Popular Picanto revised for 2020
The third-generation Picanto made its debut in July 2017 and is one of Kia’s most popular models locally. Kia has made some revisions to the small hatchback for the 2020 model year.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/49/2020/01/2020-KIA-Picanto-START_004.jpg)
The most notable revisions to the entry-level, START, derivative comes in the form of a front passenger airbag and an Anti-Lock Braking System. The safety additions complement the standard driver-side airbag, ISOFIX child seat anchors and Advanced High-strength Steel body-shell. With the 67m of joins throughout the body, reinforced with structural adhesives, the new Picanto’s torsional stiffness is improved by 32% when compared to its predecessor. In addition to the safety features, owners can expect; power steering, an adjustable steering column, manual air-conditioning, as well as a radio with RDS and MP3 capability, Aux and USB connector jacks, Bluetooth connectivity and two speakers as standard. Driving the 13-inch steel wheels fitted with wheel covers is Kia’s 1.0-litre MPI motor mated to either a five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission producing 49 kW and 96 N.m of torque.
Next in the line-up is the STREET derivative which now sees the addition of an 8.0-inch colour touch screen infotainment system. The new system is compatible with both Apple CarPlay and Andriod Auto. Retaining the steering wheel-mounted audio remote controls, remote central locking with an alarm and immobilizer, as well as driver’s seat height adjustment as standard on the STREET it does now also feature electric windows front and rear, as well as electric heated side mirrors and newly-designed plastic wheel covers for the 14-inch wheels. The STREET models are powered by the same 49 kW, 1.0-litre MPI engine as the Picanto START but can be specified with Kia’s 1.25-litre MPI engine producing 61 kW and 122 N.m of torque. The 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre STREET models are now also available with a four-speed automatic transmission in addition to the five-speed manual found on previous models.
A step up from the STREET is the STYLE models which features all the safety and convenience features of the aforementioned. The driver is treated to a leather-clad three-spoke steering wheel with audio remote controls and a leather-clad gear shifter. On the exterior, you will find the side mirrors fitted with integrated indicator lamps and electric folding capabilities. In all four corners, the STYLE is garnished with 14-inch alloy wheels. Last but certainly not least is the SMART derivative which comes with LED daytime running lights, alloy wheels and a full-leather interior. Listening to the feedback from its buyers, Kia has decided to focus on the infotainment system and has added a sunroof as standard and made the previously standard, park distance control and reverse camera, come as optional. The SMART derivative will only come fitted with the 61 kW, 122 N.m 1.2-litre MPI engine mated to either the five-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.
Warranty:
All Picanto models, which are available immediately, come standard with Kia’s five-year/unlimited-kilometre warranty which includes Roadside Assistance and a two-year / 30 000km service plan.
Pricing:
KIA Picanto 1.0 START Manual R 167 995
KIA Picanto 1.0 START Automatic R 181 995
KIA Picanto 1.0 STREET Manual R 179 995
KIA Picanto 1.0 STREET Automatic R 193 995
KIA Picanto 1.2 STREET Manual R 188 995
KIA Picanto 1.2 STREET Automatic R 202 995
KIA Picanto 1.0 STYLE Manual R 189 995
KIA Picanto 1.0 STYLE Automatic R 203 995
KIA Picanto 1.2 STYLE Manual R 198 995
KIA Picanto 1.2 STYLE Automatic R 212 995
KIA Picanto 1.2 SMART Manual R 219 995
KIA Picanto 1.2 SMART Automatic R 233 995