First Drive: #GetIn the all-new KIA Picanto

Since being revealed at the 2017 Geneva Motor Show, the arrival of the all-new KIA Picanto has been eagerly anticipated in South Africa.

 The third generation of the KIA Picanto was launched in SA this week. The all-new KIA Picanto’s new design was undertaken by Peter Schreyer, the chief stylist responsible for the original Audi TT. Schreyer has revolutionized KIA’s designs as can be seen in the lines and details of the new Picanto.

About the launch

We received a cold greeting from the mother city on Wednesday morning. After a good cup of coffee and croissants, we began our business. Addressing the media was the Marketing Director of KIA Motors South Africa, David Sieff.

The all-new Picanto has been designed for a young, energetic audience and made to be as efficient as possible for the city.

We took off from our hotel in the previous generation Picanto, a model that was launched in 2011. We drove to Philadelphia where we were then introduced to the all-new model.

A line of 1.2 SMART models, in all their striking new colours, awaited us. And with the theme of the launch being #GetIn, we were more than excited to do just that.

In making the all-new KIA Picanto ‘your own’. KIA is offering the all-new Picanto in 11 colours. Each trim will offer a different wheel – STYLE and SMART models get alloy wheels.

We jumped in and headed off to Franschhoek for lunch. Already from the get-go, you could tell the difference in the mechanical underpinnings. The third generation model has better handling and offers a stronger grip to the road. The cabin was also much more modern, stylish, and offers a good level of comfort.

After lunch, we then took the scenic route back into the city.

 Engine options

Under the bonnet, there is a choice of 2 naturally aspirated petrol-engines. The base model is fitted with a 1.0-litre three-cylinder MPI engine that produces 49 kW at 5 500 r/min and 96 Nm of torque. The second is a four-cylinder 1.25-litre MPI engine with an output of 61 kW and 122 Nm of torque. In horsepower that translates to 65 and 82 hp respectively and if you’re thinking that’s not a lot, let me assure you, on paper it ain’t. But this Picanto has enough of a punch for the city.

The Kwid puts out 50 kW, but feels really sluggish against the all-new Picanto.

If you require a little more kick from your car, and I know I would, there is a third option. There’s a new turbocharged 1.0-litre T-GDI engine available to overseas markets. However, there’s no confirmation as yet on whether this model will make it to South Africa. It is paired to a 5-speed manual gearbox and has a power output of 74 kW and 172 Nm of torque.

KIA Motors South Africa has not specified a 0-100 km/h sprint time or top speed. However, I have read that it can pull a time between 11.8 and 14 seconds, and manages a top speed of around 161 km/h.

If you’re looking to cut a Kwid or a VW Up! at the next robot, it’s not encouraged - but we know how South Africans drive. The Kwid pulls a time between 14 and 16 seconds. The Up! does a time between 10 and 14 seconds (wink, cough, nudge).

KIA has improved the steering on the Picanto to make it more precise for city driving. They have also increased stiffness by 12% while dropping 11 kg in weight.

KIA hasn’t provided any claimed fuel efficiency figures either. Nevertheless, on our drive, we averaged 6.1l/100km which was highway driving and a tad bit of city driving.

Inside the all-new KIA Picanto

As can be expected for a car in this segment, the plastics are hard. But not cheap-looking. The SMART had quite a stylish and practical setup in the cabin. Horizontal design accents along the dash emphasize its width.

Refinement has also been massively improved upon. New soundproofing panels have been placed beneath the dashboard and in the floor of the cabin. Expandable sound-absorbent foam has been placed in the lower sections of the A- and B-pillars.

All models have a radio/MP3 with Bluetooth functionality. The higher specced cars are fitted with a seven-inch touchscreen that looks ultra sleek. It also allows connectivity to both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay smartphones. Score! In addition, the top-end models also have an LCD-screen between the speed and rev counter gauges.

Boot space is now bigger. The all-new KIA Picanto boasts 25% more space than its previous model, taking it from 200 litres to 255 litres. It’s one litre less than the Hyundai Grand i10, making it able to compete with the practicality of B-segment vehicles too. With the back seats down there is total space of 1010 litres.

Trim

Kia has simple trim levels, labelled as the START, STREET, STYLE, and SMART.

Level variants differ in offers with Bluetooth, air-conditioning, leather-trim steering wheel and gear lever, alloy wheels, and more.

The KIA Picanto START is the entry level model. No compromise on quality has been made and it still offers a good level of standard spec. Some features to mention: manual air-conditioning, tilt-adjustable steering, a radio with RDS and MP3 capability, AUX and USB connector jacks, Bluetooth connectivity and two speakers.

Building on the START model, the KIA Picanto STREET has the addition of electric front windows and steering wheel-mounted audio remote controls. There is also remote central locking with an alarm and immobilizer, as well as driver’s seat height adjustment.

On a higher level, the KIA Picanto STYLE is fitted with front projection fog lamps, daytime running lights, automatic light control, a rear window wiper and front seat back pockets.

of the range Picanto SMART models also gain bi-function projection headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lights, electrically-folding, heated side mirrors with integrated LED indicator lamps, aluminium pedals, two-tone cloth and leather upholstery, a leather-upholstered steering wheel and gear knob, the 7-inch full colour infotainment system, Bluetooth with Voice Recognition and a Rear Park Distance Control system with integrated Reverse Camera with dynamic guidelines.

Top-end spec, KIA Picanto SMART models, will feature 14” alloy wheels and sportier elements. Elements such as aluminium pedals, two-tone cloth and leather upholstery. In addition, a Rear Park Distance Control system that includes a reversing camera with dynamic guidelines. A nice little touch is the heated seats and steering wheel, electrically folding side mirrors, and an electric sunroof. It is also fitted with bi-function projection headlights, LED daytime running lights, and LED rear combination lights.

Safety

 KIA Motors claims the new Picanto is the safest A-segment car KIA has ever made. It has been built with double proportions of Advanced High Strength Steel (AHSS) and a selection of active safety technologies. The outging model’s bodyshell contained 22% of AHSS, and now its 44%. This has improved tensile strength by 12%. This has also allowed the overall static torsional stiffness to be improved by 32%.

Furthermore, ABS (Anti-lock Braking System) is standard across the board except for the entry-level Picanto. The car also contains a driver and passenger airbag. ISOFIX child seat anchors are a standard feature across all models.

In essence, the all-new KIA Picanto is well-equipped and suitable for young buyers. It’s not only economical but a stylish little car that is good value. KIA is likely to sell cars in greater numbers if they continue on this path.

Pricing

 Picanto 1.0 START Manual                 R 134,995

Picanto 1.0 STREET Manual               R 149,995

Picanto 1.0 STYLE Manual                  R 159,995

Picanto 1.0 STYLE Auto                       R 172,995

Picanto 1.0 SMART Manual                R 179,995

 

Picanto 1.2 START Manual                 R 150,995

Picanto 1.2 START Auto                      R 163,995

Picanto 1.2 STREET Manual               R 165,995

Picanto 1.2 STYLE Manual                  R 175,995

Picanto 1.2 STYLE Auto                       R 188,995

Picanto 1.2 SMART Manual                R 195,995

The all-new KIA Picanto package is inclusive of KIA’s class-leading 5-year/Unlimited Kilometre Warranty, and a 3-year/Unlimited Kilometres Roadside Assistance, as standard.

For more info on each model, please visit http://www.kia.co.za/vehicles/picanto/build

Rivals:

 Renault Kwid

Hyundai i10

Chevrolet Spark

Datsun Go

VW Up!