Verdict
With the same 1,248 cc petrol capacity and 35-litre tank, this is not a wholesale mechanical change. The TA costs RM52,912, RM5,833 more than the RM47,079 JA, yet asks you to shift its five-speed manual. Its 86 hp, 292-litre boot and five doors suit the buyer who values carrying ability. The JA’s four-speed automatic, 7.0-inch touchscreen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, plus reverse camera make more sense in Malaysian traffic, although it loses 3 hp and 37 litres of luggage room.
Pick the Kia Picanto TA if you want the larger 292-litre boot, five doors and a five-speed manual with 86 hp.
Pick the Kia Picanto JA if an automatic gearbox, smartphone connectivity and a reversing camera matter more than boot space.
Key differences
- Price: Kia Picanto TA RM52,912; Kia Picanto JA RM47,079.
- Power and torque: TA 86 hp and 120 Nm; JA 83 hp and 122 Nm.
- Transmission: TA five-speed manual; JA four-speed conventional automatic.
- Wheelbase and luggage capacity: TA 2,385 mm and 292 litres; JA 2,400 mm and 255 litres.
- Tyres and doors: TA 165/60R14 and five doors; JA 175/65R14 and four doors.
- EuroNCAP rating: TA four stars with six airbags and stability control; JA three stars.
TA
- 86 hp, 3 hp more than the JA
- 292-litre boot, 37 litres larger
- Five doors and four rear parking sensors
- Five-speed manual rather than the JA’s four-speed automatic
- No reversing camera or Bluetooth-enabled touchscreen
- Smaller 165/60R14 tyres than the JA’s 175/65R14 set
JA
- Four-speed conventional automatic
- 7.0-inch touchscreen with Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto
- Reversing camera, front fog lamps and steering-wheel audio controls
- 83 hp, against the TA’s 86 hp
- 255-litre boot is 37 litres smaller than the TA’s
- 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 |
| 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 |
| Ownership | ||
| Road tax / year | RM70 | RM70 |
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 cars for sale
TA vs JA FAQ
Is the Kia Picanto TA or Kia Picanto JA better?
For most urban Malaysian buyers, the Kia Picanto JA is the better choice because it has an automatic, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto and a reversing camera. Choose the TA instead if its 292-litre boot, five doors and higher EuroNCAP score matter more.
What is the price difference?
The Kia Picanto TA is RM5,833 more expensive than the Kia Picanto JA. The extra outlay brings a five-speed manual, 3 hp more, a 292-litre boot and five doors, but not the JA’s automatic gearbox or touchscreen connectivity.
Which Picanto has more luggage space?
The Kia Picanto TA has the larger boot at 292 litres. The Kia Picanto JA has 255 litres, so the TA provides 37 litres more luggage capacity.