The entry-level Kia Picanto has been refreshed for 2020 with the top spec Style giving up park distance control and a reverse camera to the optional extras list, while infotainment is upgraded in other derivatives.

“The current Kia Picanto has been a great success for the Kia brand ever since it launched locally in 2017,” says Stephen Crosse, Sales Director, Kia Motors South Africa. “A consistent achiever in the sales charts, it has also been recognised by industry experts as one of the best cars you can buy in the entry-level A-segment. We are very excited about the revisions made to the line-up for the 2020 model year.”

 

For the 2020 model year, the most notable revision is the addition of a front passenger crash bag and an anti-lock braking system to the entry-level Start derivatives. The addition means two front crash bags and anti-lock braking is now a standard feature across the Picanto range, as is ISOFIX child seat anchors.

The Picanto remains the safest A-segment vehicle Kia Motors has ever built, with 44% of its bodyshell cast in Advanced High-strength Steel (AHSS). This super-strong steel has been used specifically to reinforce the Picanto’s floor pan, roof rails, A and B-pillars and engine bay, strengthening the core structure of the car.

“Various safety tests have proven that the Picanto’s expertly engineered safety shell makes it one of the safest cars you can buy in its segment,” says Crosse. “With the addition of a second crash bag and anti-lock brakes in the Start models, the entire Picanto range is now up to date on safety specification.”

Other standard features across the Start range include power steering, an adjustable steering column, manual air-conditioning, as well as a radio with RDS and MP3 capability, Aux and USB connector jacks, Bluetooth connectivity and two speakers.

 

The Picanto Start will now be available only with Kia’s 1,0-litre MPI engine, with a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission. The three-cylinder engine produces 49 kW at 5 500 r/min and 96 Nm torque.

The most notable addition to the Street range is the inclusion of an infotainment system with 8-inch colour touchscreen. Previously only available on the range-topping Smart models, all models from Street upwards now feature infotainment, including the safety and convenience of Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

In addition, the Picanto Street now also features power windows front and rear, as well as electric heated side mirrors. The car’s 14-inch steel wheels gain a newly-designed plastic wheel cover.

“Affordability does not have to equate to a compromise on convenience features,” says Crosse. “With its added features, most notably the upgraded infotainment system, the Picanto Street now offers budget-conscious customers an even more complete option.”

Street models are available with the same 49 kW, 1,0-litre MPI engine as the Picanto Start, as well as the 1,25-litre MPI engine (61 kW and 122 Nm of torque). Previously available only with a 5-speed manual transmission, both the 1.0 and 1.2 Street models are now also available with a 4-speed automatic transmission.

Stepping up, the the revised Picanto Style models feature all the safety and convenience features of the Picanto Street, but presents a buyers with a more stylish offering thanks to the addition of a leather-clad three-spoke steering wheel with audio remote controls and a leather-clad gear shifter. Side mirrors now feature integrated indicator lamps, and also gain electric folding capabilities. The Picanto Style also features 14-inch alloy wheels.

“The Picanto Smart has always punched above its weight with its high levels of standard features,” says Crosse. “Customers who have purchased the Smart absolutely adore their cars, but have also given us insightful feedback on what is really needed, and what is not. This feedback is crucial to our product planning process.”

This customer feedback showed, for example, infotainment and connectivity is most important in an urban runabout. As such, some of the Picanto Smart features – such as park distance control and its reverse camera – have been discontinued for the 2020 model year. A solution for both these features are available through Kia Accessories to customers who require such features. A sunroof – previously available only as an option – is now standard across the range.

The Picanto Smart is available with the 61 kW, 122 Nm 1,2-litre MPI engine, with a choice of 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

“In tough economic times where the pressure on affordability is not letting up, the revision of the Picanto range for 2020 brings a significant value offering to the market,” says Crosse. “Picanto has always been ahead of the pack with its amazing looks and incredible build quality. With more features where it matters, and even more significant value for money, Picanto is once again at the top of its game.”

2020 Kia Picanto Pricing:

• Kia Picanto 1.0 Start Manual             R 167,995
• Kia Picanto 1.0 Start Automatic         R 181,995
• Kia Picanto 1.0 Street Manual           R 179,995
• Kia Picanto 1.0 Street Automatic       R 193,995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 Street Manual           R 188,995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 Street Automatic       R 202,995
• Kia Picanto 1.0 Style Manual              R 189,995
• Kia Picanto 1.0 Style Automatic          R 203,995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 Style Manual              R 198,995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 Style Automatic          R 212,995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 Smart Manual             R 219,995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 Smart Automatic         R 233,995

All Picanto models ship as standard with Kia’s Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a 2-year / 30 000 km service plan.