KLIMS 2018: Kia Picanto GT-Line And KX Variant Confirmed

Naza Kia Malaysia, the official distributor of Kia vehicles in Malaysia has confirmed two new variants of its Picanto A-Segment hatchback – the Picanto GT-Line and a new entry-level KX variant – at the ongoing KLIMS 2018 motor show.

The two new variants join the existing EX which is priced at RM49,888 OTR without insurance. Prices for the KX and GT-Line variants have yet to be announced.

All three models are powered by Kia’s 1.2-litre Kappa naturally aspirated four-cylinder which produces 84 PS and 122 Nm of torque at 4,000rpm. Power is sent to the front wheels via a four-speed automatic.

Kia Picanto KX

On the outside, the Picanto KX does without halogen projector headlamps, front fog lamps, integrated LED daytime running lights, and LED type rear lamps. The KX also loses out keyless entry and the powered side view mirror made available on the EX variant.

On the inside, the Picanto KX most notably is not offered the ‘floating type’ 7-inch LCD touchscreen, rearview camera, and rear powered windows. The gearknob is also a polyurethane item versus the ‘premium wrap’ gearknob fitted in the EX and GT Line variants.

In terms of safety, the KX still offers the same equipment as the EX variant with 6-airbags, ABS, Brake Assist, ESC, and Traction Control.

Kia Picanto GT-Line

The sporty GT-Line adds a slew of cosmetic enhancements – crucially a more aggressive bodykit with contrasting colour accents, which consists of the front bumper, side skirts, and rear bumper. At the flanks, larger 16-inch wheels versus the 14-inch wheels fitted to the EX and KX variant. Round the back, dual-exhaust pipes complete the list of cosmetic enhancements. The GT Line is also offered with one additional colour option, dubbed Aurora Black Pearl.

The GT-Line adds the following equipment over the EX variant:

• Sunroof
• Supervision meter cluster
• “D-Cut” premium wrap steering wheel
• Cruise-control
• Leather front seats
• Single-zone climate control

Additionally, the GT-Line is fitted with Autonomous Emergency Braking (AEB) and a Tyre Pressure Monitoring System (TPMS).

Click here for a full review of the Kia Picanto EX.