The Kia Picanto is back with a new look. The popular hatchback has undergone a subtle mid-life refresh with the brand inviting motorists to ‘Get In’ and ‘Go There’. With this new refresh, Kia South Africa also introduces the all-new Picanto X-Line with modern and distinctive crossover styling. Kia says with unique detailing and high-tech features the X-Line the ideal companion for motorists to go here, there and anywhere.

For many years the zippy little Picanto has been recognised as one of the best cars you can buy in the entry-level A-segment. Now, The introduction of the new X-Line derivative sees the much-loved Picanto gain an adventurous spirit. The new line is ideal for those who believe in seizing the day and sharing experiences beyond everyday life. While ideal for the everyday commute, this new derivative of the Picanto is sure to excite drivers on a budget who still want to get out and explore on the weekends.

From the city to the open road

With its crossover styling, high-tech features and ‘Go There’ attitude, the new X-Line brings a fresh spirit of adventure to the compact segment.

According to Kia South Africa, the new Picanto X-Line features a series of bespoke design details that make it stand out from its siblings. At the front, a redesigned radiator grille – a new interpretation of Kia’s well-known ‘tiger nose’ – and aggressive front bumper gives the X-Line a sporty stance, perfectly augmented by its eye-catching LED headlights.

At the rear, a completely redesigned rear bumper completes the picture, with faux skid-plate detailing and full LED rear lights ensuring it looks the part from all angles. Crossover-inspired cladding, mudguards and 15-inch alloy wheels give X-Line a true adventurous spirit. for this new line, customers have a choice of 10 exterior colours, including a new shade of Astro Grey. An optional sunroof is also available on special order.

All the creature comforts

Of course, you don’t just want your car to look the part, it’s also got to have those little creature comforts that make driving or being a passenger a true pleasure. The X-Line features a vast array of specification and features, including two-tone artificial leather upholstery and a new 8-inch colour touchscreen infotainment system, allowing for the safety and convenience of screen mirroring services such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The system also incorporates a reverse camera with dynamic guidelines.

Shaking things up

Apart from the Picanto X-Line, Kia has also introduced subtle revisions to the remainder of the Picanto range. While there are no exterior design updates, Kia says the range specification has been revisited in order to ensure that customers get value for money.

Feature highlights across the Picanto START range include power steering, an adjustable steering column, manual air-conditioning, as well as a radio with RDS and MP3 capability, Aux and USB connector jacks, Bluetooth connectivity and two speakers, to name but a few. The Picanto START retains its 13-inch steel wheels with stylish wheel covers.

On Picanto  STREET models, the most notable update is the addition of the 8-inch infotainment system with an integrated rear-view camera. This includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto functionality.

The Picanto STYLE now has new alloy wheels that add to its value proposition which already includes automatic headlamps, electric folding mirrors, leather-wrapped steering wheel and gearshift.

Kia’sfuel-efficient 1.0 MPI and 1.25 MPI engines remain on duty in the Picanto range, with the new X-Line derivative only offered with the 1.25-litre engine. Customers have a choice between a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission.

Safety first

On the safety front, drivers will be pleased to know that the Picanto line-up comes up ABS, ISOFIX, Datadot and dual front airbags across the range. Plus, with 44% of its bodyshell cast in Advanced High-strength Steel (AHSS), the Picanto retains its reputation for being one of the safest A-segment vehicles Kia has ever built.

Pricing

The 2021 KIA Picanto range is now available in South Africa. The new Picanto line-up starts off at a price of R187 995 for the Kia Picanto 1.0 Manual START; R201 995 for the Picanto 1.0 Manual STREET; R225 995 for the Picanto 1.0 Automatic STYLE; and R237 995 for the Picanto 1.2 Manual X-Line.

All Picanto models ship as standard with KIA’s Unlimited Kilometre, 5-year warranty (inclusive of Roadside Assistance), as well as a prepaid 2-year / 30,000km service plan.

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