In line with global trends, Kia has added a crossover to its Picanto spread, the X-Line joining as the whole range benefits from a mid-life refresh.
“The Picanto is a mainstay in the Kia product-line up,” says Stephen Crosse, Sales Director, Kia South Africa. “The introduction of the new X-Line derivative sees Picanto gain an adventurous spirit perfect for those who believe in seizing the day and sharing experiences beyond their daily lives. It’s the perfect car for here, there and anywhere.”
The new Picanto X-Line features a series of design details that make it stand out from its siblings. At the front, a redesigned radiator grille – a new interpretation of Kia’s well-known ‘tiger nose’ – and aggressive front bumper gives the X-Line a sporty stance, augmented by its LED headlights.
At the rear, a completely redesigned rear bumper completes the picture, with faux skid-plate detailing and full LED rear lights. Crossover-inspired cladding, mud guards and 15-inch alloy wheels gives X-Line a true ‘Go There’ stance.
Customers have a choice of 10 exterior colours, including a new shade of Astro Grey. An optional sunroof is available on special order.
Replacing the SMART derivative in the Picanto range, X-Line features two-tone artificial leather upholstery and a new 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, allowing for screen mirroring services such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.
Apart from the Picanto X-Line, Kia has also introduced subtle revisions to the remainder of the Picanto range. While there are no exterior design updates, the range specification has been revisited in order to ensure that customers get the value for money that Kia is renowned for.
Feature highlights 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, to name but a few. The Picanto START retains its 13-inch steel wheels with stylish wheel covers.
On STREET models, the most notable update is the addition of the 8-inch infotainment system with integrated rear-view camera. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
The Picanto STYLE now has new alloy wheels.
Kia’s 1.0 MPI and 1.25 MPI engines remain on duty in the Picanto range, with the new X-Line derivative only offered with the 1,25-litre engine. The 1.0 MPI three-cylinder engine produces 49 kW at 5 500 r/min and 96 Nm torque, while the four-cylinder 1,25-litre engine develops 61 kW of power and 122 Nm of torque. Customers have a choice between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.
The Picanto remains the safest A-segment vehicle Kia 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 the Picanto’s expertly engineered safety shell makes it one of the safest cars you can buy in its segment,” comments Stephen Crosse. “With ABS, ISOFIX, Datadot and dual front crash bags across the range, Picanto offers superb safety standards.”
Pricing
Model Price incl. VAT
| Picanto 1.0 Manual START | R187 995 |
| Picanto 1.0 Automatic START | R201 995 |
| Picanto 1.0 Manual STREET | R201 995 |
| Picanto 1.0 Automatic STREET | R215 995 |
| Picanto 1.0 Manual STREET | R211 995 |
| Picanto 1.0 Automatic STYLE | R225 995 |
| Picanto 1.2 Manual STYLE | R210 995 |
| Picanto 1.2 Automatic STYLE | R224 995 |
| Picanto 1.2 Manual STYLE | R220 995 |
| Picanto 1.2 Automatic STYLE | R234 995 |
| Picanto 1.2 Manual X-Line | R237 995 |
| Picanto 1.2 Automatic X-Line | R251 995 |
| Picanto 1.0 Manual Runner | R207 995 |
All Picanto models ship as standard with Kia’s Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid 2-year / 30 000km service plan.
