Publications
Partners
- Kia has updated its popular Picanto and it is destined for the South African market.
- Introductory models include a baseline and GT Line version, although the local line-up has not yet been confirmed.
- Kia sold 485 units in May and 284 models in June 2023.
Next to the Sonet, the Picanto is one of Kia's best-selling models, and now the latter has been enhanced with a new design and more features. The updated Picanto comes with more standard features than ever before and is set to arrive on local shores in due course.
Exterior and interior
Customers could choose between a baseline model and a GT Line version depending on which models come to our local market.
Using the GT line as a blueprint, the new model sees the addition of a more aggressive front bumper, rear bumper with diffuser and an LED bar across the front and rear. There's also LED headlights and daytime running lights to tie the modern package together nicely.
READ | Kia is adding a double-cab bakkie to its stable - but will it come to South Africa?
The base-level Picanto comes with 14-inch wheels as standard (with optional new 14-inch, 15" and 16" wheels). The GT Line features new 16-inch diamond-cut wheels. There are 10 body colours to choose from, inspired by nature. This palette choice has been specifically picked so customers can best fit their personality. Body colours include Iced Illusion and elegant Rich Brown. High-quality textiles and leather alternatives are also available.
Inside the car is an 8.0-inch "floating" touchscreen navigation system and a digital display in the driver's instrument cluster. The system features Bluetooth multi-connection, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard. Depending on regional availability, drivers can also use Kia Connect, and Online Voice Recognition lets users search for points of interest, addresses or receive weather updates, among other things.
Under the bonnet
There are two naturally aspirated engine options to choose from - a 1.0-litre or a 1.2-litre petrol engine - that can be coupled to a five-speed manual transmission or via Kia's Automated Manual Transmission (AMT) that drives the front wheels.
Kia says the 1.0-litre engine is a good choice for customers who value efficiency, while the 1.2-litre engine is better for customers who want more power, especially for open-road driving. Both options maximise efficiency and lower CO2 emissions. The naturally aspirated engines feature improved exhaust gas recirculation lines and optimised intake valve timing. In addition, each engine provides improved combustion chamber cooling thanks to new improvements made in this field.
Safety and convenience
In the safety and convenience department, the Picanto is well-specced. Features include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA), Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning and Leading Vehicle Departure Warning (DAW+), Intelligent Speed Limit Assist (ISLA), Lane Following Assist (LFA), Rear Cross-Traffic Collision-Avoidance Assist (RCCA), Emergency Stop Signal (ESS), and Hill-start Assist Control (HAC).
Other than looking good, the Picanto's body has been strengthened with additional front sub-frame and B-pillar hot stamping that adds to the structural stiffness of the chassis.
Is it coming to SA?
As far as local availability goes, Kia South Africa says: "The enhanced Kia Picanto will be available in South Africa in due course – no official launch date is available at the time of release, and features or specifications applicable to the South African model will only be confirmed closer to its South African launch date."
The Picanto currently on sale in SA is priced from R219 995 and comes with a two-year or 30 000km service plan, and a five-year or unlimited kilometre mechanical warranty, inclusive of a five-year or unlimited roadside assistance.
More specifications and pricing details will be available closer to the local launch.
