Available in both baseline and GT-Line (seen in these photos) variants, the Picanto takes on an Opposites United-inspired design. The refreshed Picanto has a new light signature along with a new bumper, “tiger nose” grille, fender, and hood. The lights, in particular, emphasize modernity and technology while also giving the sub-B segment hatchback a wider looking stance. Meanwhile, at the back, Kia designers have gone for visual stability shown by the horizontally-connected taillights and bumper. Wheel sizes range from 14- all the way to 16-inches for the GT-Line. The GT-Line’s presence is further strengthened with an expanded tire nose grille, dedicated diamond-cut wheels, and rear diffuser.

Underneath, the Picanto comes with two engine choices: a 1.0-liter or 1.2-liter. These naturally aspirated engines feature improved exhaust gas recirculation lines and optimized intake valve timing. In addition, each engine provides improved combustion chamber cooling thanks to new improvements made in this field. No power outputs were indicated, but the current Picanto makes 67 horsepower and 96 Nm for the 1.0-liter and 84 horsepower and 122 Nm for the 1.2-liter. 

Both engines drive the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or via Kia’s Automated Manual Transmission which is based around a five-speed manual transmission with clutch and gear shift actuators to automate their respective functions.

The body structure has been enhanced for 2024 with additional front sub-frame and B-pillar hot stamping. Both improvements increase the structural stiffness improving safety and handling. And speaking of handling, the Picanto gets a quicker steering rack and torque vectoring by braking.

Inside, the new Picanto now has an 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system and a digital display nestled in the driver’s instrument cluster. The system features both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. The infotainment is also updatable thanks to Over-The-Air (OTA) functionality.

In terms of safety, the Picanto can be speced even with Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). These include forward collision avoidance with vehicle, cyclist, and pedestrian detection. Additionally, the Picanto is available with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning and Leading Vehicle Departure Warning (DAW+), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA) and Lane Following Assist (LFA). This is on top of up to seven airbags, ABS with EBD, and vehicle stability assist.

The Picanto will go on sale in selected markets starting later this year.