The Kia Picanto III (facelift, introduced in July 2020 and continuing through July 2023) represents a mid-cycle refresh of the third-generation Picanto, Kia’s city car offering. The 1.2-liter (84 horsepower) variant, equipped with a four-speed automatic transmission, served as a key entry point into the Picanto range, particularly in markets where demand for automatic transmissions is high. This version aimed to provide affordable and convenient urban transportation, balancing fuel efficiency with ease of use. It was positioned as a step up from the base ‘1’ trim, offering a more refined driving experience without the higher cost of the more powerful ‘GT-Line’ or ‘X-Line’ models.
Technical Specifications
| Brand | Kia |
| Model | Picanto |
| Generation | Picanto III (facelift 2020) |
| Type (Engine) | 1.2 (84 Hp) |
| Start of production | July, 2020 |
| End of production | July, 2023 |
| Powertrain Architecture | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type | Hatchback |
| Seats | 5 |
| Doors | 5 |
| CO2 emissions (WLTP) | 133 g/km |
| Fuel consumption (urban) | 5.8 l/100 km (40.6 US mpg, 48.7 UK mpg, 17.2 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (extra urban) | 4.3 l/100 km (54.7 US mpg, 65.7 UK mpg, 23.3 km/l) |
| Fuel consumption (combined) | 4.8 l/100 km (49 US mpg, 58.9 UK mpg, 20.8 km/l) |
| Fuel Type | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 – 100 km/h | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 62 mph | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 – 60 mph | 11.9 sec |
| Maximum speed | 173 km/h (107.5 mph) |
| Emission standard | Euro 6d-ISC-FCM |
| Weight-to-power ratio | 10.8 kg/Hp |
| Weight-to-torque ratio | 7.6 kg/Nm |
| Power | 84 Hp @ 6000 rpm |
| Torque | 120 Nm @ 4200 rpm (88.51 lb.-ft. @ 4200 rpm) |
| Engine layout | Front, Transverse |
| Engine Model/Code | G4LF |
| Engine displacement | 1197 cm3 (73.05 cu. in.) |
| Number of cylinders | 4 |
| Engine configuration | Inline |
| Cylinder Bore | 71 mm (2.8 in.) |
| Piston Stroke | 75.6 mm (2.98 in.) |
| Compression ratio | 11:1 |
| Number of valves per cylinder | 4 |
| Fuel injection system | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration | Naturally aspirated |
| Engine oil capacity | 3.8 l (4.02 US qt | 3.34 UK qt) |
| Coolant capacity | 5.4 l (5.71 US qt | 4.75 UK qt) |
| Kerb Weight | 908-1019 kg (2001.8 – 2246.51 lbs.) |
| Max. weight | 1415 kg (3119.54 lbs.) |
| Max load | 396-507 kg (873.03 – 1117.74 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) |
| Permitted towbar download | 75 kg (165.35 lbs.) |
| Length | 3595-3670 mm (141.54 – 144.49 in.) |
| Width | 1595-1625 mm (62.8 – 63.98 in.) |
| Width including mirrors | 1880-1910 mm (74.02 – 75.2 in.) |
| Height | 1485-1500 mm (58.46 – 59.06 in.) |
| Wheelbase | 2400 mm (94.49 in.) |
| Front track | 1390-1406 mm (54.72 – 55.35 in.) |
| Rear track | 1402-1415 mm (55.2 – 55.71 in.) |
| Front overhang | 675-710 mm (26.57 – 27.95 in.) |
| Rear overhang | 520-560 mm (20.47 – 22.05 in.) |
| Minimum turning circle | 9.4 m (30.84 ft.) |
| Drivetrain | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 (automatic) |
| Front suspension | Independent, McPherson with coil spring and anti-roll bar |
| Rear suspension | Semi-independent, coil spring |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 256 mm |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 244 mm |
| Tires size | 175/65 R14 86T; 185/55 R15 86H; 195/45 R16 84V |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14; 6J x 15; 6.5J x 16 |
INTRODUCTION
The Kia Picanto III, launched in 2017, represented a significant step forward for Kia’s smallest model. The 2020 facelift brought revised styling, enhanced safety features, and updated technology. The 1.2-liter engine, designated the G4LF, paired with a four-speed automatic transmission, was a popular choice for buyers prioritizing convenience and ease of driving in urban environments. This combination offered a balance between affordability and usability, making it a competitive option in the micro-car segment. The Picanto, in general, aimed to provide a more mature and well-equipped alternative to other city cars, focusing on value for money and a surprisingly spacious interior for its diminutive size.
Powertrain & Engine Architecture
The heart of this Picanto variant is the 1.2-liter (1197cc) naturally aspirated inline-four cylinder engine, internally known as the G4LF. This engine utilizes a multi-point fuel injection system, delivering fuel directly into the intake ports. The engine features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC) operating four valves per cylinder. The four-speed automatic transmission is a conventional torque converter type, prioritizing smooth shifts over outright performance. While not the most modern transmission, it was chosen for its reliability and cost-effectiveness. The engine produces 84 horsepower at 6000 rpm and 120 Nm (88.51 lb-ft) of torque at 4200 rpm. The engine’s design emphasizes fuel efficiency and low emissions, aligning with the Picanto’s role as a city car.
Driving Characteristics
The 1.2-liter automatic Picanto delivers a predictable, if not exhilarating, driving experience. Acceleration from 0-60 mph takes around 11.9 seconds, and 0-100 km/h in 12.5 seconds. The four-speed automatic transmission, while smooth, lacks the responsiveness of more modern transmissions with more gears. Gear ratios are optimized for fuel economy and low-speed drivability, rather than sporty performance. Compared to the manual transmission version of the same engine, the automatic suffers a slight performance penalty due to the transmission’s inherent inefficiencies. However, the convenience of the automatic makes it a preferable choice for many drivers, especially in congested urban traffic. The steering is light and easy, making maneuvering in tight spaces effortless.
Equipment & Trim Levels
The 1.2-liter automatic Picanto typically came equipped with air conditioning, central locking, electric front windows, and a basic audio system with USB connectivity. Safety features included ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) and airbags. Higher trim levels added features such as alloy wheels, a touchscreen infotainment system with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, and a rear-view camera. Interior upholstery was typically cloth, with a simple and functional dashboard layout. Optional extras included parking sensors and a navigation system.
Chassis & Braking
The Picanto utilizes a front-wheel-drive layout with an independent McPherson strut suspension at the front and a semi-independent coil spring suspension at the rear. The front brakes are ventilated discs, while the rear brakes are discs. The suspension is tuned for comfort, providing a reasonably smooth ride over typical urban road surfaces. The steering is rack and pinion with electric power assistance. The relatively light weight of the vehicle (908-1019 kg) helps to compensate for the modest engine output.
Market Reception & Comparison
The 1.2-liter automatic Picanto was generally well-received by critics as a practical and affordable city car. It was praised for its fuel efficiency, spacious interior (for its size), and ease of driving. However, some reviewers noted the lack of performance and the somewhat dated four-speed automatic transmission. Compared to other micro-cars in the segment, such as the Hyundai i10 and the Fiat 500, the Picanto offered a compelling value proposition, often providing more features for the price. Fuel economy was a strong point, consistently achieving around 49 US mpg in combined driving conditions.
Legacy
The Kia Picanto III (facelift) 1.2-liter automatic has proven to be a reliable and durable vehicle. The G4LF engine is known for its longevity, and the four-speed automatic transmission, while not sophisticated, is generally robust. On the used car market, these Picantos represent a good value for buyers seeking an affordable and economical city car. Maintenance costs are relatively low, and parts availability is good. While not a performance car, the 1.2-liter automatic Picanto remains a practical and dependable choice for urban commuting.
