What’s new?

The introduction also sees the Picanto range repositioned in the A-segment. In line with its most recent model editions, the Start, Street and Style nomenclatures of the outgoing range fall away in favour of a standardised naming convention.

Exterior:

At the front, the new Picanto gains a new light signature, a new front bumper, an updated iteration of Kia’s signature ‘tiger nose’ grille and a revised fender and bonnet.

At the rear, its sporty, wide stance is reiterated through redesigned taillights that are horizontally connected just beneath the rear windscreen, giving Picanto a new rear light signature that complements the redesigned rear bumper.

Interior:

Inside, Picanto retains its high-quality, high-tech interior, with the familiar horizontal layout adding greater visual width to the interior. The centrally aligned dashboard retains the ‘floating’ 8-inch colour touchscreen as its main focal point, ensuring that many of the car’s controls are intuitively positioned to reduce instances of distracted driving.

Engines:

The new Kia Picanto retains the familiar 1-litre and 1.2-litre petrol engines. The 1.0 MPI three-cylinder engine produces 49 kW and 95 Nm torque, while the four-cylinder 1.25-litre engine develops 62 kW and 122 Nm of torque. Customers have a choice between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

The range:

• LX:

The new Picanto LX takes all the best features of the outgoing Picanto Start and Picanto Street to create a new high-value model as entry point to the Picanto range.

LX models come standard with body-coloured bumpers and trim for the electrically adjustable, heated side mirrors. Remote central locking is a standard inclusion, along with an alarm and immobiliser, as is keyless entry. Inside, black cloth upholstery is standard, with height adjustment for the driver’s seat.

Electric windows are offered all-round. Manual air-conditioning is standard. An 8-inch touchscreen infotainment system takes pride of place on the dashboard and incorporates a reverse camera.

The infotainment system includes Bluetooth connectivity with voice recognition, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, with steering-wheel mounted controls. Four speakers are standard, as is a USB port in the front.

• EX:

The mid-tier Picanto EX replaces the outgoing Picanto Style model. Exterior enhancements are limited to the standard inclusion of new 14-inch alloy wheels and side repeater lamps that are incorporated into the electric folding side mirrors.

Inside, a storage box is added between the two front seats, while the rear seats gain a rear occupant alert function. Drivers also gain the benefit of an upgraded 4.2-inch Supervision TFT cluster and automatic light control, with two additional tweeter speakers included as well. From a safety perspective, Picanto EX models also gain ESC (Electronic Stability Control) and HAC (Hill-start Assist Control).

• EX Plus:

The X-Line derivative has been discontinued in favour of the sportier GT-Line derivative, after much research and feasibility studies for the local market.

Instead, Kia has introduced a new range-topping derivative in the Picanto line-up in the form of an EX Plus. The EX Plus retains all the features available in the Picanto EX and gains a Smart Key with push-button start/stop, automatic climate control and park distance warning sensors at the rear. On the outside, the EX Plus model gains LED rear lights and 15-inch alloy wheels.

Prices:

LX Manual (R260 995), 1.0 LX Auto (R278 995), 1.2 EX Manual (R284 995), 1.2 EX Auto (R302 995), 1.2 EX Plus (R307 995) and the 1.2 EX Plus Auto (R325 995).