Verdict
The RM5,833 gap buys the Kia Picanto TA a five-speed manual, 86 hp and a 292-litre boot, against the Kia Picanto JA’s four-speed automatic, 83 hp and 255 litres. The TA also carries a four-star EuroNCAP result with six airbags and stability control, versus the JA’s three stars. But the JA is the easier Malaysian daily driver: it has 122 Nm, a 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, reverse camera and keyless push-button start. Choose the TA for its extra luggage room and manual control; choose the JA for convenience and lower entry cost.
Pick the Kia Picanto TA if you want the five-speed manual, 292-litre boot and stronger published EuroNCAP result.
Pick the Kia Picanto JA if you want a four-speed automatic, smartphone connectivity, reverse camera and RM5,833 lower purchase price.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Picanto TA RM52,912; Kia Picanto JA RM47,079.
- Transmission: TA five-speed manual; JA four-speed conventional automatic.
- Output: TA 86 hp and 120 Nm; JA 83 hp and 122 Nm.
- Boot space: TA 292 litres; JA 255 litres.
- Wheelbase: TA 2,385 mm; JA 2,400 mm.
- Audio and camera: TA CD/MP3/AUX/USB radio with four speakers and no reverse camera; JA 7.
TA
- Five-speed manual with 86 hp.
- 292-litre boot, 37 litres larger.
- Four-star EuroNCAP rating with six airbags and stability control.
- No automatic transmission.
- No Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, Bluetooth or reverse camera.
- RM5,833 more expensive.
JA
- Four-speed automatic and 122 Nm.
- 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
- Reverse camera, front foglamps and keyless push-button start.
- 255-litre boot is 37 litres smaller.
- 83 hp trails the TA by 3 hp.
- Three-star EuroNCAP rating versus the TA’s four stars.
| Price & overview | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | RM52,912 | RM47,079✓ |
| Body type | Hatchback | Hatchback |
| Segment | A-Segment | A-Segment |
| Assembly | CKD | CKD |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70 | RM70 |
| Powertrain | ||
| Engine Tech | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Variable Valve Timing | 16-Valve DOHC, Naturally Aspirated with Dual Variable Valve Timing |
| Capacity | 1,248 cc | 1,248 cc |
| Horsepower | 86 hp✓ | 83 hp |
| Torque | 120 Nm | 122 Nm✓ |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Bore | 71 mm | 71 mm |
| Compression Ratio | 10.3 | 10.5 |
| Drivetrain | ||
| Transmission | Manual | Conventional Automatic |
| Transmission Name | 5-Speed Manual | 4-Speed Automatic |
| Gears | 5 | 4 |
| Transmission Manufacturer | Hyundai | Hyundai |
| Driveline | Front Wheel Drive | Front Wheel Drive |
| Performance & Efficiency | ||
| Rated Economy | —✓ | 5.8 L/100 km |
| Co2 | —✓ | 134 g/km |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 3,595 mm | 3,595 mm |
| Width | 1,595 mm | 1,595 mm |
| Height | 1,490 mm | 1,485 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2,385 mm | 2,400 mm |
| Weight | — | 983 kg |
| Fuel Tank | 35 litres | 35 litres |
| Doors | 5 | 4 |
| Seats | 5 | 5 |
| Boot Space | 292 litres✓ | 255 litres |
| Front Tyre | 165/60R14 | 175/65R14 |
| Rear Tyre | 165/60R14 | 175/65R14 |
| Spare Tyre | Space Saver | Space Saver |
| Factory Tyres | — | Nexen N'blue HD Plus |
| Chassis | ||
| Assembly | Malaysia (CKD) | Malaysia (CKD) |
| Front Suspension | MacPherson Strut | MacPherson Strut |
| Rear Suspension | Torsion Beam | Torsion Beam |
| Front Wheels | 14" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Rear Wheels | 14" Alloy | 14" Alloy |
| Steering | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) | Rack and Pinion (Electric Power Steering) |
| Crash Safety Ratings | ||
| EuroNCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control✓ | 3 stars |
| ANCAP | 5 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control✓ | 4 stars — With AEB |
| ASEAN NCAP | 4 stars — With 6 airbags and stability control | — |
| 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 |
| ISOFIX | Available for two outer rear passenger seats | Available for two outer rear passenger seats |
| Lane-keeping Assist | — | No |
| Seatbelt Reminder | — | Available for all seats |
| Lighting | ||
| Headlamps | Halogen projector | Halogen projector |
| Taillamps | LED Combination | LED Combination |
| LED Daytime Running Lights | ✓ | ✓ |
| Front Foglamps | — | ✓ |
| Rear Foglamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Wing Mirror Turn Indicators | ✓ | ✓ |
| Cabin | ||
| Front Seats | Manual Adjustment | Manual Adjustment |
| Rear Seats | 60:40 Split-folding, tip-up cushion | 60:40 Split-Folding |
| Front Air-con | Manual | Manual Single-Zone |
| Power Sockets | 1 front | 2 Front |
| Interior Lighting | Room lamp | Room lamp |
| Cup Holders | 2 front, 1 rear | 2 Front, 1 Rear |
| Audio | Radio with CD, MP3, AUX and USB with 4 speakers | 7.0-inch Touchscreen Radio with CD, MP3, AUX, USB, Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, 6 speakers |
| Convenience | ||
| Power Windows | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch | Four Windows, Driver's Side Auto Up and Down with Anti-Pinch |
| Engine Start | Manual Key | Keyless Push Button |
| Locks | Remote Control Activation | Keyless Operation |
| Auto Headlamps | ✓ | ✓ |
| Steering Audio Control | — | ✓ |
| Steering Tilt | ✓ | ✓ |
| Boot Operation | — | Remote Control Activation |
| Parking Sensor Rear | 4 Sensors | 3 Sensors |
| Reverse Camera | — | Yes |
| Folding Wing Mirrors | ✓ | ✓ |
| Bluetooth | — | ✓ |
| Hill Start Assist | ✓ | ✓ |
| Instrument Cluster | — | Electroluminescent Analogue |
| Parking Brake | — | Handbrake |
| Warranty | ||
| Warranty Mileage Manufacturer | Unlimited | Unlimited |
| Warranty Manufacturer | 5 years | 5 years |
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.
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TA vs JA FAQ
Is the Kia Picanto TA or Kia Picanto JA better?
The Kia Picanto JA is better for automatic-driving convenience and equipment, with a reverse camera, keyless start and smartphone connectivity. The Kia Picanto TA is better if you value a manual gearbox, a 292-litre boot and its stronger four-star EuroNCAP result.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Picanto TA costs RM52,912 and the Kia Picanto JA costs RM47,079, so the TA is RM5,833 more expensive.
Which Picanto has the bigger boot?
The Kia Picanto TA has the bigger boot at 292 litres. The Kia Picanto JA has 255 litres, leaving the TA with a 37-litre advantage.