KIA is again setting the standard in the compact budget market with its all-new Picanto!
The third-generation Picanto is taking aim at its Korean counterpart, the Hyundai Grand i10, as well as the classy VW Up. However, it appears now as if the latest Picanto might just be the car to set the new standard in the competitive budget market.
With prices kicking off at R134 995 for the entry-level Start model, the Picanto even competes against budget busting entry-level vehicles such as the Renault Kwid en Suzuki Celerio.
The new Picanto makes quite a strong case for itself as the firm favourite as the top choice if you are in the market for a quality budget car.
The latest Picanto features sporty looks as well as a very impressive cabin and technology feature. There are four trim levels, two engine options and a choice between manual and automatic gearboxes as well.
On offer under the bonnet is Kia’s improved 1,0-litre and 1,25-litre naturally-aspirated petrol engines.
Kia claims that the new Picanto offers more interior space too, while the luggage bay has grown by 55 litres to 255 litres of space with a two-step boot floor which can be raised or lowered by 145mm to access additional space or to store items out of sight.
The rear seats can be folded down in a 60:40 configuration, increasing space to 1 010 litres!
In typical Kia fashion, you do get a lot of car for your money when you buy a Picanto. Even the base Start versions come with features such as air conditioning, a tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a radio with a radio data system and MP3-playing capability, as well as auxiliary, Bluetooth and USB connections, and two speakers.
Street models add electric front windows, steering wheel-mounted sound system controls, remote central locking with an alarm and immobiliser, as well as driver’s seat manual height adjustment.
The higher-up-the-range Style has front projection fog lamps, daytime running lights, automatic light control, a rear window wiper and front seatback pockets.
The range-topping Picanto Smart is indeed a smart option! It comes packed with features such as bi-function projection headlights, LED daytime running lights, LED rear combination lights and electrically-folding and heated side mirrors.
On the inside it features aluminum pedals, leather upholstery, a leather-upholstered steering wheel and gear knob, the seven-inch full colour infotainment system, Bluetooth with voice recognition and a rear park distance control system with an integrated reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.
All Picantos come with front airbags, while ABS is offered on all versions, except the entry-level offerings.
PRICING
* Picanto 1,0 Start manual – R134 995
* Picanto 1,0 Street manual – R149 995
* Picanto 1,0 Style manual – R159 995
* Picanto 1,0 Style automatic – R172 995
* Picanto 1,0 Smart manual – R179 995
* Picanto 1,2 Start manual – R150 995
* Picanto 1,2 Start automatic – R163 995
* Picanto 1,2 Street manual – R165 995
* Picanto 1,2 Style manual – R175 995
* Picanto 1,2 Style automatic – R188 995
* Picanto 1,2 Smart manual – R195 995
