ALL-NEW 2011 KIA PICANTO LAUNCHED

Kia Motors South Africa has launched the all-new Picanto sub-compact hatch. The car comes updated with the now signature “tiger nose” front grille that was introduced by the company’s Chief of Design Mr Peter Schreyer. Coming into a segment this busy would daunt any prospective entrant, yet there’s general consensus that Kia is pretty confident its car will do well. Very well actually.

At 3.6 metres in length, the new Picanto is 6cm longer than its predecessor, features a wheelbase that’s 15mm longer (good for better legroom), is 1.5m high and 1.5m wide. Total luggage space is now 200 litres (VDA). The new Picanto is manufactured exclusively at the company’s Seosan plant in South Korea, and imported into South Africa.

Three models are offered; a 1.0, a 1.0 LX and a 1.2 EX respectively. With 10 exterior colours available to choose from, including 2 which are solid and 8 that are metallic, choice is something potential Picanto buyers can look forward to. Other supplies they can relish include standard 14-inch wheels with different specs for different models, colour-coded bumpers, rear window heaters, rear fog lights, tilt-adjustable steering wheel, a CD/radio/MP3 player, auxiliary/USB port, air conditioning, keyless entry, a driver airbag and remote central locking. Higher-specced models also add things like front or both front and rear electric windows, steering wheel controls and ABS braking.

The two engines, a 1.0-litre and 1.2-litre are both DOHC types with dual CVVT technology. Both are driven by 5-speed manual or optional 4-speed automatic transmissions. The 1.0-litre is a 3-cylinder naturally aspirated motor pushing out 51kW at 6200rpm and 94Nm of torque at 3500rpm. Its C02 emissions are claimed at 117 g/km. A glance at the 1.2-litre specs reveals a 65kW power output and 120Nm of torque created at 4000rpm, while the average C02 figure is said to be 119 g/km. That means all three models are exempt from C02 tax.

Where will competition be arriving from? The list is long and mentions names such as Chevrolet Aveo, Suzuki Alto and Hyundai i10. With Kia experiencing growth in all areas, including Mzansi, sales figures should be robust and highly competitive.

Kia Picanto Pricing

1.0   manual (R99 995)

1.0   LX manual (R107 995)

1.0   automatic (R109 995)

1.2 EX manual (R114 995)

1.0 LX automatic (R117 995)

1.2 EX automatic (R124 995)