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2024 Kia Picanto revealed, 1.0 turbo GT dropped in Australia

When it comes to fun-loving city cars, the Kia Picanto is one of our favourites. And there’s an update coming for 2024 which will unfortunately drop the 1.0-litre turbo option.

The 2024 Picanto stands out with a fresh exterior design, showcasing Kia’s ‘Opposites United’ philosophy with a new light signature, revised ‘tiger nose’ front grille, and updated bumpers. LED headlights are available as an option.

Specifications are yet to be confirmed for the Australian lineup, but, the local arm says the “GT 1.0 litre turbo will be discontinued”. This is a big shame as it is such a fun and eager little package, with sporty GT styling to match. A GT Line variant will continue.

Overseas, the 2024 Picanto lineup will comprise of a 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol. We love that Kia says the 1.2 is for buyers who want more power, especially at “high speeds or uphill”. Either way, Kia says the engines are naturally aspirated and offer improved exhaust gas recirculation lines and optimised intake valve timing.

These will be available with either a five-speed manual or automated-manual automatic, in terms of global offerings. It hasn’t been confirmed if the manual will continue in Australia but we certainly hope so.

For the interior Kia has applied an updated 8.0-inch touch-screen infotainment system in a floating design, and for the driver there’s a digital display in the gauge binnacle. Android Auto and Apple CarPlay are included, with Kia Connect providing live communication from car-to-user.

Safety is improved thanks to Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) suite, packaging in Forward Collision Avoidance 1.5, as well as blind-spot collision avoidance, lane-keep assist, driver monitoring, and speed limit assist, among others.

The petite body has been made stronger, too, with extra hot stamping for the front sub-frame and B-pillar, providing added stiffness and helping to divert crash energies along the ideal path.

Kia Australia says the new model will launch locally during the fourth quarter of this year.

Maverick

I like to think that I'm a car fanatic, but more of a driving fanatic. There's nothing better than getting out onto the open road, almost regardless of the car, and enjoying dancing with the controls and gathering up the moving scenery. If I'm not driving I'm either at the gym or sinking a few beers with friends.
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