Publications
Partners
The first-generation Kia Picanto came to market in 2003. And over the next 17 years, established itself as a reckoned contender in a highly contested segment. The current, third-generation Picanto came to market in 2017, but now the automaker has given the little city car a facelift for the next phase of its production run.
The changes are not only cosmetic, but technical too.
Stephen Crosse, sales director for Kia Motors South Africa, says: "The current Picanto has been a great success for the Kia brand ever since it launched locally in 2017. A consistent achiever in the sales charts, it’s also been recognised by industry experts and members of the press as one of the best cars you can buy in the entry-level A-segment. We are very excited about the revisions made to the line-up for the 2020 model year.”
Along with the KIA Sportage, the Picanto remains one of Kia’s most popular models globally, and in South Africa.
Image: MotorPress
Revising the range
The Picanto range now consists of three specification trims, all fitted wither either a 1.0-litre or 1.25-litre petrol engine. The Start models are fitted with the 1.0-litre engine that produces 49kW and 96Nm. This engine is mated with either a five-speed manual gearbox or a four-speed automatic.
Continuing with the Start, ABS and two airbags are now standard features, as well as power steering, and a radio that’s Bluetooth, USB, and AUX compatible. Kia retained the 13-inch steel wheels on the car.
The Street models include both engines, as well as both gearbox options on the Start. The 1.25-litre engine delivers 61kW and 122Nm. This specification model also features electric windows, audio controls on the steering wheel, and Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.
Crosse adds: “Affordability does not have to equate to a compromise on convenience features. With its added features, most notably the upgraded infotainment system, the Picanto Street now offers budget-conscious customers an even more complete option.”
Image: MotorPress
The Smart choice
Kiasays that, through its customer surveys, it’s adjusted the top-of-the-range Smart models to cater to the needs of its buyer. As such, an eight-inch colour screen is now standard (the same as the Street models), as well as a sunroof.
Park distance control and a reverse camera have been omitted for the 2020 model year, but is available through Kia Accessories.
Only available with the 1.25-litre petrol engine, the Kia Picanto Smart is fitted with a raft of options to truly make it stand out.
Crosse further notes: “The Picanto Smart has always punched above its weight with its high levels of standard features. Customers who have purchased the Smart absolutely adore their cars, but have also given us insightful feedback on what is really needed, and what is not. This feedback is crucial to our product planning process.”
Image: MotorPress
2020 Kia Picanto Pricing:
• Kia Picanto 1.0 START Manual - R167 995
• Kia Picanto 1.0 START Automatic - R181 995
• Kia Picanto 1.0 STREET Manual - R179 995
• Kia Picanto 1.0 STREET Automatic - R193 995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 STREET Manual - R188 995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 STREET Automatic - R202 995
• Kia Picanto 1.0 STYLE Manual - R189 995
• Kia Picanto 1.0 STYLE Automatic - R203 995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 STYLE Manual - R198 995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 STYLE Automatic - R212 995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 SMART Manual - R219 995
• Kia Picanto 1.2 SMART Automatic - R233 995
All Picanto models ship as standard with Kia’s industry-leading Unlimited km, five-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a two-year or 30 000km service plan. The 2020 KIA Picanto range is on sale immediately.
Image: MotorPress
Compiled by: Charlen Raymond
