BMW iX3 crowned World Car of the Year 2026 as EVs lead the way
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
- Industry News
- 2 April 2026
Kia’s Picanto underwent a mid-life refreshment and in the process added a new range topper, called the Picanto X-Line, with distinct new crossover styling.
What’s new?
The current Picanto has been around for the last three years and just received a mild mid-life nip and tuck. Kia introduced subtle revisions to the rest of the Picanto range. While there are no exterior design updates, the range specification has been revisited.
Feature highlights across the START range include power steering, an adjustable steering column, manual air-conditioning, as well as a radio with MP3 capability, Aux and USB connector jacks, Bluetooth and two speakers. The START retains its 13-inch steel wheels with wheel covers.
On STREET models, the most notable update is the addition of the 8-inch infotainment system with an integrated rear-view camera. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.
The Picanto STYLE now boasts new alloy wheels.
The new Picanto X-Line features a series of bespoke design details. At the front, a redesigned radiator grille – a new interpretation of Kia’s ‘tiger nose’ – and an aggressive front bumper give the X-Line a sporty stance and LED headlights.
At the rear, a bespoke and 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 give the X-Line a ‘Go There’ stance.
X-Line replacing SMART-model:
The Picanto X-Line comes standard with all the creature comforts, replacing the SMART derivative in the Picanto range. The X-Line includes two-tone artificial leather upholstery and a new 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system. The system also incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.
Powertrain:
Kia’s 1.0 MPI and 1.25 MPI engines remain on duty in the Picanto range, with the new X-Line derivative only being offered with the 1.25-litre engine with four-cylinders, delivering 61 kW and 122 Nm with a choice between a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Pricing (February 2021):
1.0 Manual START (R187 995), 1.0 Automatic START (R201 995), 1.0 Manual STREET (R201 995), 1.0 Automatic STREET (R215 995), 1.0 Manual STREET (R211 995), 1.0 Automatic STYLE (R225 995), 1.2 Manual STYLE (R210 995), 1.2 Automatic STYLE (R224 995), 1.2 Manual STYLE (R220 995), 1.2 Automatic STYLE (R234 995), 1.2 Manual X-Line (R237 995), 1.2 Automatic X-Line (R251 995) and the 1.0 Manual Runner (R207 995).
Competitors:
Ford Figo and Figo Freestyle, Hyundai Grand i10, Mahindra KUV 100 Nxt, Peugeot 108, Renault Kwid, Toyota Agya en Toyota Aygo, Suzuki Swift, Suzuki Ignis and the Suzuki Celerio.
The BMW iX3 has been named World Car of the Year 2026, with the announcement made at the New York International Auto Show on 1 April.
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