Kia has launched a new city-slicking delivery version of its entry-level Kia Picanto Start, named the Runner.
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).
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I have bad reflexes. I was once run over by a car being pushed by two guys
Woody Allen
Range anxiety remains one of the main concerns for motorists considering a switch to electrified vehicles, particularly in markets where charging infrastructure is still developing. iCAUR believes its new V27 SUV offers an alternative by combining electric driving capability with extended driving range through a range-extender powertrain.
GWM has expanded its P300 line-up with the introduction of the P300 2.0T Pioneer Hi4-T PHEV, marking the arrival of the first electrified version of the bakkie range.
As a relatively new player in South Africa's motoring industry, LDV is often assumed to stand for "Light Delivery Vehicles". The acronym actually originates from Leyland DAF Vans, a heritage that dates to the founding of Leyland Motors in the UK in 1896. The brand is now part of the SAIC Motor Group, one of the world's largest automotive manufacturers.
