Coming soon to a Kia dealership near you, the all-new Kia Picanto. With so many options to choose from in the small entry level car segment the Kia Picanto is often overlooked. I would advise any potential buyer looking for a small economic runaround to go test the new Picanto when it arrives in South Africa later this year.
The new look exterior design has certainly improved, turning this little four door gem into an eye catcher when seen on the road. A modern compact hatchback with lots to offer in comfort, technology, style, and economy.
The entry level variant comes with 14-inch wheels as standard with an option to choose 15 or 16 inch if you wish. A choice of ten paint finishes enables the Picanto to stand out with a bold exterior image. The new front bumper and the signature ‘tiger-nose’ fender and bonnet gives a new enhanced dramatic look. From the rear the lights have been redesigned and run across the width of the car.
Two engines available, the 1.0-litre for customers who value economy and a 1.2-litre for customers who want a bit more power. Both drive the front wheels via a five-speed manual transmission or via Kia’s Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) which is based around a five-speed manual transmission with clutch and gear shift actuators to automate their respective functions. Independent MacPherson strut suspension at the front and torsion beam rear axle aids enjoyable handling and quick response.
The quick steering rack makes for immediate response to driver inputs, meaning fewer turns of the wheel from lock-to-lock than many rivals (2,8 turns) making the Picanto easy to drive at low speeds in the city. Electronic Stability Control system is usually found in more expensive A-segment vehicles, and it is a blessing in the new Picanto, producing a higher degree of handling and stability under cornering while helping to reduce understeer during harder cornering.
Again, the Picanto impresses inside with an 8-inch floating touchscreen navigation system and a digital display in the driver’s instrument cluster. Bluetooth to pair with mobile devices for a hands-free phone and media use. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Don’t forget the Online Voice Recognition which lets users search for addresses or receive weather updates.
Lastly the new Picanto features a variety of Kia’s Advanced Driver Assistance Systems and a range of active safety systems depending on the specification you choose. Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist, Lane Keeping Assist, Driver Attention Warning, Leading Vehicle Departure Warning, Intelligent Speed Limit Assist and Lane Following Assist. The Lane Following assist uses a front-facing camera to monitor road markings, controlling the enhanced Picanto’s steering to keep the car in the center of its lane.
Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) will automatically flash the hazard warning lights to alert the car behind if the driver brakes suddenly. Hill Start Control holds the car on the brake to ensure the car moves smoothly from a hill start.
If this is not impressive enough for a small compact four door vehicle, then add Vehicle Stability Management (VSM) Cornering Brake Control (CBC) and Straight-Line Stability (SLS). Up to seven airbags and features ISOFIX child-seat tether and anchor points.
If you are a new driver looking for a trendy safe car to start your driving career or an elderly driver requiring an economic run around or an executive needing a car for town driving then certainly have a look at this multi-functional technology packed icon, the all new Kia Picanto.
