The smallest model in Kia’s line-up has been substantially upgraded with a new range of safety systems and telematics technologies that you’ll normally see on more expensive models. The revised Picanto features lower CO2 emissions from its new ‘Smartstream’ powerplants and adopts bold styling updates, both inside and out.
The upgraded Picanto brings with it a suite of advanced safety technology from Kia’s larger cars, making it among the safest cars in its class. It also offers Kia’s new ‘Phase II’ UVO Connect telematics technologies, enhancing vehicle connectivity, with a new 8-inch touchscreen display now offered on grade ‘3’ models and above.
The ‘face’ of both the ‘GT-Line’ and ‘X-Line’ Picanto models has been revised to give each car a more purposeful design. This starts with the ‘tiger-nose’ grille, which features a new textured surround and open-link appearance. The chrome-effect surround forms a sweeping shape which extends into the lower part of the headlights, and gives the car a wider, more planted appearance. Each side of the ‘tiger-nose’ features a red highlight on ‘GT-Line’ models, or more technical black trim on ‘X-Line’ models to resemble air intakes.
Both versions of the car now feature redesigned headlights and four-bulb LED daytime running lights. At the rear, the car also features a new LED rear combination lamp design and a slimmer fog light design, creating a more recognisable rear light signature at the same time.
Each of the ‘GT-Line’ and ‘X-Line’ models feature refreshed front and rear bumper designs with sharper creases in the bodywork for a more contemporary appearance. The changes create a more rugged, robust-looking design for ‘X-Line’ models and, for ‘GT-Line’ models, an appearance which visually links the car to higher-performance ‘GT’ models in Kia’s model range. A larger, wider air intake in the lower bumper is accented by the ‘GT-Line’ body-coloured bumpers with gloss black highlights, and jewel-like fog lamps. ‘X-Line’ models echo the appearance of SUV protective skid plates, with metal-effect trim bearing the ‘X-Line’ logo, and a gloss black surround which extends from the front grille into the wheel arch surrounds at the side of the car.
The upgraded Picanto offers a choice of eight vibrant paint finishes, designed to make the car stand out. A new alloy wheel design for grade ‘2’ strengthens the Picanto’s sporty character, and is a 16-spoke, 14-inch design.