The Kia Picanto was officially revealed at the beginning of 2017 with a 1,0-litre turbo-triple (that isn’t coming to SA at launch). Now, the new Picanto has officially arrived in South Africa and we have pricing.
With the all-new engine not yet available for our market, South Africa-bound Picanto models are instead powered by the same (nevertheless impressive) naturally aspirated 1,0-litre three-cylinder and 1,2-litre four-cylinder engines carried over from the previous range.
Somewhat peculiarly, both engines are a little bit down on power compared with previously. The 1,0-litre now delivers 49 kW, while the 1,2-litre has been dropped to 61 kW, from 65. Compensating for this adjustment is slightly more torque from both mills. The 1,0 now pushes 95 N.m of torque and the 1,2-litre is up to 122 N.m. In the end, both claimed 0-100 km/h times are unaffected.
Either engine can be paired with one of four different trim levels: Start, Street, Style and Smart. They are also available with a choice of either an automatic or manual transmission.
Start models feature manual air-conditioning, tilt-adjustable steering, a radio with RDS and MP3 capability, Aux and USB connector jacks, Bluetooth connectivity, two speakers and 13-inch steel wheels. Street variants add electric front windows, steering wheel-mounted audio remote controls, remote central locking with an alarm and immobiliser, as well as driver’s seat height adjustment and 14-inch steel wheels.
Style models furthermore gain front projection foglamps, daytime running lights, automatic headlamps, a rear window wiper, front seat back pockets and 14-inch alloy wheels. Top-of-the-range Smart variants add bi-function projection headlamps, LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lights, electrically folding heated side-mirrors (with integrated LED indicators), aluminium pedals, two-tone cloth and leather upholstery, a leather-upholstered steering wheel and gear knob, a centre armrest, a seven-inch full colour touchscreen, Bluetooth, rear parking sensor, a reversing camera and 15-inch alloys.
Pricing:
Kia Picanto 1,0 Start manual: R134 995
Kia Picanto 1,0 Street manual: R149 995
Kia Picanto 1,0 Style manual: R159 995
Kia Picanto 1,0 Style auto: R172 995
Kia Picanto 1,0 Smart manual: R179 995
Kia Picanto 1,2 Start manual: R150 995
Kia Picanto 1,2 Start auto: R163 995
Kia Picanto 1,2 Street manual: R165 995
Kia Picanto 1,2 Style manual: R175 995
Kia Picanto 1,2 Style auto: R188 995
Kia Picanto 1,2 Smart manual: R195 995
All models feature the brand’s five-year/unlimited km warranty.