Kia has launched a new Picanto with an updated exterior design, a range of new colours and an even better value proposition.
The launch of this new model sees the Picanto range repositioned in the competitive A-segment of the market, where its established quality and reliability is enhanced by an even greater value proposition.
All-new design
The new Picanto’s exterior design is inspired by Kia’s award winning ‘Opposites United’ design philosophy, and results in a modern and sporty design.
Upfront, the Picanto gains a new light signature, a new front bumper, an updated iteration of Kia’s signature tiger nose grille and a revised fender and bonnet. When combined all these elements assist in giving the Picanto a wide, confident stance.
At the rear the sporty, wide stance is reiterated through redesigned taillights that are horizontally connected beneath the rear windscreen, giving the Picanto a new rear light signature that compliments the redesigned rear bumper. Depending on the grade, three different wheel designs are available, ranging from 14-inch steel wheels with stylish covers to 14 and 15-inch alloy wheel options.
Interior upgrades
Inside, the Picanto retains its high-quality, high-technology interior which includes a familiar horizontal layout, and which adds greater visual width to the interior. The centrally aligned dashboard retains the floating eight-inch colour touchscreen as its main focal point. Black cloth upholstered seats are fitted as standard, while higher specification models feature seats upholstered with two-tone black and grey leather upholstery.
Despite its compact dimensions the Picanto continues to offer excellent leg and headroom compared to many of its segment competitors
Under the bonnet
The Kia Picanto continues to be offered with the familiar 1.0 litre and 1.2 litre petrol engines that the range is renowned for. The 1.0 MPI three-cylinder produces 49kW at 5 500rpm and 95Nm at 3 750rpm, while the four-cylinder 1.25 litre-engine develops 62kW at 6 000rpm and 122Nm at 4 000rpm. Both engines can be paired with either a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission.
A repositioned line up
As part of the launch of the new model, Kia has repositioned the Picanto range in line with its approach to offering customers maximum choice across a compact range without compromising on standard specification or value for money and along with this comes a new model naming convention.
The Picanto LX incorporates all the best features of the outgoing Picanto Start and Picanto Street to create a new high-value model as the entry point into the Picanto range. LX models feature body coloured-bumpers and trim for the electrically adjustable, heated side mirrors. Remote central locking, an alarm and immobiliser as well as keyless entry is standard fitment. The interior features black cloth upholstery, height adjustment for the driver’s seat, electric windows and manual air-conditioning.
An eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system incorporates a reverse camera, and the infotainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as well as steering wheel mounted controls.
The mid-tier Picanto EX replaces the outgoing Style models and features additional exterior specification in the form of 14-inch alloy wheels and side repeater lamps that are incorporated into the side mirrors. The interior boasts the addition of a storage box between the front seats and a rear occupant alert function. Drivers gain the benefit of an upgraded 4.2-inch Supervision TFT cluster and automatic light control as well as two additional speakers. Safety enhancements include Electronic Stability Control and Hill-start Assist Control.
The range topping model for the South Africa market is badged EX Plus and retains all the features of the other two derivatives along with 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 is differentiated by LED rear combination lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.
Model range and pricing
All Picanto models ship as standard with an unlimited kilometre/five-year warranty, inclusive of roadside assistance. In addition, a pre-paid two-year / 30 000 km service plan is included.
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX Manual: R 260 995
Kia Picanto 1.0 LX Auto R 278 995
Kia Picanto 1.2 EX Manual R 284 995
Kia Picanto 1.2 EX Auto R 302 995
Kia Picanto 1.2 EX Plus Manual R 307 995
Kia Picanto 1.2 EX Plus Auto R 325 995
Credit: Reuben van Niekerk
