Cape Town - Kia has expanded its local Picanto line-up with the launch of a new entry-level - the LS.
Director of sales for KIA South Africa, Gary Scott, said: “The A-segment of the market is one of the most hotly contested segments in South Africa. where the desire for affordable personal mobility overrides many other considerations.
"With the Picanto LS, customers now have access to a globally renowned vehicle without having to make any sacrifices in respect of award-winning design or exceptional quality.”
Upgraded entry-level
Visually, the Picanto LS is differentiated by the exclusion of daytime running lights, which have been replaced with black mouldings. Colour-coded bumpers (front and rear) remain standard, as does colour-coded door releases and side-mirrors.
The new LS ships with 14" steel wheels shod with 165/60 R14 tyres and full wheel covers identical to that of the LX.
Inside
Inside, the LS shares most of the LX model’s features, including: air-conditioning, tilt-adjustable steering, a trip computer, height adjustable head rests, 60:40 split-rear folding seats and a convenient luggage floor box. While the Picanto LS is not fitted with a standard radio, two front speakers and an Aux/USB connection are included and wired to work with an aftermarket radio unit.
The Picanto LS is powered by a three-cylinder 998cc petrol capable of 51kW/94N. The entry-level unit has a shift-indicator light.
A driver’s airbag and ISOFIX child-seat anchors are standard.
Available in 10 exciting colours, the new Picanto 1.0 LS retails for only R119 995, which includes Kia'ss standard five-year or 150 000km warranty and three years of unlimited roadside assistance.
It slots in below the Picanto 1.0 LX (from R141 995) and the range-topping 1.2 EX (from R156 995). A two-year or 45 000km optional service plan is available.