The All New Kia Picanto: Discover the Perfect Blend of Style, Performance, and Affordability

Introducing the All-New Kia Picanto: A Fresh Perspective on a City Car

In the ever-changing world of automobiles, the Kia Picanto shines as a testament to the brand’s dedication to innovation and staying true to its roots. Today, we delve into the latest version of this beloved city car, showcasing its fresh features, updated design, and overall value. Join us as we take a closer look at the compact yet affordable Kia Picanto, highlighting all the elements that set it apart. But before we delve into the details, make sure to subscribe to our channel for more car reveals and reviews, and visit whatco.com for incredible deals on your next vehicle.

Background and Evolution of the Kia Picanto

The Kia Picanto, a popular city car, has been a consistent performer in the UK market since its initial launch in 2003, with nearly 250,000 units sold to date. Following the first-generation Picanto, Kia introduced a second-generation model in 2011 and a third-generation version in 2017. Although the third-gen model received minor updates in 2020, the latest iteration represents a significant overhaul.

Design Changes and Exterior Features

The most notable change in the new Kia Picanto lies in its exterior design. With a fresh and modern appearance, it now shares similarities with other popular Kia models like the Nero and Sportage, albeit in a more compact form. The front end boasts a redesigned bumper, new headlights, and a stylish central light bar exclusive to GT line models. Additionally, the introduction of new alloy wheel designs, including 14-inch and two 16-inch options, further enhances the car’s aesthetics.

At the rear, every Kia Picanto features a redesigned light bar, ensuring a cohesive and eye-catching appearance. Notably, this distinctive feature is now available across all trim levels. The rear badges have also been repositioned, adding a subtle touch of refinement. To complete the picture, Kia offers a range of nine vibrant paint colors, including four new additions: a striking red, two shades of blue, and an adventurous green.

Interior Upgrades and Features

While the interior of the new Kia Picanto retains its familiar charm, several noteworthy changes contribute to an enhanced driving experience. Standard across all models is the inclusion of a digital driver display, providing vital information in a clear and concise manner. Additionally, an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system now graces every Picanto, ensuring seamless connectivity and ease of use. Unlike its predecessor, even lower trim levels now offer this feature, underscoring Kia’s commitment to customer satisfaction.

The infotainment system supports Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, allowing users to integrate their smartphones for a more streamlined driving experience. It’s important to note that the connection is wired and not wireless, requiring a USB-A or USB-C connection. Although the lack of wireless connectivity may be seen as a downside, the system’s responsiveness and user-friendly interface make up for it.

Notable interior options include an optional sunroof for European models, offering an open-air driving experience. Furthermore, for those seeking a touch of personalization, Kia offers new interior color packs, such as a vibrant green and a bold brown. Opting for these color packs also grants access to artificial leather seats, providing a premium feel without sacrificing comfort.

Space and Practicality

While the interior dimensions remain unchanged, the Kia Picanto excels in providing ample space within its compact footprint. The rear seats, despite the car’s small size, offer impressive headroom, comfortably accommodating individuals up to six feet tall. Legroom is slightly more limited but still adequate for most adults. A thoughtful feature carried over from the previous model is the seat belt holder, preventing rattling and ensuring a clutter-free experience when folding down the rear seats to expand the boot space.

Speaking of the boot, its dimensions remain consistent with the previous version, offering practicality without compromising the overall design. Opting for the five-seat Picanto provides a height-adjustable boot floor as standard, delivering a versatile storage solution. In its highest setting, the boot floor provides ample upper storage space and generous underfloor storage. However, lowering the boot floor to its lowest position maximizes the loading capacity, although this creates a noticeable loading lip for four-seat versions of the car.

Engine Options and Performance

One significant change in the new Kia Picanto is the discontinuation of the one-liter turbocharged engine option. Instead, customers can choose between two engines. The first is a one-liter three-cylinder MPI engine, which offers modest power and was available in previous Picanto models. Though not particularly swift, this engine delivers satisfactory performance for city driving, reaching 0-60 mph in 14.9 seconds, based on testing.

The second engine option is the reintroduced 1.2-liter MPI engine, which provides improved power output compared to the previous one-liter MPI engine. While exact performance and fuel economy details are yet to be confirmed, Kia assures potential buyers of enhanced efficiency and driving dynamics.

Both engine options come with a choice between a five-speed manual gearbox and an automated manual transmission (AMT). The AMT offers the convenience of an automatic transmission while retaining the mechanical setup of a manual transmission, thanks to a robotic clutch and gear selection system.

Trim Levels and Safety Features

Although the official trim lineup has yet to be confirmed, it is likely that the new Picanto will offer a range of trims, including the GT line and GT line S, along with two or three additional options. The entry-level 1 trim, previously available, is expected to be discontinued. The interior already boasts impressive features, but Kia plans to introduce new safety equipment, ensuring the utmost protection for occupants. While specific details about the safety kit for UK models are yet to be revealed, buyers can anticipate a host of advanced safety features.

The Evolving Landscape for City Cars

The city car segment has experienced significant changes in recent years, with many manufacturers discontinuing their offerings due to profitability challenges and increasing production costs. Factors like electrification requirements and stricter safety regulations have further contributed to the decline of small and affordable cars. However, the Kia Picanto stands as a resilient contender in this evolving landscape, defying the shrinking market.

Future Prospects and Pricing

Despite the challenges faced by the city car segment, the Kia Picanto remains a promising option for budget-conscious buyers. With no immediate plans for a fully electric Picanto, Kia is expected to introduce a brand-new electric city car as a separate model, eventually replacing the current Picanto. Pricing details for the new Picanto are yet to be confirmed, but a slight price increase of three to five percent across the lineup is anticipated. Starting at around £14,000, the Picanto remains one of the most affordable new cars on the market. Furthermore, Kia’s renowned seven-year warranty adds extra value and peace of mind to potential buyers.

Conclusion

The all-new Kia Picanto embodies the brand’s commitment to providing practicality, style, and affordability in a compact package. With its refreshed design, upgraded features, and reliable performance, the Picanto continues to serve as a testament to Kia’s unwavering dedication to meeting the needs of modern car enthusiasts. Despite the challenges faced by the city car segment, the Picanto remains a steadfast option for those seeking an efficient, stylish, and cost-effective urban mobility solution.

FAQs

What is the Kia Picanto?

The Kia Picanto is a popular city car, known for its compact size, affordability, and practicality. It is designed to offer efficient urban mobility and caters to individuals seeking a reliable and budget-friendly vehicle.

What are the main changes in the latest Kia Picanto?

The latest version of the Kia Picanto features several updates. These include a redesigned exterior with new headlights, bumpers, and alloy wheel options. The interior now offers a digital driver display and an eight-inch touchscreen infotainment system as standard. Additionally, there are new interior color packs and safety features.

Is the new Kia Picanto fuel-efficient?

Kia has made improvements to the engines in the new Picanto to enhance both performance and fuel economy. While specific details regarding fuel efficiency are yet to be confirmed, customers can expect better mileage compared to the previous models.

What are the engine options available in the new Kia Picanto?

The new Kia Picanto offers two engine options. The first is a one-liter three-cylinder MPI engine, and the second is a 1.2-liter MPI engine. These engines have undergone tweaks to improve performance and fuel efficiency.

How much does the new Kia Picanto cost?

Pricing details for the new Kia Picanto have not been officially confirmed. However, it is expected that the starting price will be around £14,000. Kia aims to maintain its position as one of the most affordable options in the market.

What is the boot space like in the new Kia Picanto?

The boot space in the new Kia Picanto remains similar to the previous model. Opting for the five-seat version provides a height-adjustable boot floor, allowing for flexible storage configurations. However, the four-seat versions have a larger loading lip, impacting overall loading capacity.

What are the competitors for the Kia Picanto?

The city car segment has seen a decline in recent years, resulting in fewer competitors for the Kia Picanto. However, some alternative options in the market include the Dacia Sandero and the Suzuki Ignis.

When will the new Kia Picanto be available?

The exact release date for the new Kia Picanto has not been confirmed. It is recommended to stay updated through official Kia channels or contact local Kia dealers for the most accurate information on availability.