THE third-gen Picanto arrived in Australia just weeks after its global debut in early 2017, bringing added features, refinement, safety and dynamics, as well as a manual gearbox for the first time.

Jointly designed in South Korea and Germany, the length stayed the same but more width and a longer wheelbase improved interior packaging. The platform was a development of the second-generation Hyundai i10’s, and featured MacPherson-style struts up front and a torsion-beam rear suspension module. Some Aussie tuning went into the chassis.

The only real carry over item was the powertrain, though the 62kW/122Nm 1.2-litre ‘Kappa’ four-cylinder petrol engine does see a small output increase. The four-speed auto also returned, while the manual was a five-speeder. Disc brakes featured all-round.

Kia gave its Picanto range a new halo variant when it ushered in the GT in January 2019. Exclusively matched to a five-speed manual transmission, it featured a 74kW/172Nm 1.0-litre turbo-petrol engine, as well as sportier looks inside and out.