Kia’s A-segment contender, the Picanto, has been refreshed just three years after introduction. Revisions to the exterior include a slightly enhanced version of the brand’s ‘tiger nose’ grille and a restyled front bumper.
The new grille is slightly larger and features a silver painted bezel surrounded by beveled edge, while the signature ‘tiger nose’ on the range-topping EX model also features a red border to separate the bezel from the black mesh grille.
A revised front bumper incorporates a smaller kidney grille separated from the lower air intake, which is now narrower and positioned lower. The foglamps are larger, as are the integrated foglamp housings. The remainder of the Picanto’s styling remains unchanged.
Unchanged engine line-up
The Kia Picanto’s engine line-up also remains unchanged. Buyers can choose between the three-cylinder, 1,0-litre unit (51 kW/94 N.m of torque) in the 1,0 X or a four-cylinder, 1,2-litre (65 kW/120 N.m) as employed the range-topping 1,2 EX. Both engines are mated to a five-speed manual gearbox as standard, but a four-speed automatic transmission is available as an option.
Features aplenty
Features available on both models include manual air-conditioning, an under-floor trunk storage box, retractable dual cup holders as well as Aux/iPod/USB connections for the radio CD player with MP3 compatibility; the EX also sports steering wheel mounted controls and hands-free Bluetooth®.
Both models boast dual front airbags. Anti-lock braking is standard on the 1,2 EX. All models ship as standard with ISOFIX child seat anchorage points.
Pricing
Picanto 1.0 LX R130 995
Picanto 1,0 LX AT R142 995
Picanto 1.2 EX R140 995
Picanto 1.2 EX AT R152 995
All derivatives come with a five-year/150 000 km warranty as standard. A two-year/45 000 km service plan is also available as an optional extra.