Kia has unveiled the refreshed version of its popular compact city car, the Kia Picanto. With a new design inspired by Kia’s “Opposite United” design philosophy, the latest iteration of the Picanto boasts a modern and sporty appearance. Along with exterior updates, the interior features minor enhancements and improved materials. The facelifted Picanto also comes equipped with advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and updated safety features. Let’s delve into the details of this refreshed model.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Exterior styling | New front and rear design inspired by Kia’s “Opposite United” philosophy |
| Interior updates | Minor visual changes, improved materials, and additional standard features |
| Infotainment system | 8″ screen with updated software, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and Kia Connect |
| Safety features | Enhanced ADAS features, including Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist, Blind Spot Monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, and more |
| Engine options | 1.0L MPI three-cylinder and 1.2L MPI four-cylinder engines |
| Transmission | 5-speed manual and 5-speed automatic options |
| Suspension and handling | Improved MacPherson strut suspension, fine-tuned steering system |
| Safety enhancements | Structural improvements, ADAS features, stability control, and more |
| Future direction | Transition towards electrified models, potential discontinuation of conventional gasoline engine version |
| Expected availability and pricing | Launching soon in Korea, Australia, and Europe, with a base price of around $20,000 |
Design Upgrades:
The new Kia Picanto showcases a striking exterior makeover. It features a redesigned front end, including a new tiger-nose grille, vertically stacked headlights with LED daytime running lights (DRLs), and a refreshed bumper. The rear of the vehicle boasts a new lighting LED with a light bar across the width. The side profile remains largely unchanged, with the inclusion of 14-inch steel wheels as standard, while higher trims offer larger alloy wheels up to 16 inches.
Interior Enhancements:
While the interior design remains largely unchanged, Kia has made subtle updates and improvements. The materials have been upgraded, promising improved quality and a more premium feel. The Picanto now comes with an 8-inch infotainment screen featuring updated software. Lower trim levels will have smaller screen sizes. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are available, and Kia Connect offers onboard services such as live traffic, weather updates, and vehicle diagnostics.
Safety Features and ADAS:
The facelifted Picanto incorporates advanced safety features and ADAS to ensure a secure driving experience. It includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist with detection capabilities for vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Other safety features comprise blind spot monitoring, Lane Keep Assist, driver attention warning, and Lane Following Assist. Additionally, the Picanto now features improved autonomous braking, intersection detection, navigation-based adaptive cruise control, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, and Emergency Stop Signal. The vehicle’s structural integrity and stiffness have also been enhanced to provide increased safety.
Engine Options and Performance:
The updated Picanto offers two engine options: a 1.0L MPI three-cylinder engine and a 1.2L MPI four-cylinder engine. While power figures have not been revealed, expected outputs are around 66hp for the 1.0L engine and 83hp for the 1.2L variant. Transmission choices include a 5-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic. Notably, the previous 1.0L Turbo GDI engine is no longer available in the facelifted model. Kia has optimized the suspension and steering system for improved driving dynamics, enhancing Picanto’s sporty characteristics.
Future Plans:
Although the refreshed Picanto might not be available in Pakistan immediately, it signifies an important transition for Kia. As part of the brand’s restructuring efforts, Kia plans to introduce 15 new electrified models within the next 3 to 4 years. Consequently, the Picanto’s eventual replacement will likely feature an electrified powertrain. Pricing details for the facelifted Picanto have yet to be announced, but the base price is expected to be around $20,000/-.
