Review - 2023 Kia Picanto GT-Line

In its latest year, Kia is throwing more equipment into the Picanto than ever before, which begs the question of just how well the higher-spec Picanto GT-Line performs.

Let’s take a look at the more premium Picanto GT Line and see how it stacks up as a value proposition compared to the entry-level Picanto, and its rivals.

Starting Price: $17,440

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Kia Picanto - GT-LINE (PE) Specifications

For more details and other variants, check Kia Picanto GT-Line car page.

How Much Does It Cost?

The Kia Picanto GT-Line with a manual transmission is priced at $17,440, while opting for the GT-Line automatic brings the price to $19,040.

As a reference, the entry-level Picanto S manual is priced at $15,990, while the range-topping Picanto GT manual is priced at $20,490.

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What Features Does the Kia Picanto GT-Line Have?

The Kia Picanto GT-Line picks up a set of 16-inch alloys, a set of LED daytime running lamps, premium seats with red contrasts, a faux leather steering wheel, alloy sports pedals, electric-folding mirrors, and a GT-Line styling package that adds a set of dual exhaust tips and other exterior upgrades.

This is in addition to features like cruise control, a rear-view camera with parking sensors and an 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto that you’ll find in the standard Picanto.

Range Features:

• 16-inch alloys

• LED daytime running lamps

• Premium seats

• Alloy sports pedals

• Leatherette steering wheel

• GT-Line styling package

• Electric-folding mirrors

• Cruise control

• Rear-view camera with rear parking sensors

• 8.0-inch infotainment system with wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto

Kia Picanto GT-Line Colours

The Kia Picanto GT-Line is available in a choice of three colours, including Signal Red, Aurora Black Pearl and Astro Grey.

Is it Comfortable to Drive?

Designed with the city in mind, the Picanto GT-Line is a relatively comfortable and super user-friendly package that makes navigating the urban jungle a simple task.

The GT-Line comes powered by the same 1.25-litre four-cylinder engine you’ll find int he entry-level Picanto S, which sends 62kW of power and 122Nm of torque to the front wheels via your choice of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic.

While it doesn’t have a heap of power at its disposal, the Picanto’s stout proportions and lightweight construction mean it doesn’t have much of a problem picking up speed - although it does require some pushing in certain situations.

It’s important to note that Kia packages the range-topping Picanto GT with a more powerful 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder that produces 74kW of power and 172Nm of torque which makes it the pick of the engine bunch.

On the road, the GT-Line feels eager to move and has a heap of personality, with the front end happy to dart through traffic while offering enough stability for some spirited driving.

The suspension package is more suited to smooth city and town streets, although the ride quality isn’t terrible when pushed on a country road, adding to the versatility of the Picanto’s package.

Most importantly, though, the Picanto’s steering is exceptionally lightweight which makes it easy to park and navigate some low-speed maneuvers in a crowded car pack, and makes for a great user-friendly package while learning to drive or simply commuting with ease.

Is it Practical and Spacious?

Don’t be fooled by the Picanto’s petite proportions, it is, in fact, a surprisingly practical package for a micro-sized passenger car.

Up front, the driver and front passenger have a heap of space thanks to the Picanto’s clever interior design that offers a decent view out of the windscreen and a healthy amount of headroom that doesn’t make the cabin feel cramped.

Kia has also designed some clever storage areas to maximise space and practicality inside the Picanto, with a two-tiered storage area behind the gear lever for smartphones and loose items, a pair of cupholders, another storage area beside the handbrake and a pair of door bins on either side of the cabin.

Move to the rear and there is in fact enough space in the second row to accommodate a full-sized adult, although legroom will prove cramped for taller passengers, while headroom is tight but not problematic.

The second row of the cabin gains a pair of ISOFIX anchors with top tether mounts for child seats, while there’s a compact boot that accommodates 255L of cargo, expanding to 1010L with the second row folded.

Is it Safe?

The Kia Picanto range has been awarded a four-star ANCAP safety rating, scoring 87% for adult protection, 64% for child protection, 54% for pedestrian protection and 47% for its safety assist technologies.

As standard, the Picanto range gains autonomous emergency braking with forward-collision alerts, a rear-view camera with parking sensors and six airbags.

Is it Fuel Efficient?

Kia’s 1.25-litre four-cylinder engine returns impressive fuel economy figures, with an official rating standing at 5.0L/100km for the manual variant, which rises to 5.8L/100km on a combined cycle for the Picanto GT-Line automatic.

Stepping up to Kia’s more powerful 1.0-litre turbocharged three-cylinder in the Picanto GT offers fuel economy figures of 5.2L/100km on a combined cycle.

Our Verdict: Is the Kia Picanto GT-Line Worth it?

The Kia Picanto hits all the important parts of its design brief, offering an affordable, user-friendly and surprisingly charming package that is perfect for young drivers and those looking for a cheap and cheerful hatchback to commute in.

The GT-Line is a very welcomed addition to the Picanto lineup, offering a heap of more premium features over the entry-level Picanto that make it feel like a far more sophisticated package at a very reasonable price.

As a result, we can’t help but recommend that you add the Picanto to your shortlist if you’re in the market for an affordable hatch package. On that note, if you’re in the market for a new car, you can get a free quote and see how much OnlineAuto can save you on your next car, or call us on 1300 719 925

Five Specs You Need to Know

1. Seven-year, unlimited KM warranty

2. Four-star ANCAP safety rating

3. Fuel economy between 5.0 (manual) - 5.8L/100km (automatic)

4. 255L boot space

5. Seven years of capped-priced servicing

Pros

• Charming little hatchback package

• Practical front cabin

• Outstanding warranty and ownership package

• Wireless Apple CarPlay & Android Auto connectivity

Cons

• Four-star ANCAP safety rating

• Cramped second row for tall adults

OnlineAuto Rating: 8/10

Kia Picanto GT-Line Competition