New Kia Picanto goes on sale in South Africa – Pricing and specifications

Kia has officially launched the updated Picanto in South Africa, giving the entry-level vehicle new features and a fresh look.

The affordable hatchback has been a big hit in the local motoring scene for decades, with more than 100,000 units sold since the first generation was introduced back in 2004.

The new Picanto range offers six models to choose from, and prices now start at R260,995.

Features

On the visual front, the facelift has given the Picanto a revised “tiger nose” grille, a new front bumper and bonnet, and a signature light bar running parallel to the grille.

The taillights now feature a horizontal bar that stretches towards the Kia logo in the centre, and the rear bumper was altered to give the car a sportier look.

These changes have not come at the expense of the Picanto’s compact nature, as it still measures 3,595mm in length, 1,595mm in width, and 1,495mm in height.

There are also three new colours to choose from – Adventurous Green metallic, Smoke Blue metallic, and Sporty Blue metallic – which join the existing palette of Aurora Black Pearl, Astro Grey metallic, Clear White, Signal Red, and Sparkling Silver metallic.

Regarding the line-up, Kia has done away with the old Start, Street, Style, and X-Line designations, opting instead to use the more familiar and intuitive LX, EX, and EX Plus badges seen on its other vehicles.

The entry-level LX replaces the Start and Street and takes all of the best elements of those two models, creating a better-equipped starting point for the series.

This includes electronically-adjustable and heated side mirrors, remote central locking, 14-inch steel wheels with styled covers, black cloth upholstery, a height-adjustable driver’s seat, a multifunction leather steering wheel, a 60:40 split rear bench, all-electric windows, manual aircon, a floating 8.0-inch infotainment screen with Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, a reverse camera, voice commands, a USB port, four speakers, ABS, and two front airbags.

The mid-range EX adds 14-inch alloy rims, indicators in the side mirrors, a centre storage console, occupant alert for the rear seats, a 4.2-inch multi-info driver’s display, automatic headlights, two more speakers, electronic stability control, and hill-start assist.

The top spot is currently held by the EX Plus, which replaces the X-Line. A GT-Line derivative is available overseas, but Kia has opted not to include this model for the time being.

The flagship’s extended spec sheet includes 15-inch alloy wheels, push-button start, automatic climate control, rear parking sensors, two-tone black-and-grey artificial leather upholstery, and a high-gloss finish on the centre console.

Engines

The engine selection is unchanged from the outgoing units, meaning buyers have a choice of a 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol motor.

The 1.0-litre produces 49kW and 95Nm, which is increased to 61kW and 122Nm on the 1.2-litre.

In either case, you have the option of a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic gearbox, and fuel consumption works out to between 5.0-5.9l/100km.

Benefitting the engines are a refined cooling chamber and exhaust-gas recirculation line, which improves efficiency while reducing CO2 emissions, said Kia.