Kia Picanto - Top alternatives

The 2019 Kia Picanto is the third-generation model by the Korean automaker. While still sporting the same familiar style of the previous models, the new model received a major makeover. According to Kia, they designed the 2019 model with the intention of turning it into a stylish small city car.

Despite its small build, the 2019 Picanto now offers more cabin space thanks to a 15 mm increase in the wheelbase. The exterior also has some notable changes, with its signature tiger-nose grille now completely extended towards the headlights. Compared to the previous generation’s rounded headlights, the 2019 model’s headlights now feature a more aggressive look. The interiors also got an upgrade, now sporting a more modern finish to top off the small city car vibe.

One thing Kia didn’t change is the Picanto’s engine. The 2019 model still carries the same gasoline 1.0L 3-cylinder — producing 66 hp and 95 Nm of torque — and 1.2L 4-cylinder — producing 84 hp and 132 Nm of torque. Both can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Kia Picanto price list for each variant is as follows:

Kia Picanto 1.0 LX MT	Php 590,000
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX AT	Php 635,000
Kia Picanto 1.2 EX MT	Php 700,000
Kia Picanto 1.2 EX AT	Php 745,000

What are the best Kia Picanto alternatives available?

While the Kia Picanto is an impressive vehicle ideal for city driving, there are still numerous options available within the Picanto’s price range. Here are a few models for you to consider before you decide to make that big purchase.

Toyota Wigo

The Wigo is Toyota’s entry-level hatchback for the Philippine market. The latest Wigo has a more sporty design, featuring a trapezoidal grille and a new modern front fascia. The high-end variants have tail light extensions plus a larger rear spoiler, giving the vehicle an even sportier look. Despite its incredibly compact size, it can seat approximately four adults with more than enough head- and leg-room.

The Wigo is powered by a 1.0L 12-valve DOHC 3-cylinder gasoline mill engine, and also includes Toyota’s VVT-i technology. It can produce 66 hp and 89 Nm of torque, with the Picanto producing slightly more than the Wigo. Also similar to the Picanto, the Wigo can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic transmission.

The Toyota Wigo price list for each variant is as follows:

Toyota Wigo 1.0 VVT-i E MT	Php 557,000
Toyota Wigo 1.0 VVT-i G MT	Php 596,000
Toyota Wigo 1.0 VVT-i G AT	Php 631,000
Toyota Wigo TRD AT	Php 696,000

Suzuki Swift

Compared to earlier models, Swift now has a more European MINI Cooper-esque style. Similar to the Picanto, the latest Swift sports an aggressive-looking grille and sharp headlights. However, compared to the Picanto, Swift has larger dimensions. The Swift functions more as a subcompact hatchback but is still small enough to be a small city car.

It’s powered by a 1.2L gasoline engine that can be paired with either a 5-speed manual transmission or continuously variable transmission (CVT). It can produce 82 hp and 113 Nm of torque, which isn’t far from the Picanto’s 1.2 EX variant. Swift’s high-end variant also offers an 8-inch infotainment system.

The Suzuki Swift price list for each variant is as follows:

Suzuki Swift GL 1.2L MT	Php 755,000
Suzuki Swift GL 1.2L CVT	Php 799,000
Suzuki Swift GLX 1.2L CVT	Php 899,000

Honda Jazz

The Honda Jazz is the Japanese automaker’s entry into the subcompact hatchback market in the Philippines. The Jazz sports Honda’s latest corporate style which was first revealed on the Honda Civic. Compared to the Picanto, it has much larger dimensions.

The main feature of the Jazz is its versatile interior, offering various seating configurations to maximize cargo space. It can seat up to five people and still have enough space left for luggage.

The Jazz is powered by a 1.5L chain drive SOHC-i-VTEC 4-cylinder 16-valve engine plus a programmed fuel injection (PGM-FI). It can produce 120 hp and 145 Nm of torque, which is significantly more powerful than the Picanto. The vehicle also features an Earth Dreams Technology CVT.

The Honda Jazz price list for each variant is as follows:

Honda Jazz 1.5 V MT	P868,000
Honda Jazz 1.5 V CVT	P918,000
Honda Jazz 1.5 Sport CVT	P933,000
Honda Jazz 1.5 VX Navi CVT	P998,000
Honda Jazz 1.5 RS Navi CVT	P1,088,000

Mazda 2

The Mazda 2 is Mazda’s subcompact hatchback offering in the Philippines and is the brand’s smallest vehicle offering in their lineup. The model features the automaker’s signature Kodo style. Similar to the previous generations, the Mazda 2 still sports the same sleek angles that curve into the head and tail lights.

A 1.5L SKYACTIV-G-16-valve engine powers the Mazda 2, producing 110 hp with 141 Nm of torque. This is paired to a SkyActiv-Drive-6-speed automatic transmission with the option of switching to Sport mode. One of the key features in the 2 is Mazda’s G-Vectoring Control Plus which uses the engine’s torque to distribute power in the wheels according to the steering input.

The Mazda 2 price list is as follows:

Mazda 2 Hatchback 1.5 SkyActiv-G Elite AT

P995,000

Hopefully, this was able to help you decide which new car to take home. Share with us which model you think is the best.

Also read: Kia Picanto - Manual or Automatic