A face-lifted version of the popular Kia Picanto will make its début in Barcelona next month and should arrive in South Africa in time for spring! What’s more, the baby Kia will pave the way for the local launch of its bigger brother, the Cee’d, a month later…
Although the upgrades will be primarily of an aesthetic nature, the peppy Kia incorporates design cues of the Cee’d subcompact – an eagerly-awaited model that will be built in Europe and was conceived with the continental market in mind. Furthermore, the Korean manufacturer also plans to expand global sales of the Picanto to 90 000 units annually over the next few years.
The 2007 Picanto retains its predecessor’s wheelbase, but is 40 mm longer (an overall length of 3 535 mm), by virtue of an extended, rounded nose and deeper, larger rear bumper. All-new panels are used for the bonnet, front wings, and both bumpers.
An all-new front end sports much more rounded headlamps than the current car, and a grille lifted from the Cee ’d. At the rear the light clusters have been given rounded surfaces.
The biggest changes are inside, however, where the car gets a significantly upgraded dash, using the Cee’d’s instruments and switchgear, and a new steering wheel, reports claim.
According to Kia Motor spokesperson Michaela Pazdera, the new Picanto will be available from September, although the range’s 1,0-litre engine and specifications will remain the same.
“Supply of the current-generation vehicle should be run out by September, but if there is stock left by then dealers will probably offer special deals to clear the older models,” Pazdera told CARtoday.com.
“We hope to that the Cee’d subcompact will be ready for launch the following month,” she added. “We believe that model will stand a great chance of being named the next South African Car of the Year”.
