New Kia Picanto goes on sale

The new Picanto’s exterior design is inspired by Kia’s Opposites United’ design philosophy. The result is a bold and futuristic impression with a modern and sporty design. Upfront the Picanto gains a new light signature, a new front bumper, an updated iteration of Kia’s tiger nose grille and a revised fender and bonnet. These updates combine to create a significantly enhanced, dramatic new visage that assists in giving the Picanto a wide, confident stance. At the rear this theme is continued with redesigned taillights that are horizontally connected below the rear windscreen, creating a new light signature that compliments the redesigned rear bumper. The Picanto’s exterior size has remained unchanged, but engineers have maximised the long wheelbase and longer rear overhang in order to free up more space in the cabin and boot. The Picanto continues to offer excellent leg and headroom compared to many of its segment competitors.

Depending on the grade, three different wheel options are available, ranging from 14-inch steel wheels with stylish covers to 14 and 15-inch alloy wheels. As part of the refresh, three new colours including Sporty Blue Metallic, Smoke Blue metallic and Adventurous Green metallic have joined the perennial favourites.

Updated interior Inside, the Picanto continues to boast a high-quality interior, with the familiar horizontal layout adding additional width to the interior. The dashboard retains the floating eight-inch colour touchscreen as its main focal point. Black cloth upholstered seats are standard, while higher specification models feature two-tone black and grey leather upholstery.

Under the bonnet  The new Kia Picanto retains the familiar 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines, but both engines have been treated to improved gas recirculation lines and optimised intake valve timing as well as improved combustion chamber cooling in order to optimise performance and fuel efficiency.  The three-cylinder 1.0 MPI produces 49kW at 5 500rpm and 95Nm at 3 750rpm. The 1.25-litre offers 62kW at 6 000rpm and 122Nm at 4 000rpm. Customers have a choice between a five-speed manual or a four-speed automatic transmission.

Feature rich line up The Kia Picanto has been repositioned in line with its approach of offering customers maximum choice across a compact range without compromising on standard specification or value for money and this is being
offered along with a new naming convention. As much as 44% of the Picanto’s bodyshell is cast in advanced High-strength steel, specially to reinforce critical structural areas such as the floor pan, roof rails, A and B pillars and engine bay. This inherent safety is complimented by features such as ABS, Isofix child seat anchors and dual front airbags across the range.

The Picanto LX

As a new entry point into the Picanto range, the LX packs a significant value for money punch. The Picanto LX takes over from the previously offered Picanto Start and Picanto Street models and represents a new high-value model as entry point into the Picanto range while leaving nothing to be desired in terms of quality, reliability and features.  LX models feature body-coloured bumpers and electrically adjustable, heated side mirrors. Keyless entry along with remote central locking and an alarm immobiliser are standard fitment.

Inside, black cloth upholstery is standard, along with height adjustment for the driver. Rear seats can be split in a 60:40 fashion to expand the luggage carrying capacity. The leather clad steering wheel can be adjusted for rake. Electric windows are offered all round while a manual air-conditioner ensures passenger comfort.

An eight-inch touchscreen takes pride of place on the dashboard and incorporates a reverse camera. The system facilitates Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Steering wheel-mounted controls are available for telephony and audio, which is transmitted through four-speakers.

The Picanto EX

The Picanto EX replaces the previously offered Style model. This model builds on the specification offered by LX derivatives with the addition of 14-inch alloy wheels and side repeater lamps. Inside, a storage box is added between the two front seats, while the rear seats gain a rear occupant alert function. Drivers benefit from an upgraded 4,2-inch Supervision TFT cluster, automatic light control and two additional tweeter speakers. Bolstering safety is the addition of Electronic Stability Control and Hill-start Assist Control.

The Picanto EX Plus

The range topping derivative for the South African market now wears an EX Plus badge. This model boasts the same specification as the EX but with the addition of a smart key with push-button start/stop, an illuminated vanity mirror for the driver, automatic climate control, park distance warning sensors at the rear, artificial leather upholstery and high-gloss trims on the centre fascia. The exterior of EX Plus derivatives is distinguished by LED rear combination lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.