Kia Picanto III (JA) (2017 – 2025)

Reliability score : 9.1/10

Kia Picanto III (JA) / Kia Morning The third-generation Kia Picanto (internal code JA), also known as the Kia Morning in South Korea, is one of the most accomplished A-segment city cars on the market. Introduced in 2017, it shares its underpinnings with the Hyundai i10. It received a mild facelift in 2020 (introducing 'Smartstream' engines and an Automated Manual Transmission to replace the old torque-converter automatic) and a major, aggressive exterior redesign in 2023/2024 to align with Kia's 'Opposites United' design language. Positioned as a premium offering in the shrinking city car segment, it stands out for its mature driving dynamics, surprisingly spacious interior, user-friendly infotainment, and Kia's renowned 7-year/150,000 km warranty. Reliability is generally excellent, makin

✅ Strengths

Outstanding 7-year/150,000 km warranty (in applicable markets) providing peace of mind.
Excellent build quality and interior ergonomics for the A-segment.
Class-leading infotainment system (8-inch screen with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto on later models).
Very low running costs (insurance, fuel, and maintenance).
Mature handling and stability, especially on 1.2 and 1.0 T-GDI models.
Surprisingly spacious boot (255 litres) for its footprint.

⚠️ Weaknesses

The 5-speed AMT (Automated Manual Transmission) introduced in 2020 is jerky and unrefined compared to the older 4-speed torque converter automatic.
Ride quality is overly firm on GT-Line models equipped with 16-inch alloy wheels.
Noticeable road and wind noise at highway speeds (typical for the segment but prominent).
The base 1.0 MPI engine feels very sluggish outside of urban environments.
Interior plastics are hard and prone to scratching, despite good assembly quality.

🎯 Verdict

Final Verdict The Kia Picanto III (JA) is arguably the best all-round traditional city car currently available, especially following the discontinuation of the VW Up! family. Its mechanical simplicity (particularly the naturally aspirated MPI engines) translates to stellar reliability. Buying Advice: If you drive mostly in the city, the 1.0 MPI manual is perfectly adequate and bulletproof. For mixed driving, the 1.2 MPI is the sweet spot, offering much-needed refinement. Enthusiasts will love the 1.0 T-GDI, but it requires more meticulous maintenance. Warning: If you need an automatic, try to find a pre-2020 model with the traditional 4-speed auto if you prioritize smoothness, as the post-2020 5-speed AMT is highly efficient but notoriously jerky in traffic.