Kia has come a long way in South Africa, building an incredible reputation over the past two decades. The Kia Picanto is already on its 3rd Generation model and has been one of Kia’s most successful models to be sold across South Africa and internationally. Since 2011 the Kia Picanto has sold 1.4 million units globally.
The 3rd generation Picanto comes in looking renewed and fresh with new exterior, interior and technology features, which will mostly build its success from its predecessor. Let’s have a look at what’s new with the Kia Picanto.
What is new on the Kia Picanto?1
The wheelbase on the Picanto has grown by 15mm, and the wheels have been pushed further out into the corners giving it a 25mm shorter front overhang. This being said, the length, width and height remain the same. With this new stance, the Picanto looks more youthful and energetic.
The Picanto sports a new tiger-nose grille and new angular wrap-around headlights. With new vertical lines being featured on the lower grille and air intakes, it gives the Picanto a bolder look.
The Picanto comes in 11 exterior colours, and 6 of those are new. You can choose from Lime Light, Shiny Red, Aurora Black, Pop Orange, Sparkling Silver Celestial Blue pearlescent metallic finishes. Depending on which model of Picanto, they either ride on 13 or 14-inch steel wheels with covers, or you can get 14 or 15-inch alloy wheels. The higher-spec Picanto models are fitted with projection headlights, LED indicators and LED daytime running lights.
The interior on the new Picanto has improved quite a bit, making it look more modern and refined. The cabin features a new design, materials and larger dimensions. Your higher-spec Picantos feature a floating 7-inch full-colour touchscreen display while the other models feature a 3.8-inch TFT LCD audio system. With the new 7-inch touchscreen infotainment it offers Bluetooth which supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto for full smartphone integration. The Picanto comes standard with USB and Auxiliary ports.
The entry-level Picanto’s come with black cloth seats as standard while the High-spec models have a two-toned black and grey leather upholstery. The high-spec models also come with a reverse camera and electronic folding heated side mirrors.
When it comes to comfort, the dashboard has been raised by 15mm, giving the driver and passenger some more legroom. The Picanto also now offers more legroom in the back and headroom.
The boot space is now 255-litres offering 55-litre more, which is really not bad for an entry-level motor vehicle.
What is the performance like on the Kia Picanto? 1
The Picanto is powered by one of two motors, the 1.0-litre and the 1.25-litre petrol engines. Some models have either been paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. The 1.0-litre 3-cylinder petrol motor offers 49kW of power and 96Nm of torque while the 1.25-litre 4-cylinder engine provides 61kW of power and 122Nm of torque. Kia claims that their 1.0-litre models get a fuel efficiency of 5.0L/ 100km and the 1.2-Litre models get 5.9L/ 100km.
The Picanto comes in 4 specifications which include the Start, Street, Style and Smart.
The Picanto is fitted standard with air-conditioning, ABS, two airbags; for driver and front passenger and has ISOFIX child seat mounts.
How much does the new Kia Picanto cost? 1
The Kia Picanto 1.0 Start, starts at R 167 995, the Picanto 1.0 Street from R 179 995, the Picanto 1.0 Style from R 189 995 and the Picanto 1.2 Smart from R 219 995. All Picanto models come with a 5-year/ unlimited km warranty and a 2year/ 30 000km service plan.
Are you keen to buy a Kia Picanto? Comprehensive car insurance is compulsory if you want to finance the cost of the Picanto or any other new car. Perhaps consider getting affordable, comprehensive car insurance with Prime South Africa, and enjoy unique benefits such as fixed premiums* if you don’t claim and a reduce-to-zero excess*. *T and Cs apply.
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