Overview of the Kia Picanto
When it comes to compact, entry-level city cars, Suzuki stands out as a popular choice. However, there are also options available from other brands like Kia and Hyundai. Kia offers the Picanto, known as the Kia Morning in South Korea, which is the smallest model in their lineup. The first generation of the Picanto went into production in 2003. It has gained popularity as Kia’s A-segment city car and is especially favored by younger and first-time car buyers in certain global markets.
The Third Generation and Recent Facelift
The Picanto has achieved success in several European countries, leading to each generation benefiting from design input from Kia’s European design team. Currently, the third generation of Picanto has been in production globally since 2017. In 2020, the model received a facelift, and more recently, the same generation underwent another makeover to ensure its relevance despite being in production for nearly five years. In Pakistan, the Picanto name is not unfamiliar, as it has been available for sale locally since September 2019. Moreover, the generation available in Pakistan is not the latest one, as customers there are currently enjoying the second generation of the Picanto, which entered production in 2011. Although today’s blog may not have direct relevance to Pakistani readers, it will be an interesting read for current Picanto owners or followers of the Kia brand.
Exterior Design
The company aimed to add some excitement, evident from the refreshed exterior design. Kia has introduced their new design philosophy called “Opposite United” to this model. While the dimensions remain the same, the facelifted version showcases all-new front and rear features, drawing inspiration from their flagship EV9, a three-row electric SUV. Notable changes include a fresh tiger-nose grille, a vertically stacked headlight module with DRLs, a redesigned front bumper and grille, a brand-new hood, and updated front fenders.Similar to the front, the rear displays new LED lighting, featuring a light bar that stretches across the width. The rear hatch door/tailgate and bumper have also undergone slight redesigning. The side profile remains largely unchanged, but the base model comes with a standard 14-inch steel wheel, while higher trims offer 14 or 15-inch alloys, with the top-of-the-line GT version even offering 16-inch alloys.
Interior Features and Technology
While the exterior underwent significant changes, the interior of the vehicle received minor visual updates, maintaining its previous layout. Kia assures improved materials and a wider range of standard features. The infotainment system now includes an 8-inch screen with updated software, although lower trim levels may have a smaller screen size. Both Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available for seamless smartphone integration. Additionally, Kia Connect is an optional feature that offers onboard services such as live traffic updates, weather information, vehicle location tracking, onboard diagnostics, and health reports. The Kia Picanto now boasts an enhanced voice-guided navigation system capable of receiving over-the-air updates.
In terms of instrumentation, there is a digital 4.2-inch LCD instrument cluster displaying digital speed and tachometer readings (base models may have a traditional analog needle display). The HVAC controls remain unchanged. Base models feature fabric seating, while upper trims like the GT-Line offer artificial leather upholstery as part of Kia’s commitment to sustainability, aiming for reduced environmental impact and animal-free materials.
Higher trim levels provide additional convenience features such as a sunroof, heated seats, heated steering wheel, auto-folding side view mirrors, remote engine start, and a wireless charger.
Engine and Performance
In terms of mechanical aspects, the vehicle will offer two engine options: a 1.0L MPI three-cylinder engine and a 1.2L MPI four-cylinder engine. While specific power figures have not been disclosed, we can anticipate around 66hp for the 1.0L engine and approximately 83hp for the 1.2L variant. The transmission options will include a 5-speed manual and the choice of a 5-speed automatic. It’s worth noting that the Korean domestic model will be equipped with a 1.0L engine and a 4-speed automatic transmission.
Unfortunately, the 1.0L Turbo GDI engine featured in the pre-facelift model, which generated 99hp for the Picanto GT, will no longer be available. However, Kia assures that the Picanto will still deliver a sporty driving experience. The updated model incorporates an enhanced independent MacPherson strut suspension at the front and a torsion beam rear setup to maintain its sporty characteristics. The steering system has also been fine-tuned to provide improved driver response and agile handling.
Safety Features
The facelifted Picanto now boasts enhanced ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) safety features. These include Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with detection capabilities for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians, as well as Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, Driver Attention Warning, and Lane Following Assist. The Lane Following Assist utilizes a front camera to monitor road markings and helps keep the vehicle centered within the lane.
The autonomous braking system has been upgraded and now includes intersection detection, while the navigation-based adaptive cruise control adds another layer of convenience. The Picanto is also equipped with Rear Cross-Traffic Alert and an Emergency Stop Signal (ESS) feature. Additional safety equipment includes Vehicle Stability Control, Cornering Brake Control, Hill Start Assist, and a total of seven airbags. Kia has also improved the structural integrity and stiffness of the Picanto by incorporating additional hot stamping on the frontal subframe and the B-pillar.
Pricing and Future Plans
Unfortunately, the availability of this particular version of the Picanto in Pakistan may be delayed. Moreover, it is worth noting that this could potentially be the final iteration of the Picanto powered by a traditional gasoline engine. As part of Kia’s brand restructuring efforts, they have plans to introduce 15 new electrified models within the next 3 to 4 years, and the replacement for the Picanto will be one of them.
While Kia Global has not yet disclosed the pricing details for the refreshed Picanto, the vehicle will soon be available in Korea, Australia, and European markets, starting at an estimated base price of around $20,000/-.
Overall, it would be helpful to know more about your specific preferences and requirements in order to provide a more comprehensive assessment of the refreshed Picanto.
