Kia Picanto facelift for South Africa – new look and features
Kia Motors has revealed the updated look and features for its popular compact hatchback – the new 2024 Kia Pincato.
The new Picanto comes with the choice between a baseline and a GT Line version, promising “more standard features than ever before” and a new “modern and sporty design”.
The automaker also noted that the new hatchback would come with updated driver assistance systems to help make driving in busy cities easier and more comfortable.
Kia South Africa said the enhanced Kia Picanto would be available in South Africa in due course, as no official launch date is available at this time, and features or specifications applicable to the South African model will only be confirmed closer to its South African launch date.
Design
The new Picanto will feature a new front bumper, signature ‘tiger nose’, fender and bonnet, with redesigned rear lights and rear bumper.
The new light signature will include optional LED headlights and daytime running lights that “utilise the volume and core of the new rear bumper and new tailgate”.
Entry-level Picanto comes with 14-inch wheels as standard, with optional new 14-inch, 15-inch and 16-inch wheels, Kia said. In contrast, the GT Line will come with 16-inch diamond-cut wheels and a sporty GT Line rear diffuser.
Prospective buyers will also have the choice of up to ten colours for the exterior and interior finishes of the new Kia Picanto.
Features
The list of equipment has been updated for all versions of the Picanto, now featuring a 4.2-inch digital driver’s display and an 8-inch “floating” infotainment system. The system includes built-in navigation, voice recognition, support for Apple CarPlay and Android Auto, Bluetooth connectivity for two devices simultaneously, and the ability to receive software updates over the air.
The GT-Line model offers additional features, including keyless start, a sunroof, a leather multifunction steering wheel, automatic air conditioning, and heated front seats.
The latest Picanto model has incorporated several advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) such as lane-keeping and following assist, driver-attention warnings, leading-vehicle departure warning, intelligent speed limit assist, and forward, rear, and blind-spot collision-avoidance assist, based on the specific model.
Every vehicle comes equipped with essential safety features such as an emergency stop signal, hill-start assist control, vehicle stability management, cornering brake control, straight-line stability control, and up to six airbags.
Performance
The new Picanto is driven by the same engine options available in the current model, a 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre, naturally-aspirated petrol engine combined with a five-speed manual or automated manual transmission (AMT).
However, Kia noted it has made some adjustments to the engine configurations, including improved exhaust gas recirculation lines and optimized intake valve timing. Additionally, the engineers have implemented new improvements in the field of combustion chamber cooling which has resulted in even better performance compared to the previous model.
“The 1.0-litre engine is a good choice for customers who value efficiency above all, while the 1.2-litre engine is better for customers who want more power, especially for driving at high speeds or uphill,” said Kia.
Kia Picanto GT-Line
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