2024 Kia Picanto no longer Australia's cheapest car: MG3 Auto takes crown as most affordable new-car option

Kia Australia has confirmed pricing for its heavily updated third-generation Picanto city car, with cost-of-entry now higher than MG’s light-car market-leading MG3 Auto hatch.

Priced from $20,690 drive-away, the 1.2-litre, four-cylinder, entry-grade Picanto Sport is now $700 dearer than the MG3 Auto Core at $19,990 drive-away.

Picanto prices have risen by just under 10 per cent across what is now a two-model range, with the 1.0-litre three-cylinder GT turbo model dropped from the line-up.

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Engines in the remaining Sport and GT-Line variants are unchanged, the 1.2-litre (1248cc) four-cylinder sending 62kW/122Nm to the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox or four-speed automatic.

However, that auto is now a ‘single-clutch’ transmission, replacing the previous four-speed torque-converter unit.

As previously reported, in terms of exterior design the 2024 Picanto borrows heavily from its larger Sportage and Sorento siblings with an angular ‘stacked’ headlight treatment and new-look two-piece grille.

A new lighting signature connects the tail-lights, while the GT-Line grade sports a racy diffuser under the rear bumper.

There are seven colours available. ‘Clear White’ is the only zero cost option, with ‘Adventurous Green’, ‘Astro Grey’, ‘Sparkling Silver’, ‘Aurora Black Pearl’, ‘Signal Red’ or ‘Sporty Blue’ adding an extra $520.

Inside, there’s an 8.0-inch multimedia touchscreen in the centre of the dash and a digital instrument display facing the driver.

The media system includes satellite navigation as well as Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and Bluetooth connectivity.

2024 Kia Picanto pricing (MSRP / Drive-away)