The Runner follows in the footsteps of similar top-selling city cars like the Toyota Conquest, Fiat Uno, Volkswagen City, Chevrolet Spark and the Hyundai i10.

Smaller than a traditional panel van, the Runner is not only an entry-level addition to the commercial vehicle range, but more importantly, an alternative to the bakkie-with-a-canopy of which only Nissan still is the king with the NP200.

The Runner’s cargo bay will typically see goods being carried like flowers, home-baked cakes, pharmacy delivery’s, parcels for small and local courier services to tools and equipment for a handyman, electrician and even groceries or takeaways.

A sturdy metal cargo divider is added to keep cargo in place while the rear windows are laminated to keep your load secure and out of sight. Depending on the need, the Runner can either be branded with contravision on the windows, or wrapped. The Picanto Runner offers approximately 820 litres of practical space, with a payload of up to 350 kg.

The Runner is fitted with the Start-model’s 1-litre in-line three-cylinder petrol engine with 49 kW and torque of 95 Nm mated to a five-speed manual transmission. Other equipment carried over from the Start to the Runner, includes two airbags, central locking and ABS brakes.

Convenience features include steering-wheel controls, air-conditioning, Bluetooth connectivity, with an AUX / USB connection, and a sound system.

The Runner is sold with the same unlimited kilometrage, five-year warranty like all other Kia’s, but also includes a 2-year/ 30 000 km service plan. In addition, the Runner is covered by Kia’s Corporate Fleet Care Package, designed specifically for ‘working’ vehicles. This includes access to the Kia 1-hour Express Service, courtesy vehicle rental and Premium Roadside Assistance, with minor mechanical assistance, emergency fuel delivery, flat tyre assistance, battery jump-start and towing, to name only a few.

The Kia Runner is priced at R198 995 (August 2020).