By Staff Reporter

The Kia Picanto has been updated for 2020. The model that made South Africans fall in love with the Kia brand gets significant exterior, interior, technology and engine updates.

Exterior (GT-Line and X-Line)

Sitting at the top of the range are the GT-Line and X-Line. The changes in these front of these models are notable. 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 that extends into the lower part of the redesigned headlamps, and gives the car a wider, more planted appearance. Each side of the ‘tiger-nose’ grille features a red highlight on GT-Line models, or more technical black trim on X-Line models which 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.

Both 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 design for X-Line models and, for GT-Line models, an appearance that visually links the car to the higher-performance GT models in KIA’s range.

A larger, wider air intake in the lower bumper is accented by the GT-Line’s body-coloured bumper with gloss black highlights, and jewel-like fog lamps. The 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.

A choice of 10 outgoing paint finishes are on offer. Two new aluminium alloy wheel designs are also available to strengthen the Picanto’s sporty character: a 16-spoke, 14-inch design, or a two-tone diamond-cut 16-inch wheel.

Interior

Inside, the Picanto features a series of visual and technological upgrades, centred around a larger 8.0-inch ‘floating’ widescreen audio visual navigation (AVN) system and a high-resolution 4.2-inch digital display in the driver’s instrument cluster. The infotainment system also features Bluetooth multi-connection, enabling users to pair up to two mobile devices at the same time – one for hands-free phone and media use; the other for media use only. The system features Apple CarPlay and Android Auto as standard.

With KIA’s UVO system, the Picanto gives drivers access to live traffic information, weather forecasts, points of interest, fuel prices, and details of potential on- and off-street parking – including price, location and availability.

Depending on trim level and market, the Picanto’s cabin is offered with black cloth or synthetic leather seats. The cabin is finished with black, silver or gloss black highlights in the door, on the dashboard and around the gear selector.

The upgraded Picanto is also available with a range of trendy interior colour packs: Lime, Red, Orange and Green.

Safety

The upgraded Picanto features several of KIA’s latest Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), and a range of new active safety systems to enhance occupant safety. Depending on specification, the Picanto’s new ADAS range includes Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist (FCA) with vehicle and pedestrian detection. Additionally, the Picanto is available with Blind-Spot Collision-Avoidance Assist (BCA), Lane Keeping Assist (LKA), Driver Attention Warning (DAW), and Lane Following Assist (LFA).

The updated Picanto is fitted with up to seven airbags throughout the cabin, including a driver’s knee airbag, depending on specification and market. It also features ISOFIX child-seat tether and anchor points.

Engine

The upgraded Picanto is available in Europe with three new ‘Smartstream’ petrol engines, each maximising efficiency and lowering CO2 emissions compared to their predecessors. The engine line-up features a 1.0-litre T-GDi (turbocharged gasoline direct injection) engine producing 74 kW, or a pair of naturally-aspirated 1.0-litre or 1.2-litre DPFI (dual-port fuel injection) engines, producing 49 kW and 62 kW, respectively.

The updated Picanto is the first model equipped with KIA’s new Automated Manual Transmission (AMT). The AMT is based around a five-speed manual transmission with clutch and gear shift actuators to automate clutch operation and gear shifts.

All information contained above relates to European specifications, and may not be applicable to the South African market. The upgraded KIA Picanto is expected to make its South African debut in Q4 2020. Both the Picanto X-Line and the Picanto GT Line are under consideration for South African introduction.