Kia Picanto discontinued for quite some time already. Today you look at Kia Malaysia website , you dont see Picanto anymore

Not just abt cheapskate using CVT.
I can tell you , for Honda City 2009 with 5 speed auto , i average 13km/l in city driving vs 15km/l with a 2014 Honda City with CVT.
The 2014 City in highway can hit 18km/l easily if you obey speed limit.
For lower end cars , the fuel consumption matters alot more to potential buyers than higher end cars. Plus many countries tax cars based on emissions which CVT does better.
If you buy something like a Camry, you get 8AT. Or any Lexus.