2020 Kia Picanto GT

By Alex Forrest

Micro cars such as the Kia Picanto have done a lot of growing up in recent years.

For example, even the entry level Picanto S comes has autonomous emergency braking with forward collision warning.

It also gets a reversing camera with dynamic parking guidelines. This means that when reversing, guidelines on the camera display move when you move the steering wheel, showing where exactly the car will go for the given steering wheel position.

The cargo space in the Picanto is the biggest in the micro car class but as you’d expect, it’s tiny by any other standard. Same goes for the seating space and the engine is frugal because – that’s right – it’s tiny.

But the Picanto is also an excellent demonstration of how you don’t have to upsize to get many of the features of a larger vehicle.

The Picanto can also integrate your smartphone with Apple Carplay or Android Auto. Plus, it’s also had its suspension tuned specifically for Australian roads, so it handles sharply for a car this size. It has a firm ride though.

Since the current model was originally launched three years ago, Kia has introduced an even sportier version of the Picanto called the GT.

It has a more powerful 1.0-litre, turbocharged three-cylinder engine making 74kW and 172Nm. This lies beneath a GT-specific body kit that includes a smattering of red highlights and the whole thing completely hilarious.

The manual gear lever has a long throw, but the clutch is light and progressive. Though in fifth gear at 100km/h, engine revs are at 3000rpm, so highway cruising isn’t its thing.

The Picanto GT comes with a five-speed manual gearbox only – no auto is available. The will limit its appeal some buyers and raise it for others.

Kia’s seven-year warranty will provide extra peace of mind over the longer term, which combined with the safety gear makes for a high-value package given the drive away price of $18,790.

With a body kit trying to emulate much larger sports cars, the Picanto GT has the presence of a chihuahua wearing a black studded dog collar, and that only adds to its appeal.