas 5 better?
The Proton eMas 5 is better for cabin and luggage space, EV driving and equipment, with a 375-litre boot, 225 km range and blind-spot information. The Kia Picanto is the better low-entry-cost choice at RM47,079.
What is the price difference?
The Proton eMas 5 costs RM12,721 more than the Kia Picanto: RM59,800 against RM47,079.
Which car is easier to park in town?
The Kia Picanto is easier to place in tight spaces. At 3,595 mm long and 1,595 mm wide, it is 540 mm shorter and 210 mm narrower than the 4,135 mm by 1,805 mm Proton eMas 5.