The Picanto line-up has just received a update to the exterior design, with significant updates made to the sporty GT-Line and SUV-inspired X-Line models in particular which will hopefully be introduced into South Africa Later this year.
The upgraded Picanto offers buyers greater potential for customisation, with a choice of 10 new and vibrant paint finishes designed to make the car stand out. Two new aluminium alloy wheel designs are also available to strengthen the Picanto’s sporty character: a 16-spoke, 14-inch design, or a two-tone diamond-cut 16-inch wheel.
Improved infotainment screens and new customisation options
Inside, the Picanto features a series of visual and technological upgrades, centred around a larger 8.0-inch ‘floating’ widescreen audio visual navigation (AVN) system (see ‘Infotainment’ for more details), and a high-resolution 4.2-inch digital display in the driver’s instrument cluster.
Depending on trim level and market, the Picanto’s cabin is offered with black cloth or synthetic leather seats, with the upgraded model finished with a range of new upholstery textures for a more contemporary, higher quality look and feel. The cabin is finished with black, silver or gloss black highlights in the door, on the dashboard and around the gear selector.
The upgraded Picanto is also available with a range of trendy interior colour packs to enhance customers’ ability to customise the cabin of their car, depending on vehicle specification and market.
The Lime Pack features a black single-tone interior with lime contrast stitching and white seat bolsters, silver metal painted transmission and air vent surrounds, and silver-and-lime accents in the doors.
Models equipped with the Orange Pack feature a black single-tone interior with orange stitching and cabin highlights, and black-and-orange door accents.
Red Pack models are finished in black upholstery with red seat bolsters, as well as gloss black highlights and red-and-black door accents.
Finally, the Green Pack offers green highlights throughout the cabin and silver-and-green door accents, as well as stylish denim-effect seat upholstery.
New ‘Smartstream’ engine innovations increase efficiency
The upgraded Picanto is available in Europe with three new ‘Smartstream’ petrol engines, each maximising efficiency and lowering CO2 emissions compared to their predecessors. The engine line-up features a 1.0-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine producing 74 kW, or a pair of naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre DPFI (dual-port fuel injection) engines, producing 49 kW and 62 kW, respectively.
Among other innovations, the 1.0-litre T-GDi engine features a more efficient 350 bar high-pressure fuel injection system. Meanwhile, the two naturally-aspirated engines replace multi-point injection with new dual-port fuel injection technology, with optimised injection timing for maximum fuel efficiency. They feature improved exhaust gas recirculation lines and optimised intake valve timing, for maximum fuel efficiency improvements.
All three engines are equipped with a new Integrated Thermal Management System (ITMS), which provides more effective combustion chamber cooling. ITMS varies engine cooling characteristics based on the engine’s operating point.
The updated Picanto is the first model equipped with KIA’s new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The AMT is based around a five-speed manual transmission with clutch and gear shift actuators to automate clutch operation and gear shifts. Using a single dry clutch, the AMT is a cost-effective option for customers who favour the convenience and ease-of-use of an automatic transmission, without sacrificing the fuel efficiency of a conventional manual transmission.
UVO Connect ‘Phase II’ telematics with an upgraded touchscreen
The Picanto features a larger 8.0-inch ‘floating’ touchscreen navigation system, replacing the earlier 7.0-inch system. It also features Bluetooth multi-connection, enabling users to pair up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and media use; the other for media use only. The system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.
With KIA’s UVO system, the Picanto gives drivers access to live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking – including price, location and availability. The UVO App, compatible with Android and Apple smartphones, enables owners to activate a range of functions and features remotely. Depending on country, users can remotely send route directions to their car before a journey, check the location of their vehicle, and access vehicle reports and diagnostic notifications.
Furthermore, the Picanto will be one of the first KIA models to offer the brand’s latest ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect telematics features, providing owners with several new benefits to enhance their user experience via KIA’s UVO smartphone app. KIA will reveal more details of UVO Connect ‘Phase II’ technologies before sales of the new model commence.
Safety
The updated Picanto is fitted with up to seven airbags throughout the cabin, including a driver’s knee airbag, depending on specification and market. It also features ISOFIX child-seat tether and anchor points.
Release
The New KIA Picanto is Due Q4 of 2020, we are still waiting confirmation on the release of the Gt-line and X-line to SA Markets
