The Kia Picanto III (facelift, introduced in 2023) 1.0-liter (63 horsepower) Automatic is a front-wheel-drive, five-door hatchback positioned as the entry-level trim within the Picanto range. Production of this specific configuration began in May 2024 and continued through July 2025. This variant caters to buyers seeking an affordable and economical city car, prioritizing ease of use with its automatic transmission. It represents the third generation of the Picanto, a model consistently aimed at providing value in the competitive city car segment, particularly in European and Asian markets. The facelift brought minor cosmetic updates and refinements to the existing platform.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Picanto |
| Generation | Picanto III (facelift 2023) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.0 (63 Hp) Automatic 4 Seat |
| Start of production | May, 2024 |
| End of production | July, 2025 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 4 |
| Doors | 5 |
| Fuel consumption at Low speed (WLTP) | 6.6 l/100 km (35.6 US mpg, 42.8 UK mpg, 15.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at Medium speed (WLTP) | 5.1 l/100 km (46.1 US mpg, 55.4 UK mpg, 19.6 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at high speed (WLTP) | 4.7 l/100 km (50 US mpg, 60.1 UK mpg, 21.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption at very high speed (WLTP) | 6.1 l/100 km (38.6 US mpg, 46.3 UK mpg, 16.4 km/l) |
| Combined fuel consumption (WLTP) | 5.5 l/100 km (42.8 US mpg, 51.4 UK mpg, 18.2 km/l) |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 125 g/km |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 18.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 18.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 17.3 sec |
| Maximum speed | 145 km/h (90.1 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6e |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 14.4 kg/Hp, 69.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 9.8 kg/Nm, 102.3 Nm/tonne |
| Power | 63 Hp @ 5000 rpm |
| Torque | 93 Nm @ 3750 rpm (68.59 lb.-ft. @ 3750 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G3LD |
| Engine displacement | 998 cm3 (60.9 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 3 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 84 mm (3.31 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.1 l (3.28 US qt | 2.73 UK qt) |
| Coolant | 5.2 l (5.49 US qt | 4.58 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 909-1005 kg (2004 – 2215.65 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1320 kg (2910.1 lbs.) |
| Max load | 315-411 kg (694.46 – 906.1 lbs.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – minimum | 255 l (9.01 cu. ft.) |
| Trunk (boot) space – maximum | 1010 l (35.67 cu. ft.) |
| Fuel tank capacity | 35 l (9.25 US gal | 7.7 UK gal) |
| Max. roof load | 60 kg (132.28 lbs.) |
| Length | 3605 mm (141.93 in.) |
| Width | 1595 mm (62.8 in.) |
| Height | 1485 mm (58.46 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2400 mm (94.49 in.) |
| Front track | 1394-1414 mm (54.88 – 55.67 in.) |
| Rear (Back) track | 1402 mm (55.2 in.) |
| Front overhang | 685 mm (26.97 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 520 mm (20.47 in.) |
| Ride height (ground clearance) | 141 mm (5.55 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter) | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears and type of gearbox | 5 gears, automatic transmission |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring, Elastic beam |
| Front brakes | Disc, 256 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 203 mm |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Electric Steering |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 86T; 185/55 R15 86H; 195/45 R16 84V |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 ET45; 6.0J x 15 ET51; 6.5J x 16 ET51 |
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The Picanto 1.0 Automatic utilizes Kia’s G3LD engine, a 998cc inline-three cylinder petrol engine. This engine is a naturally aspirated unit employing multi-point fuel injection. The G3LD engine features a relatively simple valvetrain with four valves per cylinder. The automatic transmission is a conventional four-speed unit, chosen for its cost-effectiveness and suitability for urban driving. While not offering the efficiency of more modern continuously variable transmissions (CVTs), it provides smooth, if not particularly rapid, gear changes. The engine incorporates a Start & Stop System to improve fuel economy in city traffic. A particulate filter was added to meet Euro 6e emission standards.
Driving Characteristics
The 63 horsepower output and four-speed automatic transmission result in leisurely acceleration. The 0-60 mph time of around 17.3 seconds reflects this. The focus is on drivability rather than performance. The automatic transmission is tuned for comfort, with relatively early upshifts to maximize fuel efficiency. Compared to the manual transmission version, the automatic sacrifices some responsiveness, but offers significantly reduced driver effort. Higher-output Picanto variants, such as those with larger engines, provide noticeably quicker acceleration and more confident highway cruising ability. The gear ratios are optimized for low-speed torque, making it suitable for navigating congested urban environments.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.0 Automatic typically came with a base level of equipment, including air conditioning, central locking, electric front windows, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features included ABS, airbags, and stability control. Optional extras included alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and parking sensors. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple, functional dashboard layout. The trim level aimed to provide essential features at an affordable price point.
Chassis & Braking
The Picanto utilizes a McPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. This setup provides a reasonable balance between ride comfort and handling. The front brakes are disc brakes, while the rear brakes are drum brakes – a cost-saving measure common in this segment. The steering is electrically assisted, providing light and easy steering feel. Stabilizer bars are included to reduce body roll during cornering. The suspension is tuned for comfort, prioritizing a smooth ride over sporty handling.
Market Reception & Comparison
The Kia Picanto 1.0 Automatic was generally well-received as an affordable and practical city car. Critics praised its fuel efficiency and ease of driving, but noted its limited performance. Compared to other trims in the Picanto lineup, the 1.0 Automatic offered the lowest price point but also the slowest acceleration. Its fuel economy was comparable to other small city cars, such as the Hyundai i10 and the Fiat 500. Reliability was generally good, with few reported issues with the engine or transmission.
Legacy
The G3LD engine, while not known for its high performance, has proven to be a relatively reliable unit. The four-speed automatic transmission is also generally durable. In the used car market, the Picanto 1.0 Automatic represents a budget-friendly option for those seeking a small, economical car. Maintenance costs are typically low, and parts availability is good. While not a particularly exciting car to drive, it provides a practical and affordable solution for urban transportation. Its simplicity and proven mechanicals contribute to its continued appeal in the used car market.
