Still awesome is the enhanced KIA Picanto

IT has been four years since KIA’s second-generation Picanto made its debut at Geneva. Now the enhanced new KIA Picanto has arrived in South Africa.
While the two-model Picanto line-up remains unchanged, enhancements to the exterior endow it with a sharper, more prominent face thanks to a restyled front bumper and a revised ‘tiger nose’ grille.
The Picanto’s lamps, positioned centrally within the housing, now function as DRLs (daytime running lights) and not as switchable fog lamps when the vehicle is switched on, the lamps automatically illuminate. When the headlamps is switched on, the daytime running lights go off.
The Picanto’s strongly-sculpted, dynamic side profile and uncluttered rear styling remains largely unchanged, bar for a slightly revised rear bumper that now incorporates a matte black lower edge that rises up at the sides to house revised rear fog lamps. The 1.0 LX has 14-inch steel wheels with full wheel covers, while the 1.2 EX features sporty 15-inch alloys.
Inside, the Picanto is very subtly tweaked with changes limited to a more modern fascia surrounding the Picanto’s audio system.

Standard features available on both models include:
• Manual air-conditioning
• Retractable dual cup holders
• Sun visors with vanity mirrors
• AUX/iPod/USB connections for the radio and CD player with MP3
• Steering wheel mounted controls
• Hands-free Bluetooth connectivity.
The Picanto’s radio system now also features RDS.
The 1.0 LX and 1.2 EX comes with driver and passenger airbags. The ABS anti-lock braking is standard on the 1.2 EX, as is an ESS (Emergency Stop Signal) system.
Sensors detect when the driver is braking suddenly and hard, and then flash the brake lights three times to alert motorists behind you that the car is slowing rapidly. All models comes standard with ISOFIX child seat anchors.
The KIA Picanto’s engine line-up remains unchanged, with two of KIA Motor Corporation’s efficient Kappa engines powering the Picanto. A three-cylinder, 998 cc unit producing 51kW and 94Nm of torque features in the 1.0 LX. A four-cylinder, 1248 cc engine is utilized in the range-topping 1.2 EX, producing 65kW and 120Nm of torque.
Pricing and warranty:
• In manual guise, the Picanto 1.0 LX retails for R136 995, and the range-topping 1.2 EX for R149 995. Automatic transmission is available on both derivatives for an additional R12 000
• All derivatives comes standard with a five-year or 150 000km warranty. A two-year or 45 000km optional service plan is also available.