Goodbye, Kia Picanto GT! 2024 Kia Picanto line-up drops flagship turbo hatchback, but will the new pint-sized model still be as affordable as an MG3 and Suzuki Swift?

Kia Australia has confirmed the punchy turbo-petrol Picanto GT will be discontinued with the facelift of the micro hatchback coming later this year.

Now officially revealed after the design was leaked last month, the refreshed Picanto will be available in a base grade and now top-spec GT-Line.

As a reminder, the outgoing GT was powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine, good for 74kW/172Nm that drove the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

However, the new Picanto line-up will feature two naturally aspirated petrol options – either a 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre engine – at least in international markets.

Kia describes the 1.0-litre engine in the new line-up as "a good choice for customers who value efficiency above all", whereas the 1.2-litre engine is "better for customers who want more power".

Power and torque figures for the refreshed Picanto line-up are yet to be revealed, but the existing 1.2-litre engine found in the current Picanto S and GT-Line grades make 62kW/122Nm.

Kia Australia has confirmed the punchy turbo-petrol Picanto GT will be discontinued with the facelift of the micro hatchback coming later this year.

Kia has also confirmed both engines will be available with a five-speed manual or an Automated Manual Transmission – the latter replacing the four-speed torque converter found on current Picantos.

Aside from a powertrain shake-up, the new Picanto stands out from the old thanks to a revised front and rear end.

Most notably, the 2024 Picanto borrows heavily from the likes of the larger Sportage and Sorento with angular headlights and new-look 'Tiger Nose' grille.

The rear also features a new lighting signature that connects the tail-lights, while GT-Line grades score a prominent rear diffuser for added aggression.

Now officially revealed after the design was leaked last month, the refreshed Picanto will be available in a base grade and now top-spec GT-Line.

Standard wheel sizes start at 14 inches and grow to 16 inches, but Australian specifications are still to be locked in.

Likewise, overseas models have 10 exterior colour choices, but whether they all come Down Under is still to be revealed.

Inside, there is an 8.0-inch 'floating' multimedia touchscreen and digital driver display, the former featuring satellite navigation, Bluetooth connectivity and Apple CarPlay/Android Auto support.

As a reminder, the outgoing GT was powered by a 1.0-litre turbo-petrol three-cylinder engine, good for 74kW/172Nm that drove the front wheels via a five-speed manual gearbox.

Finally, advanced safety equipment has proliferated across the updated Picanto line-up thanks to forward collision warning, blind-spot monitoring, lane-keep assist, driver attention alert, rear cross-traffic alert, hill-start assist and more available in the micro hatch range.

Kia is also spruiking seven airbags and ISOFIX anchorage points in the 2024 Picanto.

Full Australian details, including pricing, is expected closer to the Picanto's fourth quarter launch, but as a remainder, the micro hatch is Kia's most affordable model starting at $16,290 before on-road costs.