Introducing the New Kia Picanto
Introduced in 2004, the original Kia Picanto was a robust and functional alternative to other city cars that were on the market. Fast forward to the present day, and the latest generation Picanto has clearly come on leaps and bounds, with a stylish design having been implemented throughout the whole car.
The latest entry into the Picanto family tree is more than just a pretty face though, because despite being a small car, it comes with grown-up driving manners and a host of other technologies that are usually found on larger cars.
As a result of the changes, the New Picanto is more accomplished than ever and punches well above its weight class. Keep on reading to discover more about Kia's award-winning city car.
Design and Practicality
Practicality isn't usually a city car's strong suit, but Kia have done an exceptional job of maximising the space available inside the New Picanto.
For starters, each model across the range comes with five doors as standard, making access to the rear seats nice and easy. You can also fit a child's seat thanks to the addition of the Isofix anchor points in the back seats.
The New Picanto is a four-seat city car, unless you opt for the X-Line or X-Line S models that are 30mm wider and 15mm taller than other New Picanto models and feature five seats.
General room for passengers is good despite the New Picanto's modest size, but we'd recommend one of Kia's bigger cars if you regularly have taller adults sat in the back. With 255 litres to play with, the boot can easily carry your weekly food shop. Fold the rear seats down and you get a smidgen over 1,000 litres of space at your disposal.
Technology and Safety
There's a wide range of New Picanto models to choose from, all of which come generously equipped as standard. For example, the entry-level version comes with Hill-Start Assist Control, electric front windows and Automatic Headlight Control.
As you move up the range you start to unlock luxuries such as air-conditioning, LED daytime running lights, and cruise control. There's even a slick 8-inch multimedia system on higher grades, which brings Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ with it for the ultimate in smartphone connectivity.
There's a number of safety features available, which include:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC)
- Tyre Pressure Monitoring System
Economy and Performance
The New Picanto is available with two new 'Smartstream' petrol engines that maximise efficiency and lower CO2 emissions compared to their predecessors.
If you spend all of your time in the city, then the 66 bhp 1.0-litre model is ideal. It feels punchy in a small car like the New Picanto, yet can still return over 58 mpg.
Also available is the most powerful engine to ever appear in a Picanto; a turbocharged 1.0-litre unit with 99 bhp. It feels more spritely without compromising on fuel efficiency and is only available in the GT-Line models.
A 5-speed manual is standard across the range, although you can opt for a 5-speed automatic gearbox on some models.
New Picanto Models
1
Key features:
- Front Electric Windows
- Remote Central Door Locking & Fold-away Key
- 3.8" Monochrome Audio display with RDS & DAB
- USB Port
- Automatic Headlight Control
- Bluetooth® with Music Streaming
- ABS with Electronic Brakeforce Distribution (EBD) & Brake-Assist System (BAS)
- Electronic Stability Control (ESC) & Vehicle Stability Management (VSM)
- Hill-start Assist Control (HAC)
- Twin Front, Side & Curtain Airbags
2
Key features in addition to 1:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) City
- 14" Alloy Wheels
- Air Conditioning
- Electrically Adjustable & Heated Door Mirrors
- Front & Rear Electric Windows (Driver's Auto Up/Down)
- 4.2" Supervision Monochrome Cluster Display
- Premium Black Cloth Upholstery
- Driver's Seat Height Adjuster
- Steering Wheel Mounted Controls
- Leather Trimmed Steering Wheel and Gearshift
Shadow
Key features in addition/replacement to 2:
- 15" Alloy Wheels
- 6-speaker audio System
- 8" Touchscreen Display
- Reversing Camera System with Dynamic Guidelines
- Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™
- Bi-Function Projection Headlights
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- Privacy Glass (Rear Windows & Tailgate)
3
Key features in addition to 2:
- 15" Alloy Wheels
- Electrically Folding, Adjustable & Heated Door Mirrors with LED Indicators
- Automatic Air Conditioning
- 8" Touchscreen Satellite Navigation with RDS & DAB with Telematics
- 6-speaker audio System
- Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™
- Cruise Control & Speed Limiter
- Reversing Camera System with Dynamic Guidelines
- Front Fog Lights
X-Line
Key features:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) City
- 16" Alloy Wheels (X-Line)
- Refined Front & Rear Bumpers with Silver Skid Plates and Twin Exhaust Trim
- Black Side Sill Mouldings & Wheel Arch Cladding
- 8" Touchscreen Display with RDS & DAB, Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™
- Black Faux Leather Upholstery with Green Stitching
- Bi-Function Projection Headlights
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- LED Rear Lights
- Privacy Glass (Rear Windows & Tailgate)
X-Line S
Key features:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) City
- 16" Alloy Wheels (X-Line)
- Refined Front & Rear Bumpers with Silver Skid Plates and Twin Exhaust
- 8" Touchscreen Satellite Navigation with RDS & DAB with Telematics
- Automatic Air Conditioning
- Wireless Mobile Phone Charger
- Cruise Control & Speed Limiter
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Heated Front Seats & Steering Wheel
- Smart Key with Engine Start/Stop Button
GT Line
Key features:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) City
- 16" Alloy Wheels (GT-Line)
- Refined Sports Front & Rear Bumpers with Gloss Black Skid Plates Twin Exhaust Trim
- Body Coloured Side Sill Mouldings
- 8" Touchscreen Display with RDS & DAB, Apple CarPlay™ & Android Auto™
- Black and Red Faux Leather Upholstery
- Bi-Function Projection Headlights
- LED Daytime Running Lights
- LED Rear Lights
- Privacy Glass (Rear Windows & Tailgate)
GT-Line S
Key features:
- Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) City
- 16" Alloy Wheels (GT-Line)
- Refined Sports Front & Rear Bumpers with Gloss Black Skid Plates Twin Exhaust
- 8" Touchscreen Satellite Navigation with RDS & DAB with Telematics
- Automatic Air Conditioning
- Wireless Mobile Phone Charger
- Cruise Control & Speed Limiter
- Rear Parking Sensors
- Heated Front Seats & Steering Wheel
- Smart Key with Engine Start/Stop Button
Test Drive the New Kia Picanto
As a well-rounded city car, the New Kia Picanto is hard to beat. Each model is stylish and comes with some eye-catching colours, while the classy interior feels more premium than the price tag would suggest.
With plenty of technology and an efficient range of engines, the New Picanto deserves consideration if you're in the market for a city car. Plus, let's not forget that 7-year/100,000 miles warranty.
If you wish to explore the New Picanto for yourself, then please contact your nearest Evans Halshaw Kia retailer today.
